The teaching profession continues to be a popular and favorable career choice for women in India, providing not only professional fulfillment but also a better work-life balance. Recent trends indicate a significant increase in female registrations for the University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) 2024 exam, attributed to various factors including government initiatives, scholarship opportunities, and a growing desire for suitable job prospects closer to home.
The UGC NET June 2024 was conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) following its rescheduling due to paper leaks and discrepancies that emerged after the NEET UG 2024 results. Initially held in June, the exam was rescheduled to take place from August 21 to September 5, 2024.
This year, a total of 11,21,225 candidates registered for the UGC NET, comprising 4,85,578 males and 6,35,588 females, with 59 candidates identifying as third gender. In comparison, the UGC NET June 2023 cycle saw 6,39,069 registrations, with females at 3,58,677 and males at 2,80,363.
Amruth G Kumar, a professor and dean at the Central University of Kerala, highlights the social dynamics influencing these registration numbers. He notes that many male students are directed toward professional courses post-Class XII, which often require more resources. In contrast, female students frequently opt for non-professional programs in humanities and social sciences, which are generally less costly. This trend can largely be attributed to social factors, where female students tend to concentrate in arts and basic sciences.
Families with more financial stability may encourage their children to pursue professional courses; however, those with limited means often prefer enrolling their daughters in more affordable fields like basic science or arts due to traditional expectations and marriage-related expenses. Kumar points out that while both genders have equal potential, teaching jobs are particularly attractive to women because of their relatively limited working hours.
India boasts over 40,000 colleges and more than 1,000 universities, making teaching positions accessible for those who pass the UGC NET exam. Kumar asserts that completing postgraduate courses and clearing the NET significantly increases female students’ chances of securing jobs closer to home.
Several factors contribute to the rise in female registrations for the UGC NET exam. Improved educational access for women and the increasing allure of teaching and research careers play a pivotal role. Bhupendra Bahadur Tiwari, a professor and director at CMR University in Bengaluru, mentions that government initiatives, including state-level scholarships, have fostered a more inclusive academic environment for women.
Societal perceptions of women’s roles in education and work are changing, with more families supporting women’s academic and professional aspirations. Tiwari notes that this cultural shift is encouraging a growing number of women to pursue higher degrees and research opportunities, both of which are supported by the UGC NET.
Flexible learning options, including online resources for exam preparation, have also made it easier for women, especially those juggling family responsibilities, to prepare effectively. Additionally, teaching is often viewed as a stable and respectable career for women in India, further encouraging their participation in the UGC NET. Tiwari concludes that these combined factors have significantly contributed to the increasing number of women engaging in the UGC NET.
