UGC NET Previous Year Question Papers with Solution: Download Free PDF

University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test 2026 ( UGC NET )

Shikha Goyal
Updated on Feb 27, 2026 12:27 IST

By Shikha Goyal, Assistant Manager

UGC NET 2026 Sample Papers: The UGC NET 2026 Question Papers for the June session will be released on the official portal at ugcnet.nta.nic.in. It will be released along with the UGC NET Answer Key. Candidates will be able to download question papers along with the response sheet and their response sheet PDF by visiting the official website or via direct link provided here once it is released. 
Earlier, the NTA released the UGC NET December session question papers for the exam conducted from December 31 to January 7, 2026. Candidates can analyze their performance and identify their weak areas where improvement is required.

UGC NET 2026 Question papers help candidates to analyze their weaknesses and strengths, make their preparation strategies accordingly and also enhance their understanding regarding the UGC exam pattern. Scroll down to know more about the question papers of the UGC NET exam .

 

Table of contents
  • UGC NET Question Paper 2026 PDF Download
  • UGC NET Question Paper Pattern 2026
  • UGC NET Previous Years Question Papers
  • Benefits of practicing UGC NET question papers
  • How to Download UGC NET Question Papers 2026?
  • UGC NET Question Papers and Answer Keys
  • UGC NET 2018 Question Papers and Answer Key
  • UGC NET December 2023 Question Paper
  • UGC NET Sample Papers FAQs 2026
View More
UGC NET Logo

UGC NET Question Paper 2026 PDF Download

The UGC NET 2026 Question Paper for all the subjects will be released along with the UGC NET provisional answer key for the June session. The candidates will be able to check their question papers along with the response sheet through the official login.

 

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   How to download the UGC NET question papers?
A: 

Candiates can check below the steps to download the UGC NET question papers: Visit at ugcnet.nta.nic.in. Click on the answer key & question paper link. Login using the required details. Download the question paper PDF

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.

Q:   Which subjects do I have to study for UGC NET exam?
A: 

The UGC NET exam consists of two papers namely Paper 1 and 2. Paper 1 is common for all the candidates which is based on teaching/research aptitude and Paper 2 is subject-specific and is based on the post graduate subject. In total 85 subjects are there namely history, geography, political science, etc.

UGC NET Logo

UGC NET Question Paper Pattern 2026

The candidates preparing for the UGC NET 2026 exam must go through the question pattern of the Paper 1 and Paper 2 to know the marking scheme and the section-wise weightage. Paper 1 has 50 multiple-choice questions from different sections like teaching aptitude, child pedagogy, maths, reasoning, communication, and more whereas Paper 2 is subject-specific and has 100 multiple-choice questions with four options for every question. The NTA will release the UGC NET exam pattern along with the notification for the June session. The candidates can check the UGC NET question paper pattern in the table below:

UGC NET Paper

Number of Questions

Marks

Paper 1

50 

100

Paper 2

100 

200

Total

150 

300

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
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:   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 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

UGC NET Logo

UGC NET Previous Years Question Papers

The applicants who are going to appear for the June exam must solve the previous year's question paper for the best UGC NET exam preparations. The previous year's question papers will help the candidates to understand pattern of an exam, sections of the question paper, repeated questions and make strategies according to their strengths for the exam.

The question papers for the exam have been given below with their answer key as a PDF. The candidates can download the PDF by simply clicking the PDF links below. Read further to know the benefits of practicing UGC NET question papers or sample papers along with the important FAQs. 

UGC NET 2024 Question Papers (June Session)

The direct link to download the UGC NET subject-wise question papers 2024 is provided below for the June session:

UGC NET 2024 Exam Date (June) UGC NET Subject  UGC NET 2024 Question Papers
21-Aug-2024 English  Click Here
4-Sep-2024 Political Science  Click Here
29-Aug-2024 History Click Here
30-Aug-2024 Law -
23-Aug-2024 Computer Science and Application  Click Here 
22-Aug-2024 Education  Click Here 
3-Sep-2024 Commerce  Click Here
26-Aug-2024 Hindi -
28-Aug-2024 Economics Click Here 
Q&A Icon
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:   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

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. 

UGC NET Logo

Benefits of practicing UGC NET question papers

Candidates who are appearing in the upcoming UGC NET exam should solve the past year question papers to get acquainted with the pattern of an exam and prepare accordingly for the exam. Have a look at the benefits of solving question papers below.

