UGC - NET/JRF in Tourism - The Easy Way to Crack It.

National Eligibility Test (NET) to determine eligibility for Assistant Professorship and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) to determine the eligibility for the Assistant Professorship and Scholarship – is conducted by the University Grants Commission (UGC) to improve quality in teaching and research. 

Clearing both NET and JRF will make a candidate eligible for appointment of Lecturers/Assistant Professor in Colleges and Universities. 

Qualifying JRF will give eligibility for the candidate to apply for Ph.D. in any University and avail Scholarship with in a time frame of Two Years from the date HE/SHE has cleared the JRF. JRF is awarded for a period of three to five years on fulfillment of certain conditions. 

The candidates have to ensure that they have opted for both Assistant Professorship and Junior Research Fellowship in the application form. 

The best part of UGC NET/JRF test is that, it is being conducted twice in a year in the months of June and December. The candidates generally get confused between the CSIR NET and UGC NET. 

CSIR NET is conducted by UGC for Sciences and UGC NET for Social Sciences. Usually there will be a gap of one month between these two exams both in conducting the test and announcing the results.

University Grants Commission (UGC) has started conducting a common exam for both Assistant Professorship and Junior Research Fellowship from 1990.

As of now there are 99 subjects in whom UGC conducts the NET exam and Tourism is 93^rd subject.

Tourism NET/JRF is conducted from the year 2005 only.

The Notification for December NET is given in the months of Sep-Oct and for June NET in the months of Mar-Apr.

Pattern of NET Exam:

UGC NET Exam consists of three parts –

Part – I of 60 Multiple Choice Questions for 100 Marks (50 Questions have to be attempted).

Each question carries 2 marks.

Candidate should make sure that he answers only 50 questions from the 60. Only first 50 will be considered in case of answering more than 50 questions. 

Tip: I would suggest the candidates to answer first paper form the end because at the beginning the questions are generally lengthy and it would eat away the time. Questions at the end are straight questions and if the candidate does not know the answer, he can move on with the next question. This is the best way to save some time for calculation part.

Part – II of 50 Multiple Choice Questions for 100 Marks. Each question carries 2 marks.

Part – III of 75 Multiple Choice Questions for 150 Marks. Each question carries 2 marks.

Happy news is that the syllabus for both Part – II and Part – III is same. 

The total marks for which NET exam conducted is 350. A candidate has to score just 200 and above to get eligibility for Assistant Professorship and more than 230 to get eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship. However this cut off changes from time to time based on the competition.

Earlier candidates were supposed to write descriptive in part - III of the NET exam along with multiple choice questions in Part – I and Part – II till 2011. From 2012, all the three papers in NET are made Multiple Choice Questions without Negative Marking. If Proper attention is paid in preparing for the test, Clearing NET/JRF is not a big deal.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. General Category – 55% in Masters or Equivalent.
2. OBC/SC/ST/PWD – 50% in Masters or Equivalent.
3. Appearing/appeared exams of final year, Masters’ Degree.
4. Appearing/appeared exams of third semester, Masters’ Degree.
5. If appeared earlier, must clear Masters’ Degree within two years of declaration of result with 55% (General) and 50% (OBC/SC/ST/PWD)
6. Ph.D. Degree holders before Sep 19^th 1991 are given relaxation of 5% marks (55% to 50%) for applying.
7. Candidate must appear the subject of Masters’ Degree only.
8. For Assistant Professorship – there is no upper age limit.
9. For JRF – 28 years, relaxation of 5 years for OBC/SC/ST/PWD/Women.

Syllabus:

Paper – I 

http://www.ugc.ac.in/net/syllabus.aspx

Paper II and Paper – III - Subject Sequence – 93 – Tourism Administration and Management.

http://www.ugc.ac.in/net/syllabus.aspx

How to Prepare for the Exam:

Preparing for Tourism – NET is not a herculean task, it is easy and adding up to this there are no proper Materials available for the same. 

