UGAT
Today, I have to share the analytical review of the University Graduate Assessment Test (UGAT) of different universities. I am amazed to see that different universities have different criteria for the same Subject. Those who have the desire for higher studies must appear in the UGAT examination. The object of Admission is to check whether students are capable of doing search work or are interested in higher studies. The universities should discourage enforcing self-finance options for the students. However, the UGAT syllabus is consisting of multiple choice questions (MCQs) which are mandatory for doing your Master of Philosophy (M.Phil, MS, LLM) or Ph.D., etc. The Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB) has strict criteria for LLM, the academic qualification must be a master's degree in any subject in addition to LLB, and a final interview is mandatory for the selection procedure. Nevertheless, the LLB degree is equal to the master's degree. Nevertheless, the IUB is offering an LLM program on Non-thesis. On the other hand, some universities have given the option to select coursework or a thesis. The defense of your thesis is your prerogative while you will give a lecture in the workshop.
Conversely, the criteria for an LLM degree at the University of Azad and Jumma and Kashmir is tough and each must appear in UGAT and gain at least 50% marks to qualify for the selection procedure. I am amazed to see that the syllabus for UGAT is slightly tough for students who have the intent to do LLM or MS in any subject. The syllabus of UGAT consists of 40% on subjects and the other 60% is based on general assessments, which are the most difficult part of the UGAT. The general coursework is consisting of Analytical Questioning, Qualitative questioning General English, etc. The Higher Aptitude Test (HAT) is based on the same footing as the University Graduate Assessment Test. It is mandatory to acquire a 50% mark out of 100 to qualify for the Admission Test. No concession or grace marks will be provided to any students in any manner. It is ridiculous to compile a tough syllabus for acquiring your Master of Philosophy in any subject. In my analysis, this is not a good way for faculty members to evaluate students on general mathematics tests and I.Q questions and try to fail, influence, or pressure them to take admission on a self-finance basis. Moreover, 60% syllabus of UGAT consists of irrelevant subjects. It should abolish irrelevant syllabus from UGAT and needs to apply a positive mindset in this regard.
Higher studies are the object of some students especially those who have adopted the profession of teaching in the future. It is a pre-requisite criterion for a Lectureship to acquire a Master of Philosophy (M.Phil) in any subject. The M.Phil degree is based on interpersonal skills, qualitative work, and search work, which is beneficial for students. In my perception, an LLM degree is slightly different, those who are not interested in practicing as Advocates in courts must have done an LLM for a lectureship. However, there are many opportunities available for law graduates i.e., practicing lawyers, Advocates & attorneys in any Government or autonomous body, etc. All over the world, few students are doing their Master of Philosophy or Ph.D., etc. Nevertheless, the education system needs to be enhanced for higher studies for all. The lack of facilities, resources, time, and interest are key factors in reducing the percentage of students to acquire a Master of Philosophy in any subject.