The UGC NET Exam Pattern 2025, as released by the National Testing Agency (NTA), follows a structured format to assess candidates for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), Assistant Professor eligibility, and Ph.D. admissions. The exam is conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode and consists of two papers held in a single session. Understanding the exam pattern is crucial for candidates to align their preparation strategy effectively.
UGC NET 2025 Exam Structure at a Glance
| Paper | Number of Questions | Total Marks | Duration | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | 50 | 100 | 3 hours (combined with Paper II) | General Aptitude (Teaching & Research) |
| Paper II | 100 | 200 | – | Subject-specific questions |
- Total Duration: 3 Hours (180 Minutes)
- Total Questions: 150
- Total Marks: 300
- Exam Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Type of Questions: Objective Type, Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Negative Marking: No
Detailed Breakdown
Paper I (General Paper on Teaching and Research Aptitude)
This paper is common to all candidates and is designed to test:
- Teaching Aptitude
- Research Aptitude
- Comprehension
- Communication
- Logical Reasoning
- Data Interpretation
- Information & Communication Technology (ICT)
- People, Development, and Environment
- Higher Education System: Governance, Polity, and Administration
Objective: To assess general awareness, reasoning ability, and academic aptitude.
Paper II (Subject Specific Paper)
- This paper tests the candidate’s in-depth knowledge of the subject chosen during registration.
- The syllabus is based on the post-graduation level curriculum.
- A total of 83 subjects are offered in Paper II (e.g., Commerce, English, Political Science, Management, etc.).
Subject-wise syllabus available at: https://career.aglasem.com/ugc-net-syllabus/
Marking Scheme
- Correct Answer: +2 marks
- No Negative Marking
- Unanswered/Marked for Review: 0 marks
- Dropped Question: +2 marks to all who attempted
Important Notes
- There is no sectional timing between the papers. Candidates can switch between sections within the total 3-hour duration.
- The medium of the exam is English and Hindi, except for language-specific papers.
- Candidates must appear for both papers to be eligible for qualification.
Quick Links
Final Thoughts
The UGC NET 2025 exam pattern is candidate-friendly, with no negative marking and a clear distribution of marks. Aspirants should focus on time management and a balanced approach between Paper I and Paper II. Thorough knowledge of the pattern can significantly enhance your exam-day confidence and performance.
Stay updated via the official portal: ugcnet.nta.nic.in
