The University Grants Commission (U.G.C.), while prescribing the revised pay scale for teachers in colleges and in universities, in accordance with
the Fourth Pay Commission, has prescribed that the person being appointed as Assistant Professor shall qualify for the new scales provided he/she clears,
the Eligibility Test, to be conducted by the U.G.C., in addition to the minimum qualifications already prescribed. The U.G.C., accordingly conducts,
the National Educational Tests (N.E.T.), for many subjects. The U.G.C. and the C.S.I.R.(Council for Scientific and Industrial Research) conduct
combined tests for science subjects. The NET or the combined Tests enables the candidate to receive the Junior Research Fellowship (J.R.F.) of
the U.G.C./C.S.I.R. and/or makes him/her eligible for being appointed as Assistant Professor. In view of the fact that the number of candidates who are
required to be qualified for being appointed as Assistant Professors, under the new pay scales, is fairly large, the U.G.C. has authorised the State
Governments or the State Agencies on behalf of the State Governments to conduct the State Eligibility Test(SET) for Assistant Professor, provided, the
SET is duly accredited by the U.G.C.
In accordance with the guidelines of the U.G.C., the Government of Maharashtra, Higher & Technical Education & Employment Department by their
Resolution No. UGC-1391/2066/VS-4 , dt: July, 14, 1994 have nominated the University of Pune as the State Agency for conducting the State
Eligibility Test (SET) . The U.G.C. has accredited the SET examinations being held by the University of Pune as the State Agency of the
Government of Maharashtra and at the Government of Goa.
It may further be specifically understood that such a candidate who qualifies the SET would only be held eligible for being appointed as Assistant Professor in
University/ affiliated college, provided he/she fulfills other academic qualifications prescribed for Assistant Professor post by the U.G.C. and is selected by the
respective Selection Committee. Unlike the NET/UGC-CSIR Combined Test the candidates who qualifies the SET is only eligible for being selected
as Assistant Professor and not for the award of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF).
As per UGC guidelines, after June 2002, SET qualified candidates shall be eligible to apply for the post of Assistant Professor only in the Universities/Colleges
belonging to the same state whose SET Examination they have cleared.