UGC NET Paper 1 & 2 Exam Pattern 2025: Know NTA NET Marking Scheme
University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test 2025 ( UGC NET )
Exam On - 31 Dec '25 - 7 Jan '26
UGC NET Exam Pattern 2025 is prescribed by the NTA. The exam pattern was released along with the December notification. The exam comprises two papers- Paper 1 and Paper 2. The time duration of the exam is 3 hours (180 minutes). Both papers contain objective-type multiple-choice questions (MCQs). A total of 150 questions are provided to the candidates combining paper 1 and paper 2. NTA NET exam does not have a negative marking scheme. The candidates are awarded for correct answers but no mark deductions are made for incorrect answers.
The medium of the UGC NET question paper is in English and Hindi languages only. Have a look at the NTA UGC NET exam pattern 2025 below in detail for Paper 1 and Paper 2.
- UGC NET Exam Pattern 2025 Highlights
- UGC NET Exam Pattern 2025
- UGC NET Marking Scheme 2025
- UGC NET 2025 Exam Pattern FAQs
UGC NET Exam Pattern 2025 Highlights
Have a look at the highlights of the pattern of an exam and structure of the NTA NET 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:
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 NTA NET 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 and will be updated on 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
In each paper of UGC NET exam, two marks are awarded for every correct answer. There is no negative marking in the exam.
| 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 2025 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 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.
UGC NET Exam
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 15 hours ago
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 |
M
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 15 hours ago
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 |
C
Contributor-Level 6
Answered Yesterday
Candidates can chech below the methods to downlaod the UGC NET admit card:
- Go to the ugcnet.nta.nic.in
- Click on the hall ticket link for the exam
- Enter the details asked on the login page- application number, date of birth, and security pin
- Click on the submit button
- Download and save it
S
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 5 days ago
The UGC NET Paper 2 subject specific i.e, Economics, consists of 100 questions worth 2 marks each. The exam will be of 3-hour duration, so there will be no breaks between paper 1 and paper 2. Candidates should cover all significant units of the of the Economics syllabus as mentioned below:
- Micro Econ
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 days ago
The UGC NET Paper 2 is subject-specific and holds 200 marks for 100 questions. There is no negative marking for the exam. The syllabus for Political Science comprises 10 units and are mentioned below:
- Political Theory
- Political Thought
- Indian Political Thought
- Comparative Political Analysis
- Intern
V
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 5 days ago
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 Theo
G
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 5 days ago
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
K
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 5 days ago
The NTA UGC NET exam will be held in an online mode which is a computer based test. The exam will be MCQ based of three hours duration. Paper 1 is common for every students where as Paper 2 will be subject specific.
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a week ago
The NTA released the UGC NET 2025 exam schedule for the December session at ugcnet.nta.nic.in. On December 31 is 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
M
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a week ago
The NTA released the UGC NET 2025 December session exam schedule subject-wise at ugcnet.nta.nic.in on December 17. The detailed schedule is provided here on this page as well.
S
Contributor-Level 6
UGC NET Notifications
Upcoming Sarkari Exam Dates
Online Application for UP Police Constable Nov '25 - Dec '25
What is the UGC NET exam pattern for Paper 1?