  • Candidates get familiar with the topics which they need to cover for the exam
  • Candidates get to know their strong and weak areas
  • It helps in managing time for answering questions during the exam 
  • Candidates can analyse the already attempted papers to know their mistakes and hence, can work for improvement

Also Read:

UGC NET Mock Test 

Q&A Icon
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:   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:   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
UGC NET Logo

How to Download UGC NET Question Papers 2026?

The NTA will release the UGC NET question papers 2026 along with the provisional answer key and marked responses. Candidates can download the question paper by following manner:

  • Visit at ugcnet.nta.nic.in.
  • Click on the answer key & question paper link.
  • Login using the required details.
  • Download the question paper PDF

Read More: UGC NET exam analysis 

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:   What is a good score in UGC NET exam?
A: 

Candidates must score good marks for clearing the UGC NET exam. For General Category the minimum qualifying mark is 40% and for reserved category it is 35%. In the June session 2025, the good score in History subject for the unreserved category was 162 for Asst. Professor and 180 for JRF. 

Q:   What is the duration of the UGC NET 2026 June session exam?
A: 

The UGC NET June session 2026 exam date has not been announced yet. The exam will be conducted for a total duration of three hours or 180 minutes. The UGC NET exam will be conducted in a single session for both papers without any breaks. It will be conducted online.

Download previous year UGC NET question papers and sample papers. Use them for practice and improve your speed and accuracy. You can download UGC NET previous year question papers and the preparation guides for free.

UGC NET Question Papers and Answer Keys

UGC NET 2023 Question Paper

UGC NET 2023 Commerce Question Paper Shift 1
UGC NET 2023 Commerce Question Paper Shift 2

UGC NET Paper 1 Question Paper

Paper 1 Question Papers

UGC NET Paper 2 Question Papers

Paper 2 Adult Education
Paper 2 Anthropology
Paper 2 Arab Culture & Islamic Studies
Paper 2 Archaeology
Paper 2 Arabic
Paper 2 Assamese
Paper 2 Bengali
Paper 2 Bodo
Paper 2 Buddhist, Jaina, Gandhian & Peace Studies
Paper 2 Commerce
Paper 2 Comparative Study of Religion
Paper 2 Computer Science & Applications
Paper 2 Chinese
Paper 2 Criminology
Paper 2 Dance
Paper 2 Economics
Paper 2 Education
Paper 2 Electronic Science
Paper 2 Folk Literature
Paper 2 French
Paper 2 Geography
Paper 2 German
Paper 2 Gujarati
Paper 2 Hindi
Paper 2 Hindustani Music
Paper 2 History
Paper 2 Home Science
Paper 2 Human Rights and Duties
Paper 2 Indian Culture
Paper 2 International & Area Studies
Paper 2 Kannada
Paper 2 Karnatik Music
Paper 2 Konkani
Paper 2 Kashmiri
Paper 2 Japanese
Paper 2 Law
Paper 2 Library & Information Sciences
Paper 2 Linguistics
Paper 2 Maithili
Paper 2 Malayalam
Paper 2 Management
Paper 2 Marathi
Paper 2 Mass Communication & Journalism
Paper 2 Museology & Conservation
Paper 2 Nepali
Paper 2 Odia
Paper 2 Pali
Papper 2 Women’s Studies

