UGC NET Exam Pattern 2025, administered by the National Testing Agency (NTA), is a critical exam for candidates aspiring for positions like Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) or Assistant Professor. In 2025, the exam will consist of two papers, reduced from the previous three. The exam will include multiple-choice questions (MCQs) only, with no subjective questions, where candidates must select the correct answer from a set of options.
Paper 1 assesses general aptitude, covering subjects such as Mathematics, Reasoning, and English. Paper 2 focuses on subject-specific knowledge, with candidates choosing a subject based on their desired role, either JRF or Assistant Professor. The exam lasts three hours, and both papers are available in English and Hindi.
The UGC NET exam pattern evaluates a variety of skills, including general aptitude, teaching methods, knowledge of higher education, data interpretation, and information technology. Before 2019, the exam was held in two sessions of one and two hours, but since then, the format has been updated to a single three-hour session.
It is important for aspirants to familiarize themselves with the updated exam structure, as understanding the pattern helps in planning a focused preparation strategy. Regular practice with mock tests and previous year papers can significantly boost speed, accuracy, and confidence on exam day.
The NET exam consists of two papers conducted on the same day without any break in between. It is held online and carries a total of 300 marks. Below are the key highlights of the UGC NET June 2025 Exam Pattern for Paper I and Paper II.
| Parameter | Paper I | Paper II |
|---|---|---|
| Subject | Teaching & Research Aptitude | Subject chosen (as per Master’s degree) |
| Maximum Marks | 100 | 200 |
| Number of Questions | 50 | 100 |
| Type of Questions | Objective (MCQs) | Objective (MCQs) |
| Marks per Question | 2 | 2 |
| Marking Scheme | +2 for each correct answer, 0 for an incorrect answer | +2 for each correct answer, 0 for incorrect answer |
| Negative Marking | No negative marking | No negative marking |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours (for both papers combined) | +2 for each correct answer, 0 for an incorrect answer |
As per the UGC NET June 2025 Exam Pattern, the UGC NET Written Exam will be conducted as a Computer-Based Test (CBT) consisting of objective-type questions. Candidates preparing for specific subjects can refer to this article for detailed patterns such as the UGC NET Life Science Exam Pattern, UGC NET Mathematics Exam Pattern, UGC NET Education Exam Pattern, UGC NET Physics Exam Pattern, and others.
The Paper I evaluates candidates on teaching and research aptitude, covering topics like reasoning ability, comprehension, general awareness, and divergent thinking.
The Paper II focuses on the candidate’s chosen subject (e.g., Political Science, Philosophy, History, Commerce, Music, etc.).
| Paper | Marks | No. of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I | 100 | 50 |
| Paper II | 200 | 100 |
| Total | 300 | 150 |
The UGC NET Paper 1 is conducted for a total of 100 marks and includes 50 questions, each carrying 2 marks. The questions in this section are conceptual and application-based, aimed at evaluating the candidate’s teaching and research aptitude. Additionally, the paper includes questions that test reasoning ability, comprehension, divergent thinking, and general awareness. The detailed UGC NET Paper 1 Exam Pattern is provided below.
| Section | 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 |
As per the latest NTA notification, UGC NET Paper 2 will be based on the subject selected by the candidate from the 85 available subjects while filling out the application form. Candidates are allowed to appear only in the subject of their post-graduation for Paper 2. However, if their post-graduation subject is not among the listed 85 subjects, they may choose a closely related subject.
The exam pattern for Paper 2 remains the same for all subjects. It will consist of 100 objective-type questions carrying a total of 200 marks. Each question will be worth 2 marks, and there will be no negative marking. The duration of Paper 2 will be 2 hours, and it will primarily test the candidate’s in-depth knowledge of their subject.
The UGC NET marking scheme helps candidates understand the scoring pattern, enabling them to plan their answers strategically to secure maximum marks. It also clarifies the marks allotted for incorrect and unattempted questions.
| Response Type | Marks Allotted |
|---|---|
| Correct Answer | +2 |
| Incorrect Answer | 0 |
| Un-attempted Question | 0 |
Paper II of the UGC NET Examination consists of subject-specific questions based on the candidate’s chosen field. Candidates can select any subject that aligns with their master’s degree for this paper.
