UGC NET 2017 for JRF & Assistant Professor: Prep tips for Geography by Waseem Ahmmad Bhat
University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test 2026 ( UGC NET )
Waseem Ahmmad, UGC NET qualified for JRF & Assistant Professor
A PhD student, Waseem Ahmmad Bhat cracked UGC NET (November) 2017 Geography paper for both JRF (Junior Research Fellowship) and Assistant Professor. He scored a whopping 252/350 marks (72%). His paper-wise scores include 64/100 (64%) in Paper I, 72/100 (72%) in Paper II, and 116/150 (78%) in Paper III.
An extremely dedicated student, Waseem never took any coaching for the exam. However, this is not his first attempt of UGC NET Geography paper. Regarding the same, Waseem stated, “I have qualified UGC NET five to six times before. But what I did different this time as part of my UGC NET (November) 2017 preparation strategy was that I focused on my strengths and tried to look into my weaknesses. I made my strengths stronger and at the same time also erased my weaknesses.” He added, “As part of my prep strategy, I also practiced previous years’ papers a lot more than my previous attempts of the exam.”
When we asked Waseem what as per him was the most difficult part of UGC NET exam, he revealed that he found Human Geography and World Geography to be most difficult. He further talked about the study plan he followed for the exam and shared that he studied for four to five hours regularly for a month. And, those four to five hours were mainly utilised to study Physical and Indian Geography.
Waseem shared that he studied the following books for his preparation for UGC NET 2017:
| Book |
Author |
| Fundamentals of Physical Geography |
Majid Husain |
| Physical Geography |
Savindra Singh |
| India: A Comprehensive Geography |
D R Khullar |
| Evolution of Geographical Thought |
Majid Husain |
| Human Geography |
Majid Husain |
| Geography |
Surender Singh |
| Practical Geography: A Systematic Approach |
Ashis Sarkar |
| NCERT practical books of Classes 11th and 12th |
|
When we questioned Waseem about the mistakes students should avoid while preparing for UGC NET, he answered, “Students usually do not study according to the syllabus formulated by UGC. This is not a good practice to follow.”
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He also advised students on managing time well in the exam and said, “Students usually complain about the lack of time in Paper I of the exam. Time can be managed efficiently if they solve maximum possible number of previous years’ papers.” He added, “Students should work hard and always believe in themselves that they can crack the exam.”
Highly ambitious, Waseem loves studying. Before pursuing PhD, he was a post-graduate Geography student at University of Kashmir. Waseem also shared that playing Cricket is a hobby that he pursues.
In future, Waseem wants to make his career in the field of Research.
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered a week 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
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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.
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Answered a week 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.
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week 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.
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Contributor-Level 6
Answered a week 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
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The behavior of the MCAM staff is very inappropriate and disrespectful. They often use offensive language and insult students. Such behavior is unacceptable in an educational institution. I request the authorities to look into this matter and take appropriate action to ensure a respectful environmen
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Beginner-Level 1
Answered 3 weeks 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
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks 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
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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
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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
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Can a candidate change the exam centre after release of the UGC NET admit card 2026?