UGC NET Books 2025: NTA NET Paper 1 & 2 Best Books

University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test 2026 ( UGC NET )

Shikha Goyal
Updated on Jan 5, 2026 11:22 IST

By Shikha Goyal, Assistant Manager

UGC NET Books 2025: In the preparation journey for the exam, the books plays a crucial role. Candidates who want to work as researchers or college instructors take the NTA UGC NET exam. Therefore, to select right books is important. It consists of the notes, practice questions, etc. Selecting right books or study material is a very crucial part of the preparation. Candidates can check below the list of compiled UGC NET books 2025 that are important for the preparation.

Though the Shiksha platform does not promote any publication or author we have shared important subject-wise books for the candidates for their ease. Many books are available in the market but we have sorted the list of books for the candidates that are best for NET/JRF preparationUGC NET exam is taken to determine the eligibility of the candidates to become assistant professors in Indian universities and colleges. 

Table of contents
  • UGC NET Books 2025
  • UGC NET Books for Paper 1 2025
  • UGC NET Books for Paper 2 2025
  • How to Choose Best Books for UGC NET 2025
  • Important of UGC NET Books 2025
  • UGC NET Preparation Tips 2025
  • UGC NET Books FAQs 2025
View More
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UGC NET Books 2025

UGC NET notification for December cycle was released on the official website ugcnet.nta.nic.in. The candidates who are preparing for NTA UGC NET exam must get best book for preparation. As we all know that a plethora of preparation books are available in market and online resources as well. However, it is not reliable and worth going with every book that is available in market. The candidates are advised to go through list of books given below for preparation of exam. The preparation books will provide a clear understanding, correct explanations, and perfect assistance to qualify for the exam. Along with the list of books, preparation tips have been given below for the candidates. The listed books are reliable and worthy of preparing for the exam . The content in the books is detailed and relevant in nature and the candidates can go through the books to prepare for the exam. 

Also Read:

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Commonly asked questions
Q:   Which books are recommended for UGC NET Paper 2 Commerce and English?
A: 

Candidates can check below the important books that can be used for the preparation for UGC NET paper 2 Commerce and English.

Commerce: Some of the books are Trueman's UGC NET Commerce, CB Gupta's Business Organisation, etc.

English: Some of the books are Arihant UGC NET English Literature, History of English Literature by Edward Albert, etc.

Q:   Is a separate book required for practicing the mock tests for the UGC NET exam?
A: 

There are several books available in the market that consist of the UGC NET practice sets. Also, some standard guidebooks include model test papers for the practicing of the UGC NET exam. Online test series are also available for the candidates who are aspiring to prepare for the UGC NET exam.

View list of Books
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UGC NET Books for Paper 1 2025

Books play a vital role in the preparation for the exam. Candidates should get the best UGC NET preparation books to ensure success in the upcoming NET exam 2025. Paper 1 becomes much more important when it is the scoring subjects for the candidates. Paper 1 comprises General Aptitude, Teaching Aptitude etc. The latest UGC NET Paper 1 books have been given below for the candidates:

UGC NET Books for Paper 1 Author/Publication
Trueman’s UGC NET General Paper 1 Trueman Publication
UGC NET/JRF/SLET General Paper-1 Teaching & Research Aptitude General Paper-1 Upkar Prakashan
NTA UGC NET/SET/JRF Paper 1- Teaching and Research Aptitude KVS Madaan (Pearson Education)
UGC NET/JRF/SLET General Paper-1 Teaching & Research Aptitude Arihant Experts

Also Read: How to prepare for UGC NET exam?

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Commonly asked questions
Q:   Will the questions in the UGC NET 2026 Paper 1 exam be asked from communication skills?
A: 

Yes, the NTA UGC NET 2026 paper 1 exam consists of questions related to communication skills. It is a part of a general aptitude test that have the teaching and research topics in which reading comprehension, reasoning, and communication skills also asked.

Q:   Why is it important to solve the mock test for the NTA UGC NET exam?
A: 

To give mock test is important. It helps them to find out strengths and weaknesses. regular practice also improves speed, gain confidence, reduce the exam pressure, helps to understand the exam pattern, improves speed, etc.