| Code | Subject |
|---|---|
| 01 | Economics |
| 02 | Political Science |
| 03 | Philosophy |
| 04 | Psychology |
| 05 | Sociology |
| 06 | History |
| 07 | Anthropology |
| 08 | Commerce |
| 09 | Education |
| 10 | Social Work |
| 11 | Defense and Strategic Studies |
| 12 | Home Science |
| 14 | Public Administration |
| 15 | Population Studies* |
| 16 | Hindustani Music (Vocal/Instrumental) |
| 17 | Management (including Business Admin/Marketing/Industrial Relations/Personnel/Financial/Co-operative Management) |
| 18 | Maithili |
| 19 | Bengali |
| 20 | Hindi |
| 21 | Kannada |
| 22 | Malayalam |
| 23 | Oriya |
| 24 | Punjabi |
| 25 | Sanskrit |
| 26 | Tamil |
| 27 | Telugu |
| 28 | Urdu |
| 29 | Arabic |
| 30 | English |
| 31 | Linguistics |
| 32 | Chinese |
| 33 | Dogri |
| 34 | Nepali |
| 35 | Manipuri |
| 36 | Assamese |
| 37 | Gujarati |
| 38 | Marathi |
| 39 | French (English Version) |
| 40 | Spanish |
| 41 | Russian |
| 42 | Persian |
| 43 | Rajasthani |
| 44 | German |
| 45 | Japanese |
| 46 | Adult Education / Continuing Education / Andragogy / Non-Formal Education |
| 47 | Physical Education |
| 49 | Arab Culture and Islamic Studies |
| 50 | Indian Culture |
| 55 | Labour Welfare / Personnel Management / Industrial Relations / Labour and Social Welfare / Human Resource Management |
| 58 | Law |
| 59 | Library and Information Science |
| 60 | Buddhist, Jaina, Gandhian and Peace Studies |
| 62 | Comparative Study of Religions |
| 63 | Mass Communication and Journalism |
| 65 | Performing Art – Dance / Drama / Theatre |
| 66 | Museology & Conservation |
| 67 | Archaeology |
| 68 | Criminology |
| 70 | Tribal and Regional Language / Literature |
| 71 | Folk Literature |
| 72 | Comparative Literature |
| 73 | Sanskrit Traditional Subjects (Jyotisha / Sidhanta Jyotish / Navya Vyakarna / Vyakarna / Mimansa / Navya Nyaya / Sankhya Yoga / Tulanatmaka Darsan / Shukla Yajurveda / Madhav Vedant / Dharmasastra / Sahitya / Puranotihasa / Agama) |
| 74 | Politics, including International Relations / International Studies including Defence / Strategic Studies / West Asian Studies / South East Asian Studies / African Studies / South Asian Studies / Soviet Studies / American Studies |
| 79 | Visual Art (Drawing & Painting / Sculpture / Graphics / Applied Art / History of Art) |
| 80 | Geography |
| 81 | Social Medicine & Community Health |
| 82 | Forensic Science |
| 83 | Pali |
| 84 | Kashmiri |
| 85 | Konkani |
| 87 | Computer Science and Applications |
| 88 | Electronic Science |
| 89 | Environmental Sciences (EVS) |
| 90 | Politics, including International Relations / International Studies, including Defence / Strategic Studies / West Asian Studies / South East Asian Studies / African Studies / South Asian Studies / Soviet Studies / American Studies |
| 91 | Prakrit |
| 92 | Human Rights and Duties |
| 93 | Tourism Administration and Management |
| 94 | Bodo |
| 95 | Santali |
| 100 | Yoga |
| 101 | Sindhi |
| 102 | Hindu Studies |
The UGC NET Paper 1 syllabus is the same for all candidates and comprises 10 units covering areas such as Teaching Aptitude, Research Aptitude, Reading Comprehension, Reasoning, People Development & Environment, Communication, Higher Education System: Governance, Polity & Administration, ICT, and more. In contrast, the UGC NET Paper 2 syllabus differs according to the subject chosen by the candidate and includes topics based on the master’s level curriculum of that subject.
In summary, understanding the UGC NET exam pattern for 2025 is essential for effective preparation. Knowing the exam structure, marking scheme, and syllabus enables candidates to create a focused study plan. Regular practice, time management, and comprehensive review are key to strengthening your readiness. By concentrating on each section of the exam, improving accuracy, and solving previous papers, you can significantly boost your performance. With the right strategies and a disciplined approach, you’ll be well-prepared to excel in the UGC NET exam and achieve your academic goals. Stay consistent, stay motivated, and approach the exam with confidence and determination.
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Ans. The passing marks for UGC NET for the general category are 40% in Papers 1 and 2, while the passing marks for SC/ST/PwD /Transgender//OBC-NCL categories are 35% in Papers 1 and 2.
Ans. UGC NET exam has two papers that are to be written in a single session of three hours. In Paper 1 and Paper 2, in the first paper, candidates have to answer 50 MCQs, while in the second paper, candidates have to answer 100 MCQs.
Ans. UGC NET exam is conducted in Papers 1 and 2. It has MCQs for each of the papers. It is mandatory to answer each question. The NET exam is conducted in a single session of three hours. The allotted marks for Paper 1 are 100, while for Paper 2, it is 200.
Ans. The net is valid for three years. Candidates may appear twice annually. The attempts are not restricted to the candidates.
The UGC NET exam is completely MCQ-based, with both Paper 1 and Paper 2 consisting of objective-type multiple-choice questions designed to assess candidates’ teaching aptitude, research skills, reasoning ability, and subject knowledge.
Authored by, Nidhi Kukreja
Exam Prep Advisor
Nidhi is a passionate writer who specializes in long-form, research-backed content that delivers real value. Whether she’s writing blog articles or creating educational modules, she focuses on making complex topics clear, detailed, and easy to understand. Her content is designed to build knowledge and credibility, helping readers gain deeper insights with every piece.
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