UGC NET Paper 1 & 2 Exam Pattern 2026: Know NTA NET Marking Scheme

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.

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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. 

• 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.

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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 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 87 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.

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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.

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The UGC NET syllabus is divided into two sections that are- UGC NET Paper 1 and Paper 2 Syllabus. The UGC NET Paper 1 syllabus is common for all the candidates who are going to take the exam. However, the Paper 2 syllabus varies for different subjects. Paper 2 carries subject-specific questions in which the candidates specialise. Paper 1 carries 50 whereas Paper 2 carries 100 MCQs which have to be solved within 3 hours. The Paper 1 includes topics on teaching aptitude, research, development, environment, and more. Paper 2 is subject-specific..

The Commission introduced two new subjects for the UGC NET June session 2026 onwards to the existing list of subjects of UGC NET. These two subjects are Forestry and Statistics. Now, the exam will be held for 87 subjects. Earlier, the authority added 'Ayurveda Biology' from December 2024 onwards. Candidates can read below in detail about the syllabus. Candidates can check the UGC NET syllabus at ugcnetonline.in. It was released along with the notification.  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.

Also Read: UGC NET Syllabus

Candidates can check below the NTA NET exam pattern FAQs.