The National Testing Agency prescribes the UGC NET Exam Pattern for JRF, Assistant Professor and PhD admissions. According to the official notification, the UGC NET selection process has a computer based test. The written examination will have two papers out of which the first paper is compulsory and the second is choice based. Candidates qualifying for the exam by scoring marks more than the UGC NET cut-off will be considered for final selection.
UGC NET Exam Pattern for Paper I
UGC NET Paper I is a common paper for all candidates and is held for 100 marks. There are questions from different subjects like Teaching Aptitude, Research Aptitude, Reasoning, and Data Interpretation.
| UGC NET Paper 1 Exam Pattern 2024 | ||
| 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 |
UGC NET Exam Pattern for Paper II
The UGC NET exam pattern for paper 2 will have a single paper and will have questions from the subject that is chosen by the candidates. There are 85 subjects in the examination and questions in Paper II will be framed on the topics prescribed in the syllabus for them.
| UGC NET Paper 2 Exam Pattern 2024 | |||
| Paper | Pattern of Paper | Number of Questions | Total Marks |
| Paper II | Concerned Subject Chosen by the candidate | 100 | 200 |
UGC NET Paper 1 Syllabus
Candidates can check out the subject-wise UGC NET paper I syllabus from the table mentioned below.
| UGC NET Paper 1 Syllabus 2024 | |
| UGC NET Paper 1 Sections | Syllabus |
| Teaching Aptitude | Teaching: Concept, Objectives, Levels of teaching (Memory, Understanding and Reflective), Characteristics and basic requirements. Learner’s characteristics: Characteristics of adolescent and adult learners (Academic, Social, Emotional and Cognitive), Individual differences. Factors affecting teaching related to: Teacher, Learner, Support material, Instructional facilities, Learning environment and Institution. Methods of teaching in Institutions of higher learning: Teacher centred vs. Learner centred methods; Off-line vs. On-line methods (Swayam, Swayamprabha, MOOCs etc.).Teaching Support System: Traditional, Modern and ICT based. Evaluation Systems: Elements and Types of evaluation, Evaluation in Choice Based Credit System in Higher education, Computer based testing, Innovations in evaluation systems |
| Research Aptitude | Research: Meaning, Types, and Characteristics, Positivism and Postpositivistic approach to research. Methods of Research: Experimental, Descriptive, Historical, Qualitative and Quantitative methods. Steps of Research. Thesis and Article writing: Format and styles of referencing. Application of ICT in research. Research ethics. |
| Reading Comprehension | A passage of text be given. Questions be asked from the passage to be answered. |
| Communication | Communication: Meaning, types and characteristics of communication. Effective communication: Verbal and Non-verbal, Inter-Cultural and group communications, Classroom communication. Barriers to effective communication. Mass-Media and Society |
| Data Interpretation | Sources, acquisition and classification of Data. Quantitative and Qualitative Data. Graphical representation (Bar-chart, Histograms, Pie-chart, Table-chart and Line-chart) and mapping of Data. Data Interpretation. Data and Governance |
| Information & Communication Technology (ICT) | ICT: General abbreviations and terminology. Basics of Internet, Intranet, E-mail, Audio and Video-conferencing. Digital initiatives in higher education. ICT and Governance. |
| People & Environment | Development and environment: Millennium development and Sustainable development goals. Human and environment interaction: Anthropogenic activities and their impacts on environment. Environmental issues: Local, Regional and Global; Air pollution, Water pollution, Soil pollution, Noise pollution, Waste (solid, liquid, biomedical, hazardous, electronic), Climate change and its Socio-Economic and Political dimensions. Impacts of pollutants on human health. Natural and energy resources: Solar, Wind, Soil, Hydro, Geothermal, Biomass, Nuclear and Forests. Natural hazards and disasters: Mitigation strategies. |
| Higher Education System: Governance, Polity & Administration | Institutions of higher learning and education in ancient India. Evolution of higher learning and research in Post Independence India. Oriental, Conventional and Non-conventional learning programmes in India. Professional, Technical and Skill Based education. Value education and environmental education. Policies, Governance, and Administration |
UGC NET Paper 2 Syllabus
The UGC NET has released the subject-wise syllabus for Paper 2, providing candidates with a comprehensive framework to guide their preparation. Each subject’s syllabus is detailed in downloadable PDFs, outlining key topics and areas of focus essential for success in the exam. Candidates are encouraged to carefully review the syllabus relevant to their chosen subject and structure their study plans accordingly. By aligning their preparation with the official syllabus, candidates can ensure they cover all necessary content and enhance their chances of performing well in the UGC NET exam.
