A dedicated student, Richa has always topped during her graduation and post-graduation days. She scored 65% (first position in college) during her BA, 79.6% during her MA (second position in the university), and 80% (first position in university) in her BEd first year. The girl was also the General Secretary of DDU Gorakhpur University’s student union.
Clearing UGC NET was always Richa’s first preference. The only daughter in her home, Richa’s parents always motivated her to do the best. In her free time, Richa likes cooking, dancing, and listening to music.
In a candid interview with Shiksha, Richa shares her exam prep strategy, future plans and more. Read the complete interview below:
Q. Did you expect to qualify UGC NET for Assistant Professor?
Yes, of course. Clearing UGC NET was my target on which I focused completely and gave away my sleep and peace.
Q. Could you tell us your preparation strategy that helped you crack UGC NET exam?
I believe in doing smart work rather than hard work. I used to follow a day-wise schedule instead of studying for 10 hours or more. I focused on clearing my basics for each topic and thereafter, attempted a series of practice sets.
Q. Did you take any coaching for this exam?
Yes, I did. But I used to skip that coaching a lot and focused more on self-study, which eventually helped me in cracking the exam.
Q. Which books did you read to prepare for the exam?
I cleared my basics on Psychology from NCERT books. Some of the books that I chose to prepare for UGC NET 2018 apart from NCERT are:
|
Book |
Author/ Publisher |
|
Psychology: From Science to Practice |
Robert A Baron |
|
Social Psychology |
Arun Kumar Singh |
|
Upkar’s UGC NET/ JRF/ SET Psychology |
- |
|
Psychology |
Saundra K Ciccarelli |
|
UGC NET/ SET (JRF & LS): Psychology Paper II & III |
Arihant Publications |
Q. How did you deal with your strengths and your weaknesses while preparing for the exam?
Feeling de-motivated is the most frequent problem that arises with students while preparing for such competitive exams. In my case, I always tried to remain positive and confident. I just focused on my goal and converted my weaknesses into strengths.
Q. What as per you are the mistakes one should avoid while preparing for the exam?
Do not panic if you are unable to solve questions and never get affected by external stimulus as there will be times when people will be judgmental and will try to decrease your motivational level. So avoid getting affected by these things.
Q. Any things that students should keep in mind to perform well on the day of the exam?
Always remind yourself that there is nothing to lose or gain in the exam. You should just focus on giving your best during the exam.
Q. Any tips for students who are planning to take the exam next year?
Be focused, be positive, manage your time well, know UGC NET paper pattern well, and always do justice with your studies.
Remember that last 20 days before the exam are always crucial because at that time you have lots of things in mind. You have to manage the pressure of the exam and at the same time read and revise lots of stuff. So never get panic. Instead always maintain your calm and be mentally prepared for the exam.
Q. What are your future plans?
My aim is to pursue research in the field of Positive Psychology. With the “UGC NET qualified” status that I have recently attained, I have finally got the wings to pursue my dreams.
News & Updates
Explore Other Exams
17 Jul '26 - 18 Jul '26 | CSIR NET 2026 June Exam date |
13 Jul '26 | CSIR NET 2026 June Admit Card |
19 Dec '25 | SSC JE Tier 1 Provisional Answ... |
19 Dec '25 - 22 Dec '25 | SSC JE Tier 1 Answer Key Objec... |
4 Oct '25 - 6 Oct '25 | Application Correction |
1 Oct '25 - 3 Oct '25 | HP TET Nov 2025 Application Wi... |
Aug '25 | Kerala SET 2025 July Exam |
12 Jun '25 | Kerala SET 2025 July Applicati... |
29 Sep '25 | KTET Answer Key |
18 Sep '25 - 19 Sep '25 | KTET Exam Date |
23 Jul '26 | SBI PO 2026 Last date for prin... |
Aug '26 | SBI PO Prelims 2026 |
Student Forum
Answered 2 days ago
Yes, it is possible. The M.A. Sociology curriculum at LPU is manageable enough for students to prepare for exams like UPSC, UGC NET, and other competitive tests alongside regular studies. Sociology itself is a useful subject for many exams, so class learning also supports preparation. With proper ti
S
Beginner-Level 1
Answered 2 days ago
Yes, students can prepare for RBI, UPSC, UGC NET, and similar competitive exams while pursuing M.Sc. Economics at LPU. The course builds a strong base in economics, statistics, research, and analytical thinking, which is useful for many exams. With proper time management, regular classes, and self s
S
Beginner-Level 1
Answered 2 weeks ago
The NTA is expected to release the UGC NET 2026 provisional answer key soon on the official portal at ugcnet.nta.nic.in. To download the answer key, candidates required application number, date of birth or password and security pin. The exam was condcuted from June 22 to June 30, 2026.
K
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 months ago
The UGC NET result 2026 for the June session be released on the official portal at ugcnet.nta.nic.in. Candidates will be required their login credentials to download their result including the application number and date of birth.
S
Contributor-Level 7

Can students prepare for UPSC, UGC NET, and other competitive exams while pursuing M.A. Sociology at LPU?