UGC NET December 2026 (University Grants Commission – National Eligibility Test)

Exam Overview

Conducting Authority: National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the University Grants Commission (UGC). Scope & Prestige: Conducted twice a year, UGC-NET determines the eligibility of Indian nationals for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), appointment as Assistant Professor, and admission to Ph.D. programs in Indian universities and colleges. It covers over 80+ diverse subjects in a Computer-Based Online Test format.

Age & Educational Eligibility

Eligibility Requirements (Age, Degrees & Attempts): Educational Qualification: Master’s Degree or equivalent from a recognized university with at least 55% aggregate marks (50% for OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD, and Third Gender candidates). Final-year postgraduate students may apply provisionally. Age Limit: Junior Research Fellowship (JRF): Maximum 30 years (relaxable as per Govt. rules). Assistant Professor & Ph.D. Admission: There is no upper age limit.

Selection & Written Exam Pattern

Mode of Exam: Online Computer-Based Test (CBT). Duration: 3 hours (180 minutes) composite time for both papers without any break. Structure: Paper I: 50 multiple-choice questions (100 Marks) — Common for all candidates, focusing on teaching/research aptitude, reasoning, comprehension, and general awareness. Paper II: 100 multiple-choice questions (200 Marks) — Subject-specific questions based on the candidate's chosen postgraduate discipline. Marking Scheme: +2 marks for every correct response. Negative Marking: No negative marking for incorrect or unattempted answers.

Subject-Wise Syllabus Structure

Detailed Syllabus Breakdown by Subject & Paper: Paper I Syllabus (Common Core Units): Teaching Aptitude, Research Aptitude, Reading Comprehension, Communication, Mathematical Reasoning & Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, Data Interpretation, Information & Communication Technology (ICT), People, Development & Environment, and Higher Education System (Governance, Polity & Administration). Paper II Syllabus: In-depth core domain knowledge spanning across 80+ specific subjects (such as Commerce, History, Political Science, English, Management, Computer Science, Economics, etc.) corresponding to postgraduate Master's curricula.

Expert Preparation & Study Strategy

1. Master Paper I thoroughly using standard reference guides for teaching and research aptitude alongside practicing regular data interpretation and logical reasoning puzzles. 2. Dedicate focused daily study hours to Paper II (worth 66% of total marks) to ensure deep domain mastery. 3. Solve past 5 years' Previous Year Questions (PYQs) and full-length online mock tests under timed 3-hour conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions