UGC NET Paper 1 & 2 Exam Pattern 2025: Know NTA NET Marking Scheme
University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test 2026 ( UGC NET )
UGC NET Exam Pattern 2025: The exam pattern is crucial in the preparation journey for the candidates who are preparing for the exam. To understand the pattern of an exam help candidates to build focused and effective preparation strategy. It was released along with the notification on the official portal at ugcnet.nta.nic.in. With the help of UGC NET exam pattern 2025 candidates will come to know about the marking scheme, weightage of the sectional wise topics, questions asked, etc. in the examination. The question paper consists of Paper 1 based on Teaching & Research Aptitude and Paper 2 is subject specific.
The NTA UGC NET exam does not have a negative marking scheme. The medium of the question paper is in English and Hindi languages only. Have a look at the exam pattern below in detail for Paper 1 and Paper 2.
Also Read: UGC NET Question Papers
- UGC NET Exam Pattern 2025 Highlights
- UGC NET Exam Pattern 2025
- UGC NET Marking Scheme 2025
- UGC NET Exam Syllabus 2025
- UGC NET 2025 Exam Pattern FAQs
UGC NET Exam Pattern 2025 Highlights
The NET exam consists of two papers which are conducted on the same day without any break in between. The exam is conducted online as a Computer-based Test (CBT) and caries a weightage of 300 marks. Questions are asked in the MCQ format. Have a look at the highlights of the pattern of an exam and structure of the exam below.
Before elaborating on the exam pattern, let us have a look at the major highlights of both papers of the exam.
| Particulars |
UGC NET Paper 1 Highlights |
UGC NET Paper 2 Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Exam mode |
Online |
Online |
| Exam duration |
3 hours (180 minutes) |
|
| UGC NET Dec Exam Date 2025 | 31-Dec-2025 to 7-Jan-2026 | |
| Type of paper |
Common for all candidates |
Subject-specific questions (82 Subjects) |
| Total Questions |
50 |
100 |
| Type of questions |
MCQs; 4 options with only 1 correct option |
MCQs; 4 options with only 1 correct option |
| Total marks |
100 |
200 |
| Marking scheme |
+2 for correct answer 0 for incorrect answer |
+2 for correct answer 0 for incorrect answer |
| Language of paper |
English and Hindi |
English and Hindi |
Also Read:
Commonly asked questions
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.
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 |
UGC NET Exam Pattern 2025
The NTA UGC NET 2025 contains two papers that candidates need to complete in a duration of three hours. Both Papers 1 and 2 contain objective-type questions and it is mandatory for candidates to attempt questions from 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 |
- Candidates need to complete the paper in a combined duration of 3 hours (180 minutes) without any break.
- All the questions in Paper 1 and Paper 2 are compulsory.
- The medium of the question paper is in English & Hindi only. Candidates need to choose the medium carefully.
- Each question carries two marks.
- There is no negative marking for incorrect responses.
Also Read: English Vocabulary: Words, Meaning, Uses, Examples & Worksheet with Answers
UGC NET Exam Pattern 2025 for Paper 1
In Paper 1, the official website of NTA informs, "The questions will be generic, intending to assess the teaching/research aptitude of the candidate. It will primarily be designed to test reasoning ability, comprehension, divergent thinking, and general awareness of the candidate". Paper 1 pattern has been given below for the candidates:
| 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 |
UGC NET Exam Pattern for Paper 2
Regarding UGC NET Paper 2 exam, the website informs, "This will be based on the subject selected by the candidate. All the questions of Paper 2 will be compulsory."
Candidates need to choose the Paper 2 subject from the given options of 85 subjects while submitting the online form. Candidates need to appear in the subject of their Post-Graduation only. Candidates, whose Post Graduation subject is not covered in the list of UGC NET 2025 subjects, can appear in a related subject.
Till December 2018, the pattern of an exam was such that the test consisted of two papers (Paper 1 and 2) that were conducted in two different sessions. Candidates had to complete both papers (Paper 1 and 2) in a duration of one and two hours, respectively. However, in 2019, NTA changed the pattern and candidates now have to give both papers in a single three-hour duration.
