UGC NET Paper 1 & 2 Exam Pattern 2026: Know NTA NET Marking Scheme
University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test 2026 ( UGC NET )
UGC NET June 2026 Application Form
29 Apr '26 - 20 May '26
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:
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:
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:
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
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.
Yes. The Commission has released the UGC NET notification 2026 for the June session in the form of PDF on April 29, 2026 at ugcnet.nta.nic.in. The registration also started for the June sesison along with the notification.
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.
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.
Yes, the authority released the UGC NET June session application form 2026 on the official portal at ugcnet.nta.nic.in. The link has been activated online and candidates can fill the form from the direct link provided here also on this page.
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 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.
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.
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
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.
Upcoming Sarkari Exam Dates
SSC CHSL 2026 Tier 1 Application Form Apr '26 - Apr '26