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UGC NET Books for Paper 2 2025

The NTA UGC NET exam notification will be released on the official website. Candidates must prepare for the NTA NET exam till the last day of the exam strategically to qualify it. Candidates can save time and effort by preparing with the books. The list of books for the Paper 2 exam has been given below for the candidates:

UGC NET Paper 2 Subjects   

Author and Publication  

Anthropology 

Trueman’s UGC NET Anthropology by A.M. Tripathi 

Archaeology 

UGC NET/JRF Archaeology and Philosophy Paper (Hindi) by Mohan Lal 

Bengali 

Bengali NET/SET by Balaram Bapari 

Buddhist, Jaina, Gandhian, and Peace Studies 

UGC NET Buddhist, Jaina, Gandhian, and Peace Studies by Deepak Kumar 

Commerce 

Trueman’s UGC NET Commerce by PraveenKataria, Anshu Kataria, and M. Shivani 

Comparative Study of Religions 

Comparative Study of Religions by C.R. Jain 

Criminology 

Criminology Solved Question Paper by Mr. Nitish Kumar Soni, Dr. Mridul Srivastava, Dr. Anup Yadava 

Computer Science and Applications 

Trueman’s UGC NET/SET Computer Science and Applications by Sanjay Singhal, Sameer Mishra 

Defence and Strategic Studies 

UGC-NET-JRF Defence and Strategic Studies 

Economics 

UGC NET/JRF/SET Economics (Paper 2)-Upkar Prakashan 

Education 

Trueman’s UGC NET Education by GaganManocha 

English 

UGC NET/SET English Literature by Arihant Experts 

Electronic Science 

UGC NET/SET Electronics Science by Sunil Kushwaha 

Environmental Sciences 

Trueman's UGC NET Environmental Science by Anil Tyagi and Virendra Singh 

Gujarati 

UGC NET/GCET-Commerce Paper (in Gujarati) by Mukesh M Bavaliya 

Geography 

Trueman’s UGC NET Geography by A. Magon, B.P. Panigrahi 

History 

Trueman's UGC NET History by Promod Singh 

Hindi 

Trueman’s UGC NET Hindi Sahitya by Board of Authors 

Human Rights and Duties 

UGC NET Human Rights and Duties by Arihant Experts 

Kannada 

Samagra Kannada Sahitya Kaipidi 

Law 

Trueman’s UGC NET Law by Suman Chauhan 

Library and Information Science 

Trueman’s UGC NET Library and Information Science by S. Thakur 

Labor Welfare/Personnel Management/Industrial Relations/ Labour and Social Welfare/Human Resource Management 

Trueman’s UGC NET HRM/ Human Resource Management & Labour Welfare by Reetu Dogra   

Management 

UGC NET/SET (JRF & LS) Management by Mohit Aggarwal (Arihant experts) 

Malayalam 

UGC NET /SET/ TET Malayalam Pareeksha Sahayi by Sasidharan A.P.   

Mass Communication and Journalism 

UGC NET Mass Communication and Journalism by Atul Udaipuria and Nitesh Kumar Singh 

Museology & Conservation 

Museology and Conservation: A review Edited by Vibha Upadhaya 

Odia 

UGC NET/SSB/SLET/JRF Odia PAPER-II 

Political Science 

Trueman's UGC NET Political Science by K.A. Babu, Sajit Kumar 

Psychology 

Trueman's UGC NET Psychology by Dr. Swati Maharshi 

Public Administration 

Trueman's UGC NET Public Administration by Sajit Kumar 

Population Studies 

Principles of Population Studies by Bhende (Himalaya Publishing House) 

Punjabi 

U.G.C. NET/SET/JRF PUNJABI by Universal (Contributor) 

Physical Education 

Trueman’s UGC NET Physical Education by Akhilesh Tripathi, A.K. Srivastava 

Sociology 

Trueman's UGC NET Sociology by S.Hussain 

Social Work 

Trueman’s UGC NET Education by Yogendra Pal 

Sanskrit 

UGC NET/JRF/SLET Sanskrit Prashan Patra-II Avum III (Hindi) by Priyanka Tiwari   

Telugu 

UGC NET & SET (Telugu Literature) by GanjiShashidar, Pothula Venkateshwar Reddy 

Tribal and Regional Language/Literature 

Folklore and Its Motifs in Tribal Literature by Dr. Kishore Jadav 

Tourism Administration & Management. 

