English NET re-Test and Shock and Awe after the result.

 I was experiencing UGC NET after 38 years.I got two opportunities this time as there was a re-test.Two visits at centres with around 500 English MAs. In truth I had never seen so many English MAs ever before.My MA class of 1988 at University of Delhi had around 100 students and less than 20 scored over 55, meant that that was the figure who could remain in college and University teaching and research.The NET for English is structured in such a way that knowledge of textual reading, ability  to read critically and use their critical aptitude is not considered at all.In the test gone by a question was asked regarding who first  used the term: “New Criticism”. Is that important or ability to practice new criticism more important. Knowing which novels were published in 1847 without having read Wuthering Heights hardly helps your “literary Skills”. Chronology is losing relevance in History but we want to bring it into English.

The cram shops prepare young Post graduates in English on line and in coaching centres through Hindi.I have nothing about knowing more languages but if you have to teach English or research in it, the ability must be there.There is lot of noise being made on high cut off.But it is heartening that only 350 or so have qualified for the JRF.One of the finest Lecturers I was taught by was only an MA from Lucknow University.In those days, colleges in the University of Delhi only  had Lectureships.He made reading Poetry a pleasure.There were many scholars with Phd from universities like Wales and IITD but the teachers with no MPhil or Phd were easily the best.The undergraduates taught by them went on to do serious research, write books and hold Professorships from Cardiff to Tokyo.

We need to decouple research from teaching.May be a one year Teaching internship can be made mandatory after Four Year BA with a taught MA.Only those with a taught MA should be encouraged to teach.NET can be a professional exam like the Bar Examination after LLB held after the 4 year BA. Those  who either not pass or don’t want to teach can appear for a separate JRF or go straight to Phd if they have 7.5 CGPA.