The UGC NET Exam 2026 is one of the most important national-level examinations for candidates aspiring to become Assistant Professors or to qualify for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in Indian universities and colleges. Conducted at the national level, UGC NET evaluates a candidate’s teaching and research aptitude across multiple subjects.
Every year, lakhs of aspirants appear for the UGC NET exam to secure eligibility for teaching positions and research fellowships. Understanding the UGC NET eligibility, syllabus, exam pattern, qualifying marks, and preparation strategy is crucial to clearing the exam in the first attempt.
In this detailed guide, we cover everything you need to know about the UGC NET Exam 2026, including official details, syllabus breakdown, career opportunities, and expert preparation tips.
| Exam Component | Information |
|---|---|
| Organizing Authority | University Grants Commission (UGC) |
| UGC – Full Form | University Grants Commission |
| Exam Administration | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Official Exam Name | UGC National Eligibility Test (NET) |
| Examination Level | National-Level Examination |
| Exam Conducted | Twice every year |
| Objective of the Exam | To assess eligibility for Assistant Professor, Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), and PhD admissions |
| Exam Session | Yet to be released |
| Official Notification Release | Yet to be released |
| Online Application Start Date | Yet to be released |
| Last Date to Submit Application | Yet to be released |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | Yet to be released |
| Application Correction Period | Yet to be released |
| Total Exam Duration | 3 Hours (180 Minutes) – No break between Paper 1 and Paper 2 |
| Exam Shifts & Timings | Morning Shift: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Afternoon Shift: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM |
| Mode of Examination | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Papers & Maximum Marks | Paper 1: 100 Marks Paper 2: 200 Marks |
| Total Number of Questions | Paper 1: 50 Questions Paper 2: 100 Questions |
| Evaluation Method | +2 marks for every correct answer |
| Negative Marking | Not applicable |
| Medium of Question Paper | English and Hindi |
| Official NTA Helpdesk | 011-69227700 / 011-40759000 |
The University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) is a national-level eligibility examination conducted to determine the eligibility of Indian nationals for
Qualifying the UGC NET exam is mandatory for teaching at universities and colleges recognized by the UGC, except for candidates who are exempted as per UGC norms.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the UGC NET exam on behalf of the University Grants Commission (UGC).
NTA is responsible for:
Note: Candidates who obtained their Master’s degree by September 19, 1991, and later completed a PhD are granted a 5% relaxation in minimum marks (eligible with 50%).
| Category | Age Relaxation (in Years) |
| SC / ST / OBC / PwD / Transgender | 5 Years |
| Females (All Categories) | 5 Years |
| Candidates holding LL.M. degree | 3 Years |
| Candidates in the Armed Forces | Up to 5 Years |
Note: Age relaxation is applicable only for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF). There is no upper age limit for Assistant Professor eligibility in the UGC NET exam.
The UGC NET Exam consists of two compulsory papers – Paper 1 and Paper 2, both conducted in a single session.
UGC NET Paper 1 is designed to assess a candidate’s teaching and research aptitude. It evaluates skills such as reasoning ability, reading comprehension, divergent thinking, and general awareness. This paper is common for all candidates, irrespective of the subject chosen in Paper 2.
UGC NET Paper 2 focuses on the subject of specialization selected by the candidate. The subject is usually based on the candidate’s Master’s degree or area of academic interest. This paper tests the candidate’s in-depth knowledge, conceptual clarity, and subject-specific understanding.
Important:
Candidates must qualify both Paper 1 and Paper 2 to be awarded the UGC NET score. The final score determines eligibility for Assistant Professor and/or Junior Research Fellowship (JRF).
The UGC NET Exam Pattern consists of two papers, conducted in a single session without any break.
| UGC NET Papers | Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
| Paper 1 | Teaching & Research Aptitude | 50 | 100 | |
| Paper 2 | Subject chosen by candidate | 100 | 200 | |
| Total | — | 150 | 300 | 3 Hours |
Paper 1 tests teaching and research aptitude and is common for all candidates.
Major Units Include:
UGC NET Paper 2 covers subject-specific syllabi, allowing candidates to choose a subject based on their postgraduate qualification or academic interest. The syllabus is designed to test in-depth knowledge and conceptual understanding of the chosen discipline.
Some of the major UGC NET Paper 2 subjects include:
Candidates must carefully review the official syllabus for their selected subject to ensure focused and effective preparation.
Download the official UGC NET Paper 1 & Paper 2 syllabus PDF (NTA-released):
https://www.ugcnetonline.in/syllabus-new.php
To qualify for the UGC NET exam, candidates must secure minimum aggregate marks in both papers.
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Marks |
| General / EWS | 40% |
| OBC (NCL) / SC / ST / PwD | 35% |
Final selection for Assistant Professor and JRF depends on:
Qualifying UGC NET opens up multiple academic and research-based career options:
Focus more on high-weightage units, especially in Paper 1.
Allocate daily time for:
Solving PYQs helps you understand:
Weekly revision is essential to retain concepts.
Mock tests improve:
Professor Academy is not limited to a single subject. We proudly offer expert-led UGC NET online coaching for a wide range of subjects, guided by experienced faculty and a student-centric learning approach.
All our courses follow a student-first online learning model, which includes:
A strong preparation strategy starts with the right study materials. Our specially designed UGC NET JRF & SET Book Set is curated to meet the latest exam standards and syllabus prescribed by NTA.
UGC NET Paper 1 focuses on teaching and research aptitude, which demands strong conceptual clarity.
This book set explains concepts in a step-by-step and easy-to-understand manner, helping aspirants build a solid foundation from the basics.
Effective time management is crucial for success in UGC NET JRF & SET exams. Our book set adopts a strategic study approach, featuring:
This structured approach helps students revise faster and retain better.
Practice plays a key role in cracking UGC NET. The book set includes:
With consistent practice, students can:
The Professor Academy UGC NET JRF & SET Book Series is now available online. Candidates can choose books based on their subject and preparation needs.
UGC NET is used to determine eligibility for Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellowship in Indian universities and colleges.
Yes, UGC NET is mandatory unless the candidate is exempted as per UGC regulations.
No, there is no negative marking in the UGC NET exam.
Yes, with a proper study plan, quality materials, and regular practice, candidates can clear UGC NET without coaching.
There is no limit on the number of attempts for Assistant Professor eligibility. JRF attempts are subject to age limit.
The UGC NET Exam 2026 is a golden opportunity for aspirants aiming for a stable and prestigious academic career. With a clear understanding of the eligibility, syllabus, exam pattern, and preparation strategy, candidates can significantly improve their chances of success.
Consistent preparation, smart revision, and focused practice are the keys to cracking the UGC NET exam.
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