SET an alternative platform to job seekers: Ved Prakash

State Eligibility Test (SET) provides an alternative platform for teaching job seekers in state colleges and universities, UGC Chairman Ved Prakash said on Saturday.

"Usually, it is the National Eligibility Test (NET) which is conducted by the UGC that determines the eligibility criterion for applying to the post of lecturers (assistant professor) in colleges and universities in the Country.

"SET, conducted by various state governments, could provide alternative platform to candidates seeking jobs as lecturers in state colleges and universities," he said.

He said UGC is making all efforts to promote education in the country.

Regarding granting autonomous college status, he said the UGC grants autonomous status only to those applying colleges, which fulfill the minimum stipulated guidelines framed by it.

The maximum numbers of such colleges are being opened in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala.

Stressing on the need for improving the quality of education, he said, "It is the higher standards of education which will enable the pass outs to get better employment opportunities."