Trueman's UGC NET Tourism by Akhilesh 

Urdu 

UGC-NET JRF & Assistant Professor Khazeen-E-Adab Urdu Paper-II by M.Arshad Ansari and M. S. Ansari 

Visual Art 

Upkar’s UGC-NET/JRF/SET Visual Art (Paper-II) by M. Vasim 

Yoga 

R.Gupta’s UGC-NET Yoga (Paper-II) 

Also Read:

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Why is an analysis important for the preparation journey of the UGC NET exam?
A: 

Analysis is important for candidate in NTA NET exam. It helps in preparation, understand paper structure, difficulty level, topics asked or high weightage areas, expected cutoff. By analyzing mock tests and previous years papers students can prepare well.

Q:   Will the questions in the UGC NET 2026 Paper 1 exam be asked from communication skills?
A: 

Yes, the NTA UGC NET 2026 paper 1 exam consists of questions related to communication skills. It is a part of a general aptitude test that have the teaching and research topics in which reading comprehension, reasoning, and communication skills also asked.

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How to Choose Best Books for UGC NET 2025

As competition is increasing day by day. Choosing the right book is also equally important. Effective study plan along with the material help to improve the accuracy, speed and also provide the clarity of the concepts. It will also increase the chances of success. Candidates can check below how to choose right books:

  • Search the books that have topics that need to be practiced and extra experience
  • Analyse all the UGC NET books that are available in the market
  • Choose the books whose practice papers match the previous years' question patterns
  • Read the online reviews before purchasing the book
  • The books should contain the maximum number of practice papers and the previous year's question papers

Also Read: UGC NET Exam Pattern

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the mode of application for UGC NET exam?
A: 

Candidates can submit their UGC NET application form in an online. No other method is there to fill the form. Without it, candidates will not be able to sit in the examination.

Q:   What is the exam pattern of UGC NET exam?
A: 

The NTA UGC NET exam consists of two papers and candidates need to complete it in a duration of three hours. Candidates can check below the exam pattern for both papers.

UGC NET Paper

Number of Questions

Total Marks

UGC NET Paper 1

50 

100

UGC NET Paper 2

100 

200

Total

150 

300

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Important of UGC NET Books 2025

UGC NET books or study material should have details about the subject that is notes, previous year papers, mock tests, etc. Practicing from the books will enhance the accuracy, speed and confidence of a candidate. UGC NET books are important for preparation for exam. The candidates can go through points to know importance of UGC NET books:

  • Reading book can help candidate to know syllabus inside out without actually going through it.
  • UGC NET books help aspirants to cover all topics prescribed by UGC.
  • The candidates can clear fundamentals of exam through help of books.

Also Read: UGC NET Exam Syllabus

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the UGC NET 2026 expected cutoff for all subjects and categories?
A: 

The UGC NET 2026 expected cutoff may fall within the range of 216 to 160 for all subjects and categories. The NTA will release the UGC NET 2026 June session cutoff marks after the declaration of the result. Candidates who will meet or exceed the cutoff marks will qualify for further recruitment process.

Q:   How do I check UGC NET cutoff 2026 for History subject?
A: 

Open the official website of NTA, find the "UGC NET Cut Off" link, now select History and choose the session of that particular year. The UGC NET cut-off marks will be displayed to download. 