UGC NET Paper 2 Syllabus PDF Link
UGC NET Exam Duration
As per the UGC NET Exam Pattern, the examination will be held in the computer-based test mode. Both paper I and II will be held for a composite duration of 3 hours. All the questions asked in the exam will be compulsory and candidates have to attempt all of those.
UGC NET Marking Scheme
The agency has prescribed the UGC NET marking scheme along with the official notification for the upcoming exam. Candidates appearing for the exam have to adhere to the NET marking scheme when calculating the marks scored in the examination. Go through the section below to know about the marking scheme for the UGC NET Exam Pattern.
| UGC NET Marking Scheme 2024 | |
| Correct Answer | 2 marks will be awarded to the candidates for each correct answer. |
| Incorrect Answer | No marks will be deducted for the wrong answers marked. |
| Unattempted Question | No marks will be deducted for the unattempted questions. |
Preparation Tips to Crack the UGC NET Exam
To successfully crack the UGC NET exam, a strategic approach to preparation is essential. Focus on understanding the exam pattern, managing your time effectively, and practising regularly. Consistent revision and mock tests will enhance your confidence and performance on exam day.
General Paper (Paper 1)
- Understand Teaching Aptitude: Focus on educational psychology, teaching methods, and evaluation techniques. Use case studies to apply concepts practically.
- Research Methodology: Familiarise yourself with research designs, sampling methods, and statistical tools. Practice questions on data interpretation and research ethics as prescribed on the UGC NET Syllabus
Subject-Specific Papers (Paper 2)
According to UGC NET Exam Pattern, paper 2 will have 100 questions from the chosen subjects. Here are the key preparation tips that candidates have to follow.
- Deep dive into your specific subject’s syllabus. Use standard reference books and recent research papers to stay updated on current trends.
- Focus on core concepts and theories relevant to your subject. Create mind maps to visualize relationships between different topics.
- Analyse UGC NET previous year question papers for your subject to identify important topics and question patterns. This will help you prioritize your study areas.
- Regularly solve multiple-choice questions related to your subject to enhance your speed and accuracy.
- Engage in online forums or study groups specific to your subject. Discussing with peers can provide new insights and clarify doubts.
- Follow recent developments in your field through journals and academic publications. This will help you answer questions related to contemporary issues effectively.
FAQs
What is the UGC NET exam pattern?
The UGC NET exam consists of two papers: Paper 1, which tests general knowledge and teaching aptitude, and Paper 2, which focuses on the candidate’s chosen subject. Both papers are multiple-choice questions.
Is Paper 1 qualifying in UGC NET?
No, both paper I and II are compulsory and have to be attempted by the candidates in the UGC NET examination.
Is UGC NET Paper 1 and 2 on the same day?
Yes, UGC NET Paper 1 and Paper 2 are conducted on the same day. Candidates take both papers in a single session, with Paper 1 preceding Paper 2.
Is UGC NET easy to pass?
The difficulty of passing the UGC NET varies by individual preparation and subject knowledge. With dedicated study and understanding of the syllabus, many candidates can successfully clear the exam.
What is the pass mark for the NET exam?
The pass mark for the UGC NET exam varies by category. Generally, candidates need to score at least 40% in both papers for the General category and 35% for reserved categories to qualify.