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
B
Beginner-Level 1
Answered a week ago
The authority will release the NTA UGC NET provisional answer key after the conclusion of an exam in a few days along with the question paper and response sheet. It will help the candidates to verify their responses, estimate the probable scores and evaluate their performance in the examination.
G
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a week ago
No. candidate can not submit the UGC NET application form offline. It was released on the official portal at ugcnet.nta.nic.in. The application form was released online on October 7. All the process of the online form including the registration, document upload, fee payment, confirmation, etc. must
K
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a week ago
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 |
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a week ago
The NTA released the UGC NETadmit card 2025 for the December session exam. It was released on the official portal at ugcnet.nta.nic.in. The admit card is a mandatory document thata needs to be carried at the examination centre by the candidate.
J
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a week ago
The UGC NET December session exam was over on January 7. As per the students' feedback UGC NET January 2 Paper 1 was Moderate some felt that Assertion & Reasoning part was a bit difficult. Paper 1 was lengthy.
S
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 weeks ago
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 |
M
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 weeks ago
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 |
C
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 weeks ago
Candidates can chech below the methods to downlaod the UGC NET admit card:
- Go to the ugcnet.nta.nic.in
- Click on the hall ticket link for the exam
- Enter the details asked on the login page- application number, date of birth, and security pin
- Click on the submit button
- Download and save it
S
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 weeks ago
The UGC NET Paper 2 subject specific i.e, Economics, consists of 100 questions worth 2 marks each. The exam will be of 3-hour duration, so there will be no breaks between paper 1 and paper 2. Candidates should cover all significant units of the of the Economics syllabus as mentioned below:
- Micro Econ
S
Contributor-Level 10

ଛାତ୍ର ର ଭଵିଷ୍ୟତ ଉପରେ ଖରାପ ପ୍ରଭାବ ପକାଉଛି Mcam college Maharajpur. Staff, principal,ଖରାପ ଵ୍ୟଵହାର ପାଇଁ କେତେକ ଛାତ୍ର ଭଵିଷ୍ୟତ ଖରାପ ଗତି ହଇ ସାରିଛି।