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UGC NET Preparation Tips 2025

The candidates can follow the NTA UGC NET preparation tips given below to qualify for the exam. Following the tips can take out the best in the candidates and make them perform well in the Exam:
  • Start Preparing for the exam from the university days 
  • Follow the syllabus of central universities to cover the maximum topics in the exam 
  • Make a timetable that ensures that the candidate can cover all the topics of the syllabus leaving time for revision and practice
  • Practice the previous year's question papers, it will help the candidates to know the pattern and sections that get maximum weightage in the question paper
  • Take the mock tests in the exam conditions to prepare for the exam day 
  • Practice for accuracy and speed. It will help the candidates with the time management
  • Take frequent breaks while preparing for the exam. Relaxing the mind can take out the best in the exam
 
 
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   When was the UGC NET 2025 Dec session exam conducted?
A: 

The authority released the NTA UGC NET exam date at ugcnet.nta.nic.in. The exam was conducted from December 31, 2025 to January 7, 2026. The detailed schedule was also announced. 

Q:   What is the UGC NET exam pattern for Paper 1?
A: 

The questions asked in the NTA UGC NET Paper 1 exam are generic and intend to assess the teaching or research aptitude of the candidate. Details are provided below:

UGC NET Paper 1 Sections

No. of Questions

Total Marks

Teaching Aptitude

5

10

Research Aptitude

5

10

Reading Comprehension

5

10

Communication

5

10

Reasoning (including Maths)

5

10

Logical Reasoning

5

10

Data Interpretation

5

10

Information & Communication Technology (ICT)

5

10

People & Environment

5

10

Higher Education System: Governance, Polity & Administration

5

10

Total

50

100

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UGC NET Books FAQs 2025

Candidates can check below the UGC NET Books FAQs 2025.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Has the authority changed the UGC NET syllabus for 2026?
A: 

Authority is expected to revise UGC NET syllabus as per NEP 2020. The notification has not been released for 2026 yet. It will be updated on the official website. Syllabus of UGC NET is divided into two sections: Paper 1 and Paper 2. UGC NET Paper 1 syllabus is common for all candidates who are going to take UGC NET. However,  UGC NET Paper 2 syllabus varies for different subjects. Paper 2 carries subject-specific questions in which candidates specialise.

Q:   What is the UGC NET English syllabus?
A: 

The UGC NET 2025 English Syllabus is divided into ten unites as mentioned below:

  • Drama  
  • Poetry 
  • Fiction and Short Story 
  • Non-Fiction Prose  
  • Language: Basic Concepts, theories and pedagogy, English in Use 
  • English in India: history, evolution, and future  
  • Cultural Studies 
  • Literary Criticism 
  • Literary Theory post World War II 
  • Research Methods and Materials in English 
Q:   Where will the UGC NET 2026 syllabus be released?
A: 

Candidates can check the UGC NET syllabus at ugcnetonline.in. It will be released along with the notification. The Paper 1 includes topics on teaching aptitude, research, development, environment, and more. Paper 2 is subject-specific. A thorough understanding of the NTA NET syllabus is important for all the candidates aiming to clear the exam. It is important to appear for both papers to qualify for the NET exam.

Q:   Is the application form for the UGC NET 2026 June session released?
A: 

The authority will soon release the UGC NET June session application form 2026 on the official portal at ugcnet.nta.nic.in. The link will be activated online and candidates will be able to fill the form from the direct link provided here also on this page once it is announced. 

Q:   Is UGC NET exam conducted online?
A: 

The UGC NET December session exam will be conducted online in Computer-Based Test Mode. It will be held in two shifts. Shift 1 from 9 am to 12 pm and shift 2 from 3 pm to 6 pm. 

Q:   What are the topics covered in the History Syllabus of the UGC NET exam?
A: 

The history syllabus of the UGC NET exam consists of several topics that is, Indian History, Pre-History, Ancient History, Medieval Indian History and Modern India including the National Movement and post independent phase. The history syllabus is divided in to ten units. The topics for the History subject are mentioned below:

  • Negotiating the Sources
  • From State to Empire
  • The Emergence of Regional Kingdoms
  • Source of Medieval Indian History
  • Administration & Economy
  • Society and Culture
  • Sources of Modern Indian History
  • Colonial Economy
  • Rise of Indian Nationalism
  • Historical Method, Research, Methodology, and Historiography
Q:   Where can I check the UGC NET 2026 result?
A: 

The authority will release the UGC NET 2026 result at ugcnet.nta.nic.in. Candidates will be able to download their scorecard by using their login credentials. It contains the marks of both papers, post applied for, candidates' perssonal details, etc.