Also Read:
Commonly asked questions
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 |
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.
UGC NET Marking Scheme 2025
The University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test is a very competitive examination which is conducted by the NTA to test the eligibility of candidates for the [posts of Assistant professor and Junior research Fellowship (JRF). In each paper of UGC NET exam, two marks are awarded for every correct answer. There is no negative marking in the exam. Scroll down to know the marking scheme.
| UGC NET Marking Parameters |
Marks Allotted |
|---|---|
| Correct answer |
+2 |
| Incorrect answer |
0 |
| Un-attempted question |
0 |
| Download UGC NET 2025 Syllabus -Download Here |
Read More:
Commonly asked questions
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.
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.
UGC NET Exam Syllabus 2025
The syllabus of the NTA UGC NET exam is divided in to two sections that is Paper 1 and Paper 2. The syllabus of paper 1 is common for all the candidates and paper 2 syllabus varies ad per different subjects. Paper 1 consists of 50 questions whereas Paper 2 carries 100 MCQs. The duration of the exam is three hours. Candidates can read below in detail about the syllabus.
Also Read: UGC NET Syllabus
Commonly asked questions
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
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
UGC NET 2025 Exam Pattern FAQs
Candidates can check below the NTA NET exam pattern FAQs.
Commonly asked questions
No. Candidate must possess a Master's degree with a minimum of 55% grade score average from a UGC recognised university to apply for the NTA UGC NET exam. Also, if she or he is in the final year of their Master's programme or hold a four year bachelor's degree in specific subjects.
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.
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
No. The Commission will release the UGC NET notification 2026 for the June session in the form of PDF tentatively in April at ugcnet.nta.nic.in. The registration will also start for the June sesison along with the notification.
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UGC NET Exam
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 21 hours 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
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
No, candidates who have either appeared for the GATE or UGC NET are not required to appear for the NIT Jalandhar PhD admission Written Test. The aforementioned written test is only applicable to part-time PhD admissions where the candidates have not qualified in either the GATE or UGC NET.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
The NTA will release the UGC NET 2026 June City advance city intimation slip around 10 days prior to the exam date. It will be released at ugcnet.nta.nic.in.
UGC NET intimation slip mentions the date of examination, shift, subject/test papers and medium chosen by the candidate while filling the appl
I
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 3 days ago
The National Testing Agency is expected to conduct the June session UGC NET exam 2026 in the last week of June. The whole schedule will be announced on the official portal at ugcnet.nta.nic.in. The notification is likely to be announced in the April 2026.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 days ago
The NTA will release the UGC NET 2026 June session admit card few days before the examination date. It will be published at ugcnet.nta.nic.in.
V
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 4 days ago
The salary of the candidates who will qualify the UGC NET exam varies and based on the role secured, type of institution and the level of experience. Basic pay for Assistant Professor is INR 57,700 per month and it varies by location. Therefore, approximate total is INR 80,000 to 1,00,000 per month.
G
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 4 days ago
No, the UGC-NET is not a mandatory entrance exam for IIM Shillong PhD admissions. Aside from UGC-NET, candidates can also appear for the CAT, GRE, GATE or GMAT to qualify for PhD admissions as well.
Candidates who fulfill certain requirements are not required to appear for any of the aforementioned
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 days ago
The National Testing Agency will conduct the UGC NET exam in an online mode that in Computer-Based Test mode. Multiple choice questions that is questions with several options will be asked in the examination. Candidates need to choose the appropriate answer.
K
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 4 days ago
The June session admit card for the UGC NET exam will be released few days before the examination date. It is expected in June 2026. It will be released on the official portal at ugcnet.nta.nic.in.
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 4 days ago
The UGC NET 2026 notification for the June session is expected to be released in April 2026 by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It will consists of all the information related to the UGC NET exam. The application process will also start with the release of the notification.
J
Contributor-Level 6
UGC NET Notifications
Is UGC NET mandatory for NIT Srinagar PhD admissions?