Andhra Pradesh SET 2025: Notification Still Pending, Students Worried

The Andhra Pradesh government has reportedly neglected the conduct of the Andhra Pradesh State Eligibility Test (APSET) — a crucial exam required for Assistant Professor, Lecturer posts, and PhD admissions in state universities.

The last APSET was held in April 2024 under the previous administration. The next edition was supposed to take place again in April 2025, but the new coalition government has not yet released any official notification or update, sparking disappointment among thousands of aspirants.

Students and Teachers Express Concern

Students and educationists have criticized the government for showing indifference toward higher education entrance exams. They point out that the 2025–26 academic admissions have already been delayed unusually long, causing anxiety among students. The same negligent attitude, they say, is now visible in the case of APSET, leaving eligible candidates uncertain about their academic and professional plans.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates who have completed or are in the final year of their postgraduate (PG) degree are eligible to apply for APSET. Every year, thousands of aspirants, including employed professionals and recent postgraduates, appear for the exam to qualify for teaching positions in universities and colleges.

Tough Competition, Low Qualification Rate

APSET is conducted once a year by Andhra University on behalf of the state government. The exam follows a format similar to UGC NET and CSIR NET, making it highly competitive.

On average, around 30,000 candidates apply for the test each year. In the 2024 session, out of 30,448 candidates, only 2,444 (about 8.03%) qualified. In recent years, the pass percentage has consistently ranged from 6% to 7%, reflecting the exam's rigorous nature.

Qualifying in APSET is mandatory for candidates aspiring for Assistant Professor or Lecturer positions in state universities and colleges. It is also a key requirement for PhD admissions in Andhra Pradesh. Hence, candidates devote months of preparation to clear this crucial exam.

UGC NET to be Held in December

Meanwhile, at the national level, the University Grants Commission (UGC) conducts the National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) twice a year — in June and December. Registration for the December 2025 session has already begun.

The UGC NET attracts 5 to 7 lakh candidates annually across India and covers 85 subjects through a computer-based test (CBT) format. The exam serves as the gateway for both Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Assistant Professor eligibility. Its results are also considered for PhD admissions in several universities.

Also read: Tirumala Controversy: Viral Video Shows Staff Eating Meat on Alipiri Route