UGC NET Economics Syllabus 2026: December Session Chapter Wise Topics, Pattern, Free PDF & More

University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test 2026 ( UGC NET )

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UGC NET Dec 2026 Exam

8 Oct '26 - 28 Oct '26

Sneha
Sneha Singh
Senior Executive, Shikha
Updated on Oct 13, 2026 15:55 IST
NTA UGC NET Economics' latest syllabus has been discussed in the article. The candidates can read the article to learn about the different units of the economics syllabus, exam pattern, and more. The UGC NET 2026 December exam is scheduled from December 14 to 19. Check the UGC NET Economics latest syllabus and more in the article.

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 Latest Syllabus, UGC NET Exam, UGC NET, NET JRF

UGC NET Latest Economics Syllabus

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:

Table of contents
  • 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:

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
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 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

Q:   What is the marking scheme of the UGC NET exam?
A: 

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

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

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

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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,
Central Limit theorem

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,
Correlation, Index Numbers

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,
Public Goods, Externality

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,
Schumpeter, Rostow, Balanced & Unbalanced growth, Big Push
approach.

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,
Kaldor

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
Partnerships

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
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:   How many papers are there in the UGC NET Exam?
A: 

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.

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.

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

Upcoming Sarkari Exam Dates

CSIR NET 2026 Dec Application form

7 Oct '26 - 5 Nov '26

SBI Clerk 2026 Mains Exam Date

1 Nov '26 - 30 Nov '26

IBPS Clerk 2026 Mains Exam

27 Dec '26

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.

About the Author
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Sneha Singh
Senior Executive, Shikha

Sneha Singh is a digital content professional with a strong foundation in news journalism. Her areas of interest include education, national affairs, business and exam news, with a track record of writing SEO-driven

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