UGC NET Topper Interview: Komal Sharma Shares Her Preparation Strategy to Crack NTA NET Exam

UGC NET exam topper, Komal Sharma shared her success and preparation strategy for the candidates who want to crack the UGC NET. Read the complete story and UGC NET preparation tips to crack the UGC NET in the first attempt.

UGC NET Topper Komal Sharma

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UGC NET Topper Interview with Komal Sharma 

Tell us something about your background?

- I am Komal Sharma, and I come from a diverse academic background where I had the chance for self-studies all the time. My early schooling was completed in a government school further I joined Khalsa College, Delhi in the Political Science branch. After completing my graduation, I went to the open university IGNOU to complete my post-graduation in Political Science. I was never the fam girl in my class, I had average knowledge of my subject but with patience and perseverance, I cleared UGC NET exam. 

What was your overall and paper-wise marks/score in UGC NET exam? Which year did you qualify for the exam and where you are currently working?

- Well my overall score was-94 percentile. I qualified in the 2022 February result.in (Dec&june2020&2021) combined exam. And then again in Dec & June(2021&2022) combined exam with 98 percentile. After qualifying for the NET, I was offered Assistant Professorship at Delhi University, however, I had to turn down the position as I am preparing for the UPSC exams. As the source of my income, I am currently teaching in various coaching centres. 

Why you’ve chosen this exam? Which other exams did you appear in and which you have been able to crack?

- While preparing for the UPSC in my post-graduation days, I got lost in the depths of Political Science and thought of giving a chance on UGC NET exam as I have a keen interest in teaching. I got lucky in the first attempt or may I say it was sheer hard work that got me the luck. To prove it was not just a fluke, I attempted the NET exam a second time and I qualified for the exam with the 98 percentile this time.

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Tell us about the challenges you faced while preparing for the exam. 

- The biggest difficulty that everyone faces while preparing for UGC NET is the lack of basic knowledge in the subject. In the early days of graduation, we never know what we are going to do with a degree but the moment we choose to opt UGC NET exam, we lack the basics of our subject. But with patience and continuous hard work, It can be cleared easily. I had also faced the same difficulties as everyone. However, the other difficulty was my background in Hindi. I was from a Hindi background and there is a lack of quality materials in the market. I would suggest everyone go for self-studies rather than searching for notes. 

Did you take any coaching for the exam? If no, how you managed to do self-study?

- I took the free classes on the online platforms to get an idea of where to start. After knowing the first step, I went for self-studies where I used to clear my basics to get an understanding of the subject better. I surfed youtube to clear my basics, I used to study for long hours getting into every detail of every topic I used to touch.

How to prepare for UGC NET exam? Tell us the strategy you applied to prepare for the exam.

- I would suggest the upcoming aspirants to :

• Stuck with limited books
• Stuck with limited sources
• Stuck with 10 years previous year questions and solve it at least 5 times in depth with max-3 hours on one question paper. - And my favorite book for suggestion is IGNOU content  
• Download it from Egyankosh

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Can you refer to some good books for UGC NET preparation? 

- I have referred to these books to prepare for the NET examination:

• IGNOU books  
• For international relations Andrew Heywood or Baylis and Smith, and current affairs   
• For comparative – only IGNOU 
• For theory – IGNOU and Rajeev Bhargava

What according to you were the easiest and toughest sections?

- For me, the easiest part was Paper 2 as I was only working on Paper 2 the whole time. I found Paper 1 a bit difficult. I will suggest the upcoming aspirants work on their strengths. I got 70 questions correct out of 100 in paper 2 which helped me to crack the exam. Though, someone can clear the UGC NET with the help of Paper 1 and qualify for the exam easily. 

How you tackled your strong and weak areas?

- I have tackled my weak areas through hard work and continuous study. I did not let my morale down in any case and kept my vision clear. I would suggest everyone preparing for UGC NET exam, never let anyone digress you from your preparation.

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Did you take any mock tests? How do mock tests help to improve your performance in the exam?

- I have taken free mock tests on youtube, online platforms and everywhere I could find. Attempting mock tests in exam conditions surely helps in UGC NET preparation. It boosts confidence and keeps you calm on the exam day. 

What are your hobbies? Did you attribute it to the preparation?

- My hobbies (Teaching & Learning) helped me in preparing for the exam. I opted to teach in coaching centres and on online platforms and it helped me a lot in my preparations.  

After clearing the UGC NET, how can anyone find a job? 

- It is tough to get a job in a Government college after clearing UGC NET exam. However, you can go for interviews of Assistant Professors whose vacancies are announced in the recruitment newspaper, the official website of the college, or the university. For private coaching and universities, you can directly forward your resume to them or you can see their advertisement on their website or online platforms. 

What factors do you attribute for success?

- I believe that diligent and consistent preparation was a crucial factor in my success. A strong foundation in the relevant subjects was essential. Regular practice and attempting mock tests were necessary for success. I embraced a mindset of continuous learning and adaptability throughout my preparation. The support and encouragement from my family, friends, mentors and teachers were invaluable. 

Any message or advice to the future UGC NET aspirants?

- All the best to the future aspirants and I hope you all will soon clear the  exam

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