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

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

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.

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.

Candidates can check the UGC NET syllabus at ugcnetonline.in. It was 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.

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.

Authority is expected to revise UGC NET syllabus as per NEP 2020. The notification was released for 2026. 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 UGC NET Dec 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. 

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:

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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. 

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.