New Delhi, Apr 30: In a significant move for higher education in India, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced the inclusion of Statistics and Forestry as new subjects in the UGC-NET examination.

Students interested in these disciplines will be able to appear for the exam starting from the June 2026 session. Detailed syllabi for both subjects are now available on the official UGC-NET website.

The demand for a separate NET subject in Statistics had been longstanding.

Previously, students were required to appear under Mathematical Sciences, where nearly 85% of the syllabus was unrelated to Statistics. This created difficulties for aspirants and limited their chances of securing JRF positions.

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Students from Utkal University’s Statistics Department, along with other academic institutions, had petitioned Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to address this issue.

Responding to these appeals, the Ministry of Education and UGC have now recognized Statistics as an independent subject. Similarly, Forestry has been added to the subject list, opening new avenues for students and researchers in environmental and natural resource studies.

The academic community has welcomed this historic decision, expressing gratitude to the Union Education Minister for his timely intervention and guidance.

By expanding the subject list, UGC-NET continues to evolve as a comprehensive platform for nurturing talent and advancing knowledge across diverse fields.

About UGC-NET

The UGC-NET (University Grants Commission – National Eligibility Test) is a national-level examination conducted in India to determine eligibility for college and university teaching positions and for awarding the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF).

Administered by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of UGC, the test is held twice a year and covers a wide range of subjects.

Candidates who qualify are eligible to apply for assistant professorships across Indian universities and colleges, while JRF qualifiers receive financial support for advanced research.

UGC-NET plays a crucial role in maintaining academic standards and promoting excellence in higher education and research.