Q:   Which UGC NET subject exam was on December 31, 2025?
A: 

The NTA released the UGC NET 2025 exam schedule for the December session at ugcnet.nta.nic.in. On December 31 was the first exam in the first shift from 9 am to 12 pm. Subjects are listed below: 

  • Law
  • Social Work
  • Tourism Administration
  • Prakrit
  • Telugu
  • Spanish
  • Kashmiri
  • Konkani

 

Q:   What is the UGC NET City Intimation Slip or City Slip?
A: 

The UGC NET City Intimation Slip or City Slip is a document released by the NTA to inform candidates about the city where the exam center is located. Basically, it is not the admit card but provides advance information to help candidates make travel arrangements in advance.

Q:   Is the UGC NET 2026 June admit card released for all the exam dates?
A: 

No. The NTA will release the UGC NET 2026 June session admit card for all exam dates few days prior to the exam date. Candidates will be able to download their UGC NET 2026 admit card by using their login credentials. The details mentioned on the UGC NET admit card are the name of the candidate, roll number, application number, exam date and time, exam centre address, etc. 

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Student Forum

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Write here...

Answered 6 days ago

After clearing the UGC NET exam, candidates have lot of opportunities to give their best in the research perspective. They can become assistant professor, pursue lectureship or get JRF. They can start working on their Ph.D. They can also set up their laboratory and recruit people for work. They can

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S

Shikha Shukla

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 6 days ago

The UGC NET 2026 June session result will be released after the conduction of an exam. It is expected that it will be declared in the last week of July or first week of August 2026. 

 

 

 

 

 

C

Chanchal Shekhar

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 6 days ago

It is important to understand the core concept of the subject while preparing for the UGC NET exam. Generally, around 6 months with dedicated hard work is sufficient to crack the UGC NET exam as per the experts. It is also recommended to study for around three to four hours daily. Consistent revisio

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M

Manisha Singh

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 6 days ago

The overall difficulty level of the UGC NET exam vary as per the subject and from one exam cycle to another. In General as per the subject expert, the overall difficulty level of the UGC NET exam is considered to be of moderate level. The exam test the candidates knowledge, comprehension, analytical

...Read more

S

Satyendra Garg

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 6 days ago

UGC NET is conducted at national level by the National Testing Agency for those candidates who want to become assistant professor or researcher. It is important for a candidate to meet the eligibility criteria including the education qualification, age limits, etc. which vary depending on whether th

...Read more

I

Ishita Kaur

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 6 days ago

The UGC NET exam has two papers namely Paper 1 and Paper 2. The duration of an exam is three hours. Paper 1 is common for all the candidates and Paper 2 is subject-specific. In Paper 1, total questions asked are 50 and in Paper 2, total questions asked are 100. Questions asked in the form of MCQs. P

...Read more

S

Shikha Goyal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 6 days ago

The UGC NET June session 2026 exam date has not been released yet. It will be announced along with the notification. The NTA conducts the UGC NET exam in two sessions, namely June and December.

V

Virajita Shukla

Contributor-Level 6

Answered a week ago

No the registrations for the UGC NET are not open for MDSU Ajmer PhD admissions for the academic year 2026. The December session of UGC NET for 2026 admissions is already over.

However, the registrations for the June session are yet to begin. Candidates interested in MDSU Ajmer PhD admissions need to

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S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Yes, UGC-NET is a mandatory entrance exam for MDSU Ajmer PhD admissions. All candidates who are eligible for MDSU Ajmer PhD course must appear for the UGC-NET as well as participate in the interview round to gain admissions. The selection of candidates will be based on their UGC-NET score.

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

No, UGC NET is not a mandatory entrance exam for NIT Srinagar PhD admissions. Candidates can also appear in the GATE as well to qualify for admissions to the NIT Srinagar PhD course.

However, candidates who are applying through a ME/MTech score are required to appear for the national level NIT Srinag

...Read more

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

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