Paper – I 

This is a common paper for all the subjects conducted by UGC – NET and the best way to prepare for this paper is to buy a book online and prepare simultaneously along with the preparation for Paper – II and Paper – III. Upkar and Arihant publications are advisable.

Arihant Publication – UGC – NET General Paper

http://www.snapdeal.com/product/ugc-netjrfslet-general-paper1-teaching/654616432211#bcrumbSearch:UGC%20NET/JRF

Upkar Publications – UGC – NET General Paper

http://www.flipkart.com/ugc-net-jrf-set-teaching-research-aptitude-general-paper-i-english-1st/p/itmdyu9qzezhh3hh?pid=9788174820556&ref=L%3A-4945943476961589744&srno=p_1&query=UGC+NET+general+paper&otracker=from-search

Paper – II and Paper – III

Even though there are few publishers like Truman series, Cosmos Bookhive publishers and Arihant publications, they were not successful in framing the books according to the syllabus. In spite of their efforts in writing books, these books do not fulfill the primary objective of covering all the topics for the exam and become more skeptical in subjects like tourism. When a candidate is preparing from these books, knowingly or unknowingly HE/SHE will be driven in to the topics which are not needed for the exam and the candidate is wasting time in reading unnecessary things. Keeping this in view I have prepared few presentations which are short and crisp and will guide the participants…

Chapter – 01, Tourism Introduction.

http://www.slideshare.net/artistramakrishna/ugc-nettourismch-01-tourism-introduction-21674204

Chapter – 02, Tourism Resources.

http://www.slideshare.net/artistramakrishna/ugc-nettourismch-02-tourism-resources

Chapter – 03, Accommodation and Hotel Industry.

http://www.slideshare.net/artistramakrishna/ugc-nettourismch-03-accommodatn

Chapter – 04, Tourism Transportation.

http://www.slideshare.net/artistramakrishna/ugc-nettourismch-04-transport-in-tourism

Chapter – 05, Travel Agency and Tour Operations Business.

http://www.slideshare.net/artistramakrishna/ugc-nettourismch-05-tourism-business

Chapter – 06, Tourism Marketing.

http://www.slideshare.net/artistramakrishna/ugc-nettourismch-06-tourism-marketing

Chapter – 07, Tourism Planning.

http://www.slideshare.net/artistramakrishna/ugc-nettourismch-07-tourism-planning

Chapter – 08, Research Methodology – prepare from C.R. Kothari

http://www.amazon.in/Research-Methodology-Techniques-C-Kothari/dp/8122436234/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1443860142&sr=1-1&keywords=research+methodology+by+kothari

Chapter – 09, Tourism Management.

http://www.slideshare.net/artistramakrishna/ugc-nettourismch-09-tourism-management

Chapter – 10, Tourism Finance.

http://www.slideshare.net/artistramakrishna/ugc-nettourismch-10-tourism-finance-mgt

Miscellaneous

India – General Knowledge

http://www.slideshare.net/artistramakrishna/ugc-nettourismindia

Tourism Attractions in India

http://www.slideshare.net/artistramakrishna/ugc-nettourismtourism-attractions

World Heritage Sites of India

http://www.slideshare.net/artistramakrishna/world-heritage-sites-of-india-15812258

The Best book that would guide the candidates for preparing for Tourism – NET is “Tourism – Principles and Practices” by Swain and Mishra.

http://www.amazon.in/Tourism-Principles-Practices-Oxford-Education/dp/0198072368/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1443860234&sr=1-3&keywords=tourism

Important Topics out of syllabus from where questions are asked regularly: 

