Introduction

Manonmaniam Sundaranar University (MSU) is a dynamic institution of higher learning, set in a rural milieu of southern Tamil Nadu, with a campus spread of 550 acres. The University was established by the Government of Tamil Nadu as a teaching-cum-affiliating University on 7^th September, 1990 to cater to the long-felt needs of the people of the four southern most districts of Tamil Nadu viz., Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, Thoothukudi and Kanyakumari.

It is named after the renowned Tamil Poet scholar, Professor P. Sundaram Pillai (1855-1897), the author of the famous verse drama Manonmaniam. It is his poem that has become "Tamil Thaai Vazhthu", the official invocation song sung in all functions in Tamil Nadu.

State Nodal Agency

The Government of Tamil Nadu vide its G.O.(D) No.262 dated 02-09-2023 has nominated Manonmaniam Sundaranar University as "Nodal Agency" to conduct State Eligibility Test (SET) from the academic year 2023-2024 on behalf of the Goverment of Tamil Nadu. UGC vide its letter No.F.7-7/2015(NET/SET) dated 20-09-2023 has updated its official record that Manonmaniam Sundaranar University is the "Nodal Agency".

It may further be specifically understood that such a candidate who qualifies the SET would be held eligible for being appointed as Assistant Professor in Universities / Colleges, provided he/she fulfills other academic qualifications prescribed for Assistant Professor post by the U.G.C. and is selected by the respective Selection Committee. Unlike the NET/UGC-CSIR Combined Test the candidates who qualify the SET are eligible for being selected only as Assistant Professor and not for the award of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF). As per UGC guidelines, after June 2002, SET qualified candidates shall be eligible to apply for the post of Assistant Professor only in the Universities/Colleges belonging to the same state whose SET Examination they have cleared.