Maharashtra SET to be held on November 27

PUNE: The process for online submission of forms for the Maharashtra state eligibility test (SET) has started on August 17 and will continue till September 14.
The University of Pune (UoP), which is the nodal agency for the conduct of the SET examination in Maharashtra and Goa, has posted details of the test, including application process and syllabi for all subjects, on its website http://setexam.unipune.ac.in.
The test, scheduled for November 27, is the qualifying exam for appointment as assistant professor or lecturer, as per previous nomenclature for the post, at the University Grants Commission (UGC)-recognised universities and affiliated colleges.
Teachers who pass either National or State eligibility test (NET/SET) are entitled to benefits, including time-bound promotions and higher pay scales, provided under the UGC's career advancement scheme (CAS). Non-NET/SET teachers are not covered by the CAS.
The impending SET also holds significance considering that it provides the last opportunity for those teachers, who are working at universities and colleges without having either NET or SET qualification, to clear the exam.
On July 11, 2009, the UGC had issued a notification declaring that NET or SET qualification will be mandatory for appointment as assistant professor/lecturer. A debate persists on whether the notification is applicable with a retrospective effect from 1991 (when the UGC first introduced the NET) or from July 11, 2009.
However, the state government has taken a stance that all teachers working without NET/SET qualification, have to clear either of the tests by end of December 2011. Teachers, who fail to meet this norm, face the prospect of losing their job. As such, the impending SET will be the last chance for these teachers.
Post-graduate (PG) degree holders are eligible for the SET, which will be conducted for 30 subjects falling under eight faculties, viz. arts; science; mental, moral and social sciences; commerce; law; management; education and physical education. The test will be held at 12 centres, including one in Goa.
The candidates have to appear in the subject of their PG study. However, candidates whose PG is not covered in the list of 30 subjects, can appear in related subjects, the UoP has stated.
The SET will be held in two sessions of two-and-a-half hour each for papers I, II and III. While papers I and II of 75 minute duration each, will be held between 10 am to 12.30 pm, paper III will be held from 2 pm to 4.30 pm.
The paper I will carry 60 multiple choice questions (MCQs), each of 2 marks, to test teaching and research aptitude while paper II will carry objective type questions. Of the 60 MCQs, candidates are required to answer minimum 50 questions. In case of answers to more than 50 questions, the first 50 answers will be considered for evaluation. The paper III will comprising of short and long answer type questions.