1. Current affairs like “Safaigiri Singathon and Awards”, World Tourism Rankings”.
2. Tourism Organizations, their year of establishment, Head Quarters, CEOs.
3. Countries, Capitals, Currencies, official carriers, Airports and their codes.
4. India – States, Capitals, air carriers, Airports – Names, Tourism Taglines.
5. India – Railway Zones, Head Quarters, National Highways, Water Highways.
6. Luxury Trains and Toy Trains of India.
7. India – Havelis, Forts, Palaces, Chaitya Grihas, Mountain passes.
8. India – Museums, Gardens, Caves, Ports, Beaches, Islands, Waterfalls.
9. India – Tribes, Classical Dances, Folk Dances, Rivers, Geographical Indicators.
10. Popular Tourism Books and their authors.
11. India – Famous Shrines – Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Jain, Buddism and Christian.
12. Famous Hotels and their chains in India.
13. Popular Personalities and their contribution to Tourism.
14. Important Five Year Plans, Days and Dates.
15. India – List of Cruise Ships.
16. India – World Heritage Sites and Tentative List.

Scope: 

Clearing Tourism NET will provide an opportunity to apply for Assistant Professorship in any college or University if there is a Vacancy. The NET qualified candidates will be directly called for an interview on application. NET Qualified candidates are not provided with any scholarship and Government is in a plan to do so in near future.

JRF qualified candidates are eligible to apply for Ph.D. under any professor/University within two years after the declaration of result. 

Universities also do conduct separate entrance examinations for Ph.D. and a candidate has to obtain single digit rank to get a seat. Central Universities provide a stipend of Rs. 8000/month if a candidate registers for Ph.D. through university entrance.

It is advisable to go for Central universities through their separate entrance examination because it would help the candidate in terms of funding and exposure. Candidates can also prepare for the NET exam even after joining central universities.

 

Critics:

I am not the right one to comment on the quality of the test conducted by CBSE now but yes there have been many critics of the NET. People who clear the NET praise it and People who do not clear call it nonsense. But however UGC has made it mandatory to clear NET/JRF for recruiting candidates in to teaching and research. Even though there is no negative marking or descriptive testing, I would suggest going through the process for eligibility criteria. There have been many initiatives form the government to improve the quality of test from time to time. There may be negative marking in near future too.

But to my opinion neither a Ph.D. nor a NET/JRF can accurately become a yard stick for quality of teaching. 

For detailed information candidates can log on to:

About the NET:

http://www.ugc.ac.in/net/aboutnet.aspx

NET – Important Dates, Results, Eligibility Criteria and filling the application form

http://cbsenet.nic.in/cbsenet/Welcome.aspx

--Ramakrishna Kongalla--

Bada - The Architectural Marvel of India

 

Maharaj Bada, Lashkar, Gwalior.

Everybody has been a prey to history and even this beautiful place is not an exception. Decades of negligence, unawareness of its own people has thrown this magnificence into the dark pages of history. When somebody stands at the center of this Grand Bada Circle, I am sure that they would freeze with awe if they are told what really this splendor means in terms of architecture. I can even bet and say that finding a circle of this architectural importance in contemporary world would nearly be impossible.

Jiwaji Rao Scindia Statue, Maharaj Bada.

Lashkar is one of the prominent areas of Gwalior. Lashkar means army or camp in Persian language, which was originally a camp was made a permanent capital of the Scindia Dynasty of Gwalior State. Lashkar was also once the capital city of Central India or Madhya Bharat.

Maharaj Bada or Jiwaji Chowk, which is famous as Bada is the most significant places of Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, India is the central focus of Lashkar. This phenomenal grand square is surrounded by various heritage buildings like general post office, State bank of India, SBI ATM  building, Town Hall, Government Press, Victoria Market and Mansoor Ali Sahib Mandir.  Buildings are constructed in different architectural style and this unequal feature makes Bada to stand out singular of all the squares of India centered with a well regarded Jiwaji Rao Scindia ji’s statute on grand white marble platform. This significant statue is surrounded by different petit business outlets and private stalls.

