UGC NET Population Studies 2025 comes under Paper I and is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). This exam offers an excellent chance for candidates with aspirations to enter into a profession of teaching and research in the areas of population dynamics, demography, and social development. UGC NET Population Studies 2025 is an area-specific topic and needs keen awareness of fertility, mortality, migration, and connected socio-economic conditions.
The candidates must go through the complete analysis of the UGC NET Population Studies 2025 syllabus, eligibility, and exam pattern. They can also download and practice the UGC NET Population Studies Previous Year Question Papers PDFs provided in the article.
Also Read: UGC NET Application Form 2025
About UGC NET Population Studies 2025
UGC NET Population Studies 2025, or Demography as it is also known, deals with the statistical analysis of human populations. It studies population size, structure, distribution, and change (births, deaths, migration, aging, etc.) Below is the overview of the Population Studies UGC NET 2025:
| Feature | Details |
| Exam Name | UGC NET Population Studies 2025 |
| Mode of Examination | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Language of Paper | English and Hindi |
| Total Duration | 3 hours (no break between Paper I and II) |
| Total Marks | 300 marks |
| Marking Scheme | +2 marks (Correct answers)
No negative marking (incorrect answers) |
Also Read: UGC NET Exam Date 2025
UGC NET Population Studies 2025 Eligibility Criteria
Applicants seeking to appear for UGC NET Population Studies 2025 have to satisfy certain eligibility criteria dealing with educational qualifications, marks scored, and age brackets. Here’s the explanation of the UGC NET Population Studies Eligibility 2025 in detail:
| Criteria | Details |
| Educational Qualification | Master’s Degree in Population Studies, Demography, Statistics, Economics, Sociology, Social Work, Anthropology, Geography, or related discipline from a recognized university. |
| Minimum Marks | General/Unreserved/General-EWS: 55% aggregate marks
OBC (NCL)/SC/ST/PwD/Third Gender: 50% aggregate marks |
| Age Limit | For JRF: Maximum 30 years (relaxation available for reserved categories)
For Assistant Professor: No upper age limit |
Also Read: UGC NET Eligibility 2025
UGC NET Population Studies 2025 Exam Pattern
Aspirants who are to appear in UGC NET Population Studies 2025 should know the new pattern of the exam so that they can prepare accordingly. The test is held on a computer-based platform and includes two papers held in one sitting.
| Paper | Number of Questions | Marks | Duration | Nature of Questions |
| Paper I | 50 | 100 | Combined 3 hours for both papers | General Teaching and Research Aptitude |
| Paper II | 100 | 200 | Subject-specific (Population Studies) |
Also Read: UGC NET Exam Pattern 2025
UGC NET Population Studies 2025 Marking Scheme
Knowing the marking scheme is important for intelligent preparation and optimized time management for the UGC NET Population Studies 2025 examination. The examination is of a simple and candidate-friendly nature:
| Feature | Details |
| Mode of Examination | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Total Number of Questions | 150 (Paper I: 50, Paper II: 100) |
| Total Marks | 300 marks |
| Marks for Each Correct Answer | +2 marks |
| Negative Marking | No negative marking |
| Duration | 3 hours (no break between Paper I and II) |
| Language of Paper | English and Hindi |
| Compulsory Papers | Both Paper I and Paper II are compulsory |
Also Read: UGC NET Exam 2025
UGC NET Population Studies 2025 Minimum Qualifying Marks
The minimum cut-off marks for UGC NET Population Studies 2025 exam are important for the candidates to know the cut-off score to pass the exam. The cut-off marks are calculated considering the overall score for both Paper I (General Paper) and Paper II (Subject-Specific).
| Category | Minimum Percentage | Marks Out of 300 |
| General (UR) | 40% | 120 marks |
| OBC (NCL), SC, ST, PwD, Third Gender | 35% | 105 marks |
Also Read: UGC NET Subject Weightage 2025
UGC NET Population Studies Syllabus 2025
The UGC NET Population Studies Syllabus 2025 has a vast number of topics spanning demography, population policies, research methodology, and sustainable development. Familiarity with the Population Studies syllabus for UGC NET is pivotal to strategic preparation for the December session.
UGC NET Population Studies 2025 Unit-wise Syllabus
The Population Studies syllabus for UGC NET 2025 consists of 11 units, both conceptual and applied. Below is the unit-wise detailed syllabus:
Also Read: UGC NET Syllabus 2025
| Unit | Topics Covered |
| Unit 1: Introduction to Population Studies | Concepts and Measures of Population Studies
History and Scope of Demography Relationship of Demography with Other Disciplines |
| Unit 2: Sources of Demographic Data | Census
Civil Registration System Sample Surveys International Sources |
| Unit 3: Population Theories | Malthusian Theory
Optimum Population Theory Theory of Demographic Transition Marxist Perspective |
| Unit 4: Fertility | Concepts and Measures (CBR, GFR, TFR, etc.)
Determinants and Differentials Proximate Determinants of Fertility Fertility Policies and Programmes |
| Unit 5: Mortality | Mortality Measures (CDR, IMR, Life Tables)
Causes and Differentials of Mortality Maternal and Child Mortality Health Interventions |
| Unit 6: Migration | Types and Theories of Migration
Measures and Patterns Causes and Consequences Internal and International Migration |
| Unit 7: Population Policies and Programs | Population Policy in India
International Population Conferences (e.g., Cairo, Bucharest) Family Planning and Welfare Programs |
| Unit 8: Urbanization and Population Distribution | Trends and Patterns of Urbanization
Slums and Urban Poverty Regional Distribution of Population |
| Unit 9: Gender and Population | Gender Issues in Demography
Sex Ratio Trends Women’s Empowerment and Fertility |
| Unit 10: Population and Sustainable Development | Environment and Population Interface
Population Growth and Resources Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Demographic Perspectives |
| Unit 11: Research Methodology and Statistical Techniques | Methods of Demographic Analysis