UGC NET Exam
UGC NET 2018 exam is all set to be conducted from December 9 – 23 by the newly formed National Testing Agency (NTA). With less than four months remaining for the exam, it is important that all UGC NET aspirants speed up their preparation. Solving past year question papers is one of the best ways to prepare for a competitive exam like UGC NET as it gives the look and feel of the actual paper. Also, past year papers are an excellent tool to understand exam paper pattern and syllabus well.
Candidates must note that for the first time ever UGC NET is being conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. Till July 2018, NET was conducted as a pen-and-paper based test. Although format of the exam has changed to online mode, NTA has not introduced any changes in the exam pattern or syllabus of UGC NET.
UGC NET December 2018 exam pattern is such that the test will contain two papers – Paper-I and Paper-II. While paper-I will be a general paper common for all candidates, paper-II will be subject-specific. Regarding the same, the official website of NTA informs, “In paper-I the questions will be generic in nature, intending to assess the teaching/research aptitude of the candidate. It will primarily be designed to test reasoning ability, comprehension, divergent thinking and general awareness of the candidate.” Regarding paper-II, the website further states, “This will be based on the subject selected by the candidate. All the questions of Paper–II will be compulsory.”
Both paper-I and paper-II of UGC NET exam will consist of objective-type multiple choice questions that candidates need to complete in a time duration of one and two hours, respectively. Paper-I will contain 50 questions of 100 marks and paper-II will contain 100 questions of 200 marks. Both the papers will be conducted in two different sessions with a gap of half an hour.
Upcoming Sarkari Exam Dates
27 Sep '26
4 Oct '26
10 Oct '26 - 11 Oct '26
20 Dec '26 - 21 Dec '26
| Paper |
Number of Questions |
Marks |
Duration |
| I |
50 |
100 |
1 Hour |
| II |
100 |
200 |
2 Hours |
| Total |
150 |
350 |
3 Hours |
Candidates must note that the syllabus for both the papers of UGC NET is extremely broad. Candidates can check complete UGC NET syllabus here. While paper-II demands thorough knowledge of candidates’ respective subjects, questions in paper-I can be expected from the below-mentioned subjects:
| Teaching Aptitude |
Research Aptitude |
| Reading Comprehension |
Communication |
| Reasoning (including Maths) |
Logical Reasoning |
| Data Interpretation |
Information & Communication Technology (ICT) |
| People & Environment |
Higher Education System: Governance, Polity & Administration |
UGC NET 2018 application process is currently underway. All interested candidates can apply for the exam latest by September 30, 2018. However, before applying candidates must ensure that they fulfill the eligibility criteria for UGC NET exam. Admit cards for UGC NET exam will be made available from November 19, 2018 onwards. Also, UGC NET results will be released on January 10, 2019.
Check all UGC NET past year question papers for both paper-I and II here.
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered Yesterday
With 88.6 percentile, it is better to shortlist PhD colleges based on the subject, research area, faculty, eligibility and entrance or interview process, not only the NET score. LPU can also be considered if its research areas and faculty match the topic you want to work on. Its PhD structure gives
S
Beginner-Level 1
Answered a month ago
Yes. The NTA conducted the re-exam for three subjects on September 9 and 10. The UGC NET re-exam schedule is provided below:
English: September 9, 2026 Shift 1 - 9 AM to 12 Noon
Commerce : September 9, 2026 Shift 2 - 3 PM to 6 PM
Sociology : September 10, 2026 Shift 1 - 9 AM to 12 Noon
C
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
Students can prepare for UGC NET CSIR NET and similar competitive exams while pursuing MA Mathematics at LPU because the course builds a strong base in core subjects such as Algebra Analysis Topology and Differential Equations which are important for these exams. Regular academic guidance library re
S
Beginner-Level 1
Answered 2 months 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 months 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 months ago
The NTA released the UGC NET 2026 provisional answer key 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
I scored 164/300 (88.6 percentile) in UGC NET and am eligible for PhD admission. Can you help me shortlist colleges?