The National Testing Agency (NTA) will conduct the UGC NET 2026 December session exam from December 14 to December 19, 2026 at various centres across the country. Scroll down for the latest economics syllabus for the UGC NET 2026.
UGC NET Economics Syllabus: The authority will conduct the UGC NET 2026 December session exam from December 14 to 19, 2026. Here, we have discussed the latest UGC NET Economics syllabus 2026 for the upcoming UGC NET December Cycle exam. The UGC NET Economics syllabus 2026 covers Micro, Macro, Statistics and Econometrics, Mathematical Economics, International Economics, Public Economics, Money and Banking, Growth and Development Economics, Environmental Economics and Demography, and Indian Economy.
The University Grant Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) is a national-level test administered twice a year by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for candidates seeking lecturer/JRF positions in Indian colleges/universities. The UGC NET December session offers 85 subjects options based on your degree and preferences. Economics subject code is 01.
Also Read:
- UGC NET Economics Exam Pattern 2026
- UGC NET Economics Syllabus 2026
- UGC NET Economics Detailed Syllabus 2026
- UGC NET Economics Paper 2 Syllabus PDF 2026
- Best Book of UGC NET Economics Syllabus 2026
- UGC NET Economics Syllabus FAQs
UGC NET Economics Exam Pattern 2026
To better understand the syllabus the exam pattern has been given below for ease. Candidates should know that the test will continue without interruptions or short breaks from Paper-I to Paper II unless an emergency or technical failure occurs.
| Highlights |
UGC NET Paper-I |
UGC NET Paper-II |
|---|---|---|
| Test Mode |
Offline |
|
| Duration of test |
3 hours (180 minutes) |
|
| Paper Type |
Common |
Subject Specific/Preference-based questions |
| Questions Type |
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)s |
|
| No of Questions |
50 |
100 |
| Mark in Total |
100 |
200 |
| Marking Scheme |
2 marks for each accurate solution, no negative marking |
|
| Language medium |
English & Hindi |
|
Also Read:
Commonly asked questions
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 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 |
In the UGC NET exam, two marks are awarded for every correct answer. There is no negative marking in the exam. For every correct answer, two marks are awarded. Scroll down to know the marking scheme.
UGC NET Marking Parameters | Marks Allotted |
|---|---|
Correct answer | +2 |
Incorrect answer | 0 |
Un-attempted question | 0 |
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 |
UGC NET Economics Syllabus 2026
The UGC NET exam has two papers that are taken in offline mode (pen paper-based). Paper 1 is the general paper that consists of 50 multiple-choice questions worth 2 marks each. Paper 2 subject specific i.e, Economics, consists of 100 questions worth 2 marks each. Candidates should study and understand the exam pattern before downloading the UGC NET Economics syllabus in PDF format. The UGC NET exam will continue for a 3-hour session, so there will be no breaks between paper 1 and paper 2 exams. Candidates should cover all significant units of the NTA UGC NET Economics Syllabus below. Candidates should cover all major topics in each unit:
- Micro Economics
- Macro Economics
- Statistics and Econometrics
- Mathematical Economics
- International Economics
- Public Economics
- Money and Banking
- Growth and Development Economics
- Environmental Economics and Demography
- Indian Economy
Also Read:
UGC NET Economics Detailed Syllabus 2026
The candidates who are going to appear for the upcoming UGC NET December cycle must go through the table below to know the detailed syllabus for UGC NET Economics:
| UGC NET Economics Syllabus |
|
|---|---|
| Unit 1: Micro Economics |
Theory of Consumer Behavior. |
| Decision-making under uncertainty attitude towards risk. |
|
| Game Theory – Non Cooperative games | |
| Market Structures, competitive and non-competitive equilibria and their efficiency properties |
|
| Factor Pricing. |
|
| Theory of Production and Costs. |
|
| Efficiency Criteria: Pareto-Optimality, Kaldor – Hicks and Wealth Maximization | |
| Welfare Economics: Fundamental Theorems , Social Welfare Function | |
| Asymmetric Information: Adverse Selection and Moral Hazard | |
| General Equilibrium Analysis. |
|
| Unit 2: Macro Economics |
National Income: Concepts and Measurement |
| Consumption Function |
|
| Multiplier and Accelerator | |