The Building which would hold someone’s attention a midst of all the hustle is the white & red General post office. Its magnificence lies in its style of construction. The long steps leading to its entrance are followed by tall pillars on which rested is the triangular architrave, an important feature of Greek architecture. General post office projects the fundamental aspect of Greek architecture – post and lintel (also called prop & lintel or trabeate) system. It is a system with a lintel, header or architrave as the horizontal layer over a building which is supported at its ends by two vertical columns pillars or posts. 

Government Post Office, Maharaj Bada, Gwalior

 This method is used even today to support the weight of the structure above the entrance or the opening for windows and doors in a bearing wall. 

Few meters ahead of this is State Bank of India with enormous triumphal arches, a unique feature of British architecture. Two massive piers are connected by an arch. The Arch is extended by a flat entablature a super structure above columns resting on capitals. This type of architectural buildings bear ornamentation and commemorative inscriptions but to one’s surprise, the State Bank of India building in plain with no such work. Lotus flowers on either side of the triumphal arch are the chief constituents of Indian Architecture.

State Bank of India Building, Maharaj Bada, Lashkar, Gwalior

Opposite to this grand British Architectural structure is the SBI ATM Building, an edifice with roman Tuscans. Giant pillars are employed in making this picturesque building. These columns are known as architectural orders of ancient classical architecture distinguished by its proportions, forms one of the most solid structures and least ornated among all other pillars. The literature also hints that this architectural form is the older primitive Italic form which precedes Greek Doric and Ionic styles.

SBI ATM Building, Maharaj Bada, Lashkar, Gwalior

On the east of this majestic Square, Jiwaji Chowk is the structure with French work consisting of pointed arches, finials, ribbed vaults and flying buttresses all of which adorn this Gothic architecture marvel once an Opera house is now popularly known as Town hall. This prominent building of Bada is rich in Corinthian capitals and Luxurious foliage of Corinthian designs too.

Town Hall, Maharaj Bada, Lashkar, Gwalior

On the left hand side of the Town Hall is the Government press which exhibits the flagship qualities of Mughal Architecture which is a combination of Islamic, Persian and Indian architectural styles. The Government press building has a uniform pattern of structure and character with large bulbous domes and small minarets at the corners above the roof. This style usually has gateways with a compartment at the entrance with an arch.

Government Press, Maharaj Bada, Lashkar, Gwalior

The abandoned Victoria market half of which collapsed in a fire accident is under renovation by INTACH, ASI and Madhya Pradesh Government is a best imitation of Indo-Saracenic architecture with a clock tower, a feature of English architecture, Indian Gateways, Brackets, ornate structures, columned domes and parapet slabs.

Victoria Market, Maharaj Bada, Lashkar, Gwalior

Mansoor Ali sahib Mandir beside Gorkhi gate is an high example of Rajput Architecture with fine balconies, lattice work, Triangular shaped friezes, towers with cupolas, elongated Domes, fancy octagonal bay windows, domed Canopies, fluted pillars, lotus and floral patterns and Jharokhas.

Mansoor Ali Dargah, Maharaj Bada, Lashkar, Gwalior

 Among all these incomparable architectural marvels, there stands the grand Jiwaji Rao Scindia Ji Statue which is an amalgam of Various architectural styles like Russian, Rajputana and Marathi. The tower and finials of this structure resembles the Spasskaya Tower of Moscow in Russia. Protruded eaves of this construction are of Rajputana style. Scindias were predominantly a Maratha Warrior Clan so there is a touch of it in this complex in the guards standing on the plinth are fine examples. English architectural features like angels, finials and ornamentation are of Indian style. Notable western feature in the Statue of Jiwaji Rao Scindia Ji is the "Robe". 

There cannot be a fitting tribute given through such a melange of intricacy and stunning art work in the contemporary world. Maharaj Bada, a home for such an architectural heritage finds no place in the Itinerary of the tourists, not even in the heritage walks conducted now and then.


-- Ramakrishna Kongalla --