Hrishikesh Roy, J.

Heard Mr. S. Borthakur, the learned counsel appearing for the petitioners. The learned standing counsel for the Department of Higher Education Ms. R. Choudhury represents the respondent Nos.1 & 2. The University Grant Commission (UGC) is represented by the learned counsel Mr. A. Chamua. The learned CGC Mr. K.K. Parasar appears for the respondent No.4.

2. The prescription of NET/SLET qualification, for appointment to the post of Lecturer/Asstt. Professor in UGC category institutions, under the UGC (Minimum Qualifications required for the Appointment and Career Advancement of Teachers in Universities and Institutions affiliated to it) (Third Amendment) Regulations, 2009 (hereinafter referred to as ‘the 2009 Regulation’), is challenged in this case. The petitioners who have enrolled themselves for M.Phil curriculum, seek exemption from the NET/SLET requirement, on account of the exemption granted to this category, under the UGC (Minimum Qualifications required for the Appointment and Career Advancement of Teachers in Universities and Institutions affiliated to it) (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2006 (hereinafter referred to as ‘the 2006 Regulatio