UGC NET 2018 Question Papers and Answer Key

UGC NET Paper 1 Question Paper

Paper 1 2018

UGC NET Paper 2 Question Papers

Paper 2 Adult Education
Paper 2 Anthropology
Paper 2 Arab Culture & Islamic Studies
Paper 2 Archaeology
Paper 2 Arabic
Paper 2 Assamese
Paper 2 Bengali
Paper 2 Bodo
Paper 2 Buddhist, Jaina, Gandhian
Paper 2 Commerce
Paper 2 Comparative Literature
Paper 2 Computer Science & Applications
Paper 2 Criminology
Paper 2 Dance
Paper 2 Defence & Strategic Studies
Paper 2 Dogri
Paper 2 Drama & Theatre
Paper 2 Dogri
Paper 2 Drama & Theatre
Paper 2 Economics
Paper 2 Education
Paper 2 Electronic Science
Paper 2 English
Paper 2 Environmental Science
Paper 2 Folk Literature
Paper 2 Forensic Science
Paper 2 French
Paper 2 Geography
Paper 2 German
Paper 2 Gujarati
Paper 2 Hindi
Paper 2 Hindustani Music
Paper 2 History
Paper 2 Home Science
Paper 2 Human Rights & Duties
Paper 2 Economics
Paper 2 Education
Paper 2 Electronic Science
Paper 2 English
Paper 2 Environmental Science
Paper 2 Folk Literature
Paper 2 Forensic Science
Paper 2 French
Paper 2 Geography
Paper 2 German
Paper 2 Gujarati
Paper 2 Hindi
Paper 2 Hindustani Music
Paper 2 History
Paper 2 Home Science
Paper 2 Human Rights & Duties
Paper 2 Indian Culture
Paper 2 International & Area Studies
Paper 2 Kannada
Paper 2 Karnatak Music
Paper 2 Kashmiri
Paper 2 Konkani
Paper 2 Law
Paper 2 Library & Information Sciences
Paper 2 Linguistics
Paper 2 Maithili
Paper 2 Malayalam
Paper 2 Management
Paper 2 Manipuri
Paper 2 Marathi
Paper 2 Mass Communication & Journalism
Paper 2 Museology & Conservation
Paper 2 Nepali
Paper 2 Odia
Paper 2 Pali

UGC NET December 2023 Question Paper

UGC NET December 2023 Question Paper

UGC NET History Question Paper 2023 C
UGC NET Logo

UGC NET Sample Papers FAQs 2026

Candidates can check below more FAQs regarding the UGC NET sample papers.

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:   Can a candidate give UGC NET without a master's degree?
A: 

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. 

Q:   Is the UGC NET June notification 2026 released?
A: 

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. 

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:   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:   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:   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.

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:   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.

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:   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:   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.

Sarkari Exams exams you must check out

Exams which are to be conducted soon

Exam D-day soon
RRB NTPC 2026 City Slip Gradua...

Mar '26

View allSarkari Exams exams
qna

UGC NET Exam

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 2 days 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

...Read more

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 5 days 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

...Read more

M

Manisha Singh

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 5 days 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

...Read more

C

Chanchal Shekhar

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 5 days 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

...Read more

S

Satyendra Garg

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 5 days ago

The registration for the UGC NET 2026 June session is expected to begin in the April 2026. The authority will release the application form and notification on the official portal at ugcnet.nta.nic.in. Without filling the application form online, candidates will jot be able to sit in the exam.

I

Ishita Kaur

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 5 days ago

As per the previous analysis, in the UGC NET Paper 1; Research aptitude and DI can be considered difficult or challenging at times. Also, higher education system or environmental Science require to learn or memorize the facts, policies and is so time consuming. Where as Paper 2 is lengthy and subjec

...Read more

S

Shikha Goyal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 5 days ago

Some of the UGC NET Political Science books to prepare are mentioned below:

  • Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth
  • Political Theory: An Introduction by Rajeev Bhargava and Ashok Acharya
  • Modern Political Theory by Madan Gandhi
  • Comparative Politics: A Global Introduction by Michael J. Sodaro
  • An Introduction to Pol

...Read more

V

Virajita Shukla

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 5 days ago

UGC NET exam is considered to be moderate to difficult in the overall difficulty level as per the experts. The syllabus of the exam is vast and a bit challenging to cover for the candidates. In depth subject knowledge is required to crack the examination. Frequent revision also plays an important ro

...Read more

K

Kritika Sharma

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 5 days ago

The UGC NET June session 2026 exam date has not been announced yet. The exam will be conducted for a total duration of three hours or 180 minutes. The UGC NET exam will be conducted in a single session for both papers without any breaks. It will be conducted online.

G

Gunjan Majumder

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 5 days ago

Candidates must score good marks for clearing the UGC NET exam. For General Category the minimum qualifying mark is 40% and for reserved category it is 35%. In the June session 2025, the good score in History subject for the unreserved category was 162 for Asst. Professor and 180 for JRF. 

N

Nitesh Pruthi

Contributor-Level 6

Upcoming Sarkari Exam Dates

RRB NTPC 2026 City Slip Graduate (CEN 06/2025) Mar '26
RRB Group D Application Form 2026 (09/2025) 31 Jan '26 - 9 Mar '26
RRB Technician 2025 Exam Date (02/2025) 5 Mar '26 - 9 Mar '26
UPSC CAPF 2026 Application Dates 16 Feb '26 - 10 Mar '26
UPTET 2026 Application Form Mar '26 - Apr '26

News & Updates

Latest NewsPopular News