Richa Chaudhary shares her success story of clearing UGC NET 2018 Psychology for Assistant Professor
University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test 2026 ( UGC NET )
Richa Chaudhary
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.
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered a month ago
No. Once the admit card is released, candidate will not be able to change the exam centre in any circumstances. The exam centre mentioned on the hall ticket is final. Also, the assigned exam centre is based on the choices of the candidate made during the application process and can not be modified l
I
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a month ago
No. A candidate will not receive the UGC NET City Intimation Slip by post. The authority will release the City slip on the official website at ugcnet.nta.nic.in. Candidates required their login credentials to download the city slip including the application number and date of birth.
V
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a month ago
Yes. It is important for a candidate to carry the UGC NET admit card to the examination centre. Without it, candidate will not be allowed to sit in the exam. It consists of the details like name of a candidate, photograph, shift, reporting time, exam day instructions, etc.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
If in case candidate find any discrepancy in the UGC NET admit card for the June session then he or she must contact the NTA via helpline numbers 011-40759000 during the working hours or email them.
K
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a month ago
The UGC NET admit card for the June session 2026 will be released around four days prior to the examination date. It will be released on the official website at ugcnet.nta.nic.in.
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Contributor-Level 6
Answered a month ago
Yes, IIT Hyderabad does accept UGC NET scores to decide admissions to the PhD courses. Several IIT Hyderabad departments also accept the GATE scores as well to decide the PhD admissions of candidates.
In addition to the aforementioned entrance exams, candidates are also required to fulfill the specif
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Candidates can check below the methods to make corrections if required in the UGC NET application or registration form:
- Visit at ugcnet.nta.nic.in
- Login using the application number and password
- Click on the link/button available for the application form correction
- Read the instructions and click on the
M
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
The NTA has not yet released the UGC NET 2026 notification and so the application process dates have not been announced for the June session. It is expected that the application is likely to start in April 2026 and the last date for the registration may likely be in May 2026. The authority will also
C
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a month ago
Yes, the National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the UGC NET exam twice in a year in two sessions namely June and December session. Candidates can give the exam unlimited times. There is no limit in number of attempts. Two sessions increase the opportunity for a candidate to qualify the exam for JRF
S
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a month ago
The registration for the UGC NET 2026 June session is expected to begin in the April 2026. The authority will release the application form and notification on the official portal at ugcnet.nta.nic.in. Without filling the application form online, candidates will jot be able to sit in the exam.
I
Contributor-Level 6
Can a candidate change the exam centre after release of the UGC NET admit card 2026?