| Determination of output and employment: Classical & Keynesian Approach |
|
| Investment Function |
|
| Demand for Money | |
| Supply of Money | |
| Business Cycles | |
| Monetary and Fiscal Policy | |
| IS – LM Model Approach | |
| Rational Expectation Hypothesis and its critique | |
| Inflation and Phillips Curve Analysis |
|
| Unit 3: Statistics and Econometrics |
Probability Theory: Concepts of probability, Distributions, Moments, |
| Sampling methods & Sampling Distribution |
|
| Linear Regression Models and their properties – BLUE |
|
| Discrete choice models | |
| Simultaneous Equation Models – recursive and non-recursive | |
| Time Series Analysis | |
| Statistical Inferences, Hypothesis testing |
|
| Identification Problem | |
| Descriptive Statistics – Measures of Central tendency & dispersions, |
|
| Unit 4: Mathematical Economics |
Differential Calculus and its Applications |
| Static Optimization Problems and their applications |
|
| Difference and Differential equations with applications |
|
| Input-Output Model, Linear Programming | |
| Sets, functions, and continuity, sequence, series |
|
| Linear Algebra–Matrices, Vector Spaces |
|
| Unit 5: International Economics |
International Trade: Basic concepts and analytical tools |
| Theories of International Trade |
|
| Trade Policy Issues; GATT, WTO, and Regional Trade Blocks |
|
| Tariff and Non-Tariff barriers to trade; Dumping | |
| International Trade under imperfect competition |
|
| IMF & World Bank | |
| GATT, WTO and Regional Trade Blocks; Trade Policy Issues | |
| Foreign Exchange Market and Arbitrage | |
| Gains from Trade, Terms of Trade, Trade Multiplier | |
| Balance of Payments: Composition, Equilibrium and Disequilibrium and Adjustment Mechanisms |
|
| Exchange Rate: Concepts and Theories |
|
| Unit 6: Public Economics |
Market Failure and Remedial Measures: Asymmetric Information, |
| Regulation of Market – Collusion and Consumers’ Welfare |
|
| Public Revenue: Tax & Non-Tax Revenue, Direct & Indirect Taxes, Progressive and non-Progressive Taxation, Incidence and Effects of Taxation |
|
| Public expenditure | |
| Public Budget and Budget Multiplier |
|
| Public Debt and its management |
|
| Fiscal Policy and its implications |
|
| Unit 7: Money and Banking |
Components of Money Supply |
| Capital Market and its Regulation |
|
| Commercial Banking |
|
| Central Bank | |
| Instruments and Working of Monetary Policy |
|
| Non-banking Financial Institutions |
|
| Unit 8: Growth and Development Economics |
Economic Growth and Economic Development |
| Theories of Economic Development: Adam Smith, Ricardo, Marx, |
|
| Social Sector Development: Health, Education, Gender | |
| Poverty and Inequalities – Concepts and Measurement | |
| Indicators of Economic Development: PQLI, HDI, SDGs |
|
| Models of Economic Growth: Harrod-Domar, Solow, Robinson, |
|
| Technical progress – Disembodied & embodied; endogenous growth |
|
| Unit 9: Environmental Economics and Demography |
Concepts and Measures: Fertility, Morbidity, Mortality |
| Environment as a Public Good | |
| Age Structure, Demographic Dividend |
|
| Cost-Benefit Analysis, and Compensation Criteria |
|
| Theories of Population | |
| Life Table | |
| Migration | |
| Valuation of Environmental Goods |
|
| Market Failure |
|
| Unit 10: Indian Economy |
Economic Growth in India: Pattern and Structure |
| Agriculture: Pattern & Structure of Growth, Major Challenges, Policy Responses |
|
| Industry: Pattern & Structure of Growth, Major Challenges, Policy Responses |
|
| Services: Pattern & Structure of Growth, Major Challenges, Policy Responses |
|
| Indian Finance Commissions and Centre-State Financial Relations; FRBM |
|
| Rural Development – Issues, Challenges & Policy Responses | |
| Urban Development – Issues, Challenges and Policy Responses | |
| Foreign Trade: Structure and Direction, BOP, Flow of Foreign Capital, Trade Policies |
|
| Centre-State Financial Relations and Finance Commissions of India; FRBM |
|
| Reforms in Land, Labour, and Capital Markets |
|
| Poverty, Inequality & Unemployment |
|
| Infrastructure Development: Physical and Social; Public-Private |
|
Commonly asked questions
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.
The UGC NET exam has two papers namely Paper 1 and Paper 2. The duration of an exam is three hours. Paper 1 is common for all the candidates and Paper 2 is subject-specific. In Paper 1, total questions asked are 50 and in Paper 2, total questions asked are 100. Questions asked in the form of MCQs. Paper 1 is of 100 marks and Paper 2 is of 200 marks.
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 Economics Paper 2 Syllabus PDF 2026
The candidates who have applied for the UGC NET December cycle exam for Economics can download the syllabus in PDF format. The link for the PDF has been given below. The candidates can check the UGC NET Economics Paper 2 syllabus to make a strategy for preparing before taking the exam.
UGC NET Paper 2 Economics Syllabus PDF: Click Here
Best Book of UGC NET Economics Syllabus 2026
The best tip and trick stick to the correct book list. Studying the best UGC NET Economics books can help the candidates to score maximum marks in the exam.
The list of the books has been given below for the candidates:
- Sundar Gopal Mishra, UGC NET/SET (JRF & LS) (Arihant books)
- Dr. Sanjay Kumar NTA, UGC NET Economics Paper-II Economics for UGC NET: Trueman's
- Fifth Edition of Macroeconomic Analysis by Edward Shapiro
- B.L. Agarwal FOR programmer of statistics.
- Anna Koutsoyiannis, Micro Economics (2nd), and V. K. Puri and S. K. Mishra, Indian Economy
- S.K. Singh's Public Finance in Theory and Practice
- Economics Paper-II for the UGC NET: Rakesh Kumar Roashan and Ritu Batra
- Geoffrey Reed and Bo Sodersten discuss international trade.
UGC NET Economics Syllabus FAQs
Q: How many units are included in the UGC NET Economics syllabus?
A: The UGC NET Economics syllabus comprises 10 units. The list of the units has been given below for the candidates:
- Micro Economics
- Macro Economics
- Statistics and Econometrics
- Mathematical Economics
- International Economics
- Public Economics
- Money and Banking
- Growth and Development Economics
- Environmental Economics and Demography
- Indian Economy
Q: Best microeconomics books for UGC NET?
A: The list of the best books has been given below for the candidates. The candidates can go through the book list to know the best book available in the market:
- Advanced Economic Theory by H.L. Ahuja
- Public Finance by H.L Bhatia
- Modern Banking by R.S Sayers
- Macro Economics Analysis by Edward Shapiro
- Indian Economy by R. Dutt
- KPM Sundaram
- National Income Accounting by Bakerman
Q: Is UGC NET Easy to Crack?
A: The UGC NET exam is tough to crack as it is a national level exam. However, the candidates preparing with dedication can crack the exam easily. The upcoming the UGC NET 2024 Dec session exam going will be conducted from January 3 to January 16, 2025. The candidates who are preparing for the upcoming exam for a specific time dedicately can qualify for the UGC NET/JRF exam.
Q: Will there be an interview after NET?
A: After qualifying for the UGC NET exam, the candidate should prepare for the lectureship and JRF interview. Many institutions/universities conduct UGC NET rounds of interviews to recruit suitable candidates for JRF and Assistant Professor positions.
Q: Are 2 months for UGC NET enough?
A: The UGC NET exam is a national-level exam. Although the exam level is high and the preparation period of 2 months is relatively short, students can still take on the challenge. To qualify for the UGC NET exam in 2-3 months, students start by reviewing questionnaires from the last 5-6 years.
Q: Is UGC NET certificate mandatory to get admission as PhD scholar?
A: Many universities require a UGC NET certificate as an essential requirement for a PhD. Some universities conduct entrance examinations to select doctoral candidates. Universities conducting admissions exams do not require the UGC NET certificate as a mandatory requirement.

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Student Forum
Answered 3 weeks ago
UGC NET law require PG in law or similar subjects .
Age limit for JRF is 30 years and for assistant professor there is no age limit.Candidates from reserved categories and specific backgrounds receive an upper age relaxation of up to 5 years, making the maximum age limit 35 years for them.
The paper c
Answered 3 weeks ago
With 88.6 percentile, it is better to shortlist PhD colleges based on the subject, research area, faculty, eligibility and entrance or interview process, not only the NET score. LPU can also be considered if its research areas and faculty match the topic you want to work on. Its PhD structure gives
S
Beginner-Level 1
Answered 2 months ago
Yes. The NTA conducted the re-exam for three subjects on September 9 and 10. The UGC NET re-exam schedule is provided below:
English: September 9, 2026 Shift 1 - 9 AM to 12 Noon
Commerce : September 9, 2026 Shift 2 - 3 PM to 6 PM
Sociology : September 10, 2026 Shift 1 - 9 AM to 12 Noon
C
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 months ago
Students can prepare for UGC NET CSIR NET and similar competitive exams while pursuing MA Mathematics at LPU because the course builds a strong base in core subjects such as Algebra Analysis Topology and Differential Equations which are important for these exams. Regular academic guidance library re
S
Beginner-Level 1
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