UGC NET December 2024 Exam Begins

The UGC NET exam 2024 is taken for 85 subjects in more than one centre in India. Candidates can now download the admit card for the UGC NET from the official site, ugcnet.nta.ac.in. The examinee has to carry a UGC NET December 2024 admit card while entering the hall along with their photo ID proof.

The UGC NET 2024 exam was conducted on over two papers. Paper 1 has 50 questions with a weightage of two marks for each question. Paper 2 has 100 questions with two marks weightage to each question. The test duration will be three hours. Candidates will be rewarded with two marks for every correct answer, and there will be no negative marking for the wrong answers.

The UGC NET exam is held twice a year in order to check the eligibility of candidates for the recruitment of assistant professors in Indian universities and colleges, granting of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), and for PhD admission.

Conclusion

The UGC NET December 2024 marks the next milestone on the career trajectory of any aspiring academician and researcher. A structured test in itself, the exam goes a long way toward not only deciding eligibility for the assistant professor and Junior Research Fellowships but also opening up pathways to PhD admissions at Indian universities. All the aspirants should carefully follow all instructions, carry admit cards along with any valid photo ID proofs, and pay attention to the examination to achieve their goals. Best wishes to all candidates!

The event brought together elite athletes from IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, and IIM Lucknow, celebrating the values of sportsmanship, teamwork, and excellence.

They included Badminton, Basketball, Carrom, Chess, Cricket, Football, Frisbee, Futsal, Hockey, Kabaddi, Kho Kho, Snooker, Powerlifting, Squash, Tennis, Throwball, Table Tennis, and Volleyball.

Triumph

IIM Lucknow triumphed in Sangharsh 2025, securing the coveted trophy with a total of 188 points, surpassing IIM Calcutta (146), IIM Bangalore (137), and IIM Ahmedabad (101).

Opening

The opening ceremony was held on 3 January 2025 and it featured the hoisting of the tournament flag by Prof. Archana Shukla, Director, IIM Lucknow.

Ms. Simran Sharma, a renowned para-athlete and Bronze Olympic Medalist, who inspired the athletes with her words on perseverance and resilience.

Other dignitaries in attendance included Prof. Ajay Kumar Garg, Dean Faculty; Prof. Vikas Srivastava, Dean Programmes; Prof. Priyanka Sharma, Chairperson, Student Affairs and Placement; Prof. Suresh Jakhar, PGP Chairperson; and Col. Sanjeev Bakhshi (Retd), Chief Administrative Officer, IIM Lucknow.

It teaches us to overcome challenges, respect competitors, foster inclusivity, and relentlessly pursue excellence.

The spirit of Sangharsh unites us in this shared journey of resilience and achievement, said director of IIM Lucknow.

Keynote address

Ms. Simran Sharma said the greatest satisfaction in life is standing on the podium, a medal around your neck, with the national anthem playing.

In that moment, the medal is no longer yours; it belongs to your country. Set challenging, long-term goals—goals that take years to achieve, she said.

These will truly test your perseverance and willpower. Your strength lies in believing in yourself and never giving up. Every setback brings you one step closer to your breakthrough, she said.

The opening ceremony also featured the unveiling of the coveted Sangharsh Trophy by Sports Secretary Mr. Vijay Halle, followed by an inspiring conversation with Mr. Deepak Giri, an IIM Lucknow alumnus and leader at Puma.

Competitions

Sangharsh 2025 featured intense competitions across multiple sports, with over 40 matches held throughout the tournament.

The athletes showcased remarkable skills, from the strategic brilliance of chess to the high-energy performances in basketball and football.

The vibrant atmosphere was amplified by the roaring support from the crowd, which contributed to a vibrant experience for both athletes and spectators.

Performance

The event witnessed exceptional performances across various disciplines, with IIM Lucknow leading the gold medal tally with 16 golds.

IIM Bangalore earned 5 golds, while IIM Calcutta and IIM Ahmedabad won 3 and 2 golds, respectively, highlighting the outstanding athleticism and competitive spirit of all the participating institutions.

Broader ethos

Reflecting on Sangharsh’s broader ethos, Prof. Priyanka Sharma, Chairperson, Student Affairs, IIM Lucknow, said, “Sangharsh is not just about playing matches; it is about forging friendships, creating lasting memories, and fostering community growth.

It is more than just a competition—it is a beacon of excellence driven by purpose and passion, said Prof Priyanka of IIM Lucknow.

‘Let us move beyond supporting only our own team and truly embrace the spirit of sportsmanship by supporting every team and contingent present here.’

Closing ceremony

The closing ceremony on 5 January 2025 was graced by Suhas Lalinakere Yathiraj, Sports Secretary, Government of Uttar Pradesh and World Number 1 para-badminton player and double Paralympic medalist.

During his address, he said these thrilling events bring back memories of my time in engineering college; the same songs are still being played! Some things never change.

Make a commitment today to maintain a stress-free and joyful life for the next two decades. Appreciate these moments and stay happy, he said.

As the host, IIM Lucknow takes immense pride in fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and resilience through such events, embodying the values that define the IIM legacy.

The event concluded on a high note with the announcement that IIM Ahmedabad will host the next edition of Sangharsh, carrying forward the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie.

Also Read – IIM Lucknow celebrates great 40 years of legacy