UGC NET Social Work 2025 is a national level eligibility test conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for those applicants who want to become eligible for the posts of Assistant Professor or for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in Social Work. The exam tests the awareness of a candidate about fundamental concepts such as social work theories, research techniques, social policy, welfare administration, and intervention practices. Candidates holding a postgraduate degree in Social Work (MSW or equivalent) should prepare strategically with an understanding of the syllabus, exam pattern, and last year trends in order to crack this competitive exam.

Also Read: UGC NET Application Form 2025

What is UGC NET Social Work?

UGC NET Social Work is an eligibility examination for postgraduates who seek to become Assistant Professors or Junior Research Fellowships in Social Work. The subject encompasses prominent areas such as social work theory, welfare administration, social justice, human rights, research methods, and intervention among marginalized communities.

Also Read: UGC NET Application Fee Structure

UGC NET Social Work Eligibility Criteria 2025

The aspirants have to ensure they qualify for eligibility, as formulated by the National Testing Agency (NTA), prior to appearing in UGC NET Social Work 2025. The criteria of eligibility include the academic background, age constraints (particularly for JRF) as well as reservation relaxations.

UGC NET Educational Qualification 2025

To be eligible for UGC NET Social Work 2025, candidates must fulfill the following academic requirements:

UGC NET Age Limit (as on 1st June 2025)

Also Read: UGC NET Exam 2025

UGC NET Social Work Exam Pattern 2025

UGC NET Social Work 2025 examination is held by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in a Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. The examination consists of two papers—Paper I and Paper II—held in one sitting of 3 hours (180 minutes) with no break in between. Both the papers contain objective-type multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and there is no negative marking for incorrect responses.

Also Read: UGC NET Eligibility 2025

UGC NET Social Work Marking Scheme 2025 

The UGC NET Social Work 2025 exam has a well-defined and transparent marking scheme established by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Familiarity with this marking system is crucial for candidates to assess their performance properly and strategize their answering approach accordingly. This student-friendly marking scheme makes it possible for candidates to try every question without worrying about being penalized for giving a wrong answer. It’s thus advisable to provide informed guesses instead of blank answers.

Also Read: UGC NET Exam Pattern 2025

Minimum Qualifying Marks for UGC NET Education 2025

To be eligible for the UGC NET Education 2025 examination, candidates should score the minimum aggregate marks in Paper I and Paper II as required by the National Testing Agency (NTA). These minimum qualifying marks are required for eligibility for both the posts of Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF).

Also Read: UGC NET Syllabus 2025

UGC NET Social Work Syllabus 2025

UGC NET Social Work 2025 syllabus is created to evaluate knowledge, conceptual understanding, and clarity of candidates as well as familiarity with different theories, practices, and recent developments in the context of social work. The syllabus is based on two papers:

• Paper I is general in nature for all subjects and checks teaching & research ability, reasoning, comprehension, and general awareness.
• Paper II is subject-wise and contains only those topics pertaining to Social Work.

UGC NET Social Work Paper II Syllabus Unit Wise (Subject Code – 10)

Below are the major units covered in Paper II of UGC NET Social Work:

UGC NET Social Work Syllabus PDF Download

You can download the official syllabus from the link provided below. The PDF is available in both English and Hindi.

Download UGC NET Full Official Syllabus PDF

UGC NET Social Work Preparation Tips 2025

Preparation for the UGC NET Social Work exam needs to be planned carefully to achieve success. Here are some successful preparation tips for 2025:

• Understand the Syllabus: Read both Paper I (General Aptitude) and Paper II (Social Work) syllabuses carefully.
• Make a Study Plan: Schedule specific time for every topic, focusing on weaker areas and regular revision.
• Use Standard Books: Use prescribed textbooks and NCERT for general as well as subject-based material.
• Practice Previous Papers: Attempt previous year papers to know the trend of exams and time management.
• Stay Updated: Keep in touch with up-to-date social issues and social work-related trends.
• Take Mock Tests: Practice mock tests from time to time to assess your preparation and enhance your speed and accuracy.
• Revise Regularly: Revise regularly to consolidate core concepts and enhance retention.
• Stay Healthy: Eat a proper diet, exercise daily, and manage stress in the best possible way for best concentration while preparing.

UGC NET Social Work Question Paper 2024

UGC NET Social Work exam 2024 was held in two sessions, June and December. Both the sessions had two papers: Paper I (General Aptitude) and Paper II (Subject-Specific: Social Work). The question papers are downloadable in PDF.

UGC NET Social Work Previous Year Question Papers

Previous year question papers are a good way to prepare for the UGC NET Social Work exam. These question papers give an idea of the exam pattern and frequently asked questions, which assist in your level of preparation.

Career Scope After Qualifying UGC NET Social Work

Passing UGC NET Social Work provides you with a wide range of career choices in different fields including academia, research, social services, and policy-making. Some of the main career choices you can opt for are as follows:

Assistant Professor in Universities and Colleges

• The most prevalent post after passing UGC NET Social Work is that of becoming an Assistant Professor at universities, colleges, and institutes. 
• You may teach Social Work and allied courses, educating the next generation of professionals in the field.

Researcher and Research Fellow

• If you have a passion for research, becoming UGC NET Social Work qualified makes you a candidate for Research Fellowships. 
• You can work on research projects related to social issues, policies, or interventions, enriching academic knowledge and practical application in social work.
• You can even opt for Ph.D. studies in Social Work to specialize further in research skills and further advance your career.

Government and NGO Social Worker

• Most UGC NET-qualified individuals are hired by different NGOs and government welfare organizations that are engaged in social welfare, child development, community service, and other social sectors.

Educational Administrator

• Social Work professionals can work in administrative capacities in educational institutions. 
• Roles such as Dean, Director, or Principal in social work colleges or institutions can be available for them depending on their qualifications and experience.

Policy Advisor/Consultant

• Social Work professionals can engage as policy advisers or consultants in government departments or think tanks. 
• Their function would be to inform policy decisions across social welfare, health, and education.

• Such a function consists of analyzing and formulating policies impacting vulnerable segments, having an enormous impact on societal well-being.

Social Work Educator in Coaching Institutes

• Another feasible option is becoming a Social Work instructor in coaching and training institutes for candidates who are getting ready to take competitive exams such as UGC NET, SSC, or other civil services exams. 
• You can assist students in preparing for the Social Work subject and its different aspects.

Social Media Consultant/Content Developer

• As digital platforms have gained popularity, there has also been an increased need for content developers or consultants who can create awareness regarding social issues on social media. 
• It is the job of such an individual to produce interesting material, campaign, and raise awareness regarding social causes.

Public Health Expert

• Knowledgeable Social Work experts in public health can work in health areas.
• You could serve the health sector by organizing and managing social health programs or advising on public health policies that benefit vulnerable groups.

Conclusion

UGC NET Social Work 2025 is not only an examination but a portal to a meaningful scholarly as well as professional career in the discipline of social work. By planning carefully, keeping track of the syllabus and pattern of examination, and preparing correctly, one can land a job as Assistant Professors, Research Fellows, or as important contributors to the social development sector. The topic itself requires sensitivity, critical appreciation, and an earnest desire to benefit society. If you care about making social change, this exam can be your initial step towards the same.