UGC NET Paper 1 & 2 Exam Pattern 2026: Know NTA NET Marking Scheme
University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test 2026 ( UGC NET )
UGC NET Exam Pattern 2026: The exam pattern plays a crucial role for the candidates who are preparaing for the UGC NET June session 2026 exam. The exam pattern will be released along with the UGC NET notification for the exam. The UGC NET exam pattern 2026 help candidates to understand the marking scheme, sectional wise topics weightage, questions asked, etc. The exam pattern provides the marking scheme of both the papers namely Paper 1 and 2. Paper 1 consists of Teaching & Research Aptitude and Paper 2 is subject-specific.
The 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 2026 Highlights
- UGC NET Exam Pattern 2026
- UGC NET Marking Scheme 2026
- UGC NET Exam Syllabus 2026
- UGC NET 2026 Exam Pattern FAQs
UGC NET Exam Pattern 2026 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 June Exam Date 2026 | To be updated here | |
| 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 2026
The UGC NET exam pattern consists of two papers which is conducted in a single session without any break. There is no negative marking in the examination. It is crucial for a candidate to analyze the exam pattern for the paper 1 and 2 for a structured preparation for the UGC NET exam. Candidates need to complete the exam 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 2026 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 2026 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
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.
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 |
UGC NET Marking Scheme 2026
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
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.
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.
UGC NET Exam Syllabus 2026
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 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
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
UGC NET 2026 Exam Pattern FAQs
Candidates can check below the NTA NET exam pattern FAQs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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UGC NET Exam
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 2 weeks ago
No. Once the admit card is released, candidate will not be able to change the exam centre in any circumstances. The exam centre mentioned on the hall ticket is final. Also, the assigned exam centre is based on the choices of the candidate made during the application process and can not be modified l
I
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 weeks ago
No. A candidate will not receive the UGC NET City Intimation Slip by post. The authority will release the City slip on the official website at ugcnet.nta.nic.in. Candidates required their login credentials to download the city slip including the application number and date of birth.
V
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 weeks ago
Yes. It is important for a candidate to carry the UGC NET admit card to the examination centre. Without it, candidate will not be allowed to sit in the exam. It consists of the details like name of a candidate, photograph, shift, reporting time, exam day instructions, etc.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
If in case candidate find any discrepancy in the UGC NET admit card for the June session then he or she must contact the NTA via helpline numbers 011-40759000 during the working hours or email them.
K
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 weeks ago
The UGC NET admit card for the June session 2026 will be released around four days prior to the examination date. It will be released on the official website at ugcnet.nta.nic.in.
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 3 weeks ago
The behavior of the MCAM staff is very inappropriate and disrespectful. They often use offensive language and insult students. Such behavior is unacceptable in an educational institution. I request the authorities to look into this matter and take appropriate action to ensure a respectful environmen
P
Beginner-Level 1
Answered 4 weeks ago
Yes, IIT Hyderabad does accept UGC NET scores to decide admissions to the PhD courses. Several IIT Hyderabad departments also accept the GATE scores as well to decide the PhD admissions of candidates.
In addition to the aforementioned entrance exams, candidates are also required to fulfill the specif
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Candidates can check below the methods to make corrections if required in the UGC NET application or registration form:
- Visit at ugcnet.nta.nic.in
- Login using the application number and password
- Click on the link/button available for the application form correction
- Read the instructions and click on the
M
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a month ago
The NTA has not yet released the UGC NET 2026 notification and so the application process dates have not been announced for the June session. It is expected that the application is likely to start in April 2026 and the last date for the registration may likely be in May 2026. The authority will also
C
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a month ago
Yes, the National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the UGC NET exam twice in a year in two sessions namely June and December session. Candidates can give the exam unlimited times. There is no limit in number of attempts. Two sessions increase the opportunity for a candidate to qualify the exam for JRF
S
Contributor-Level 6
Can a candidate change the exam centre after release of the UGC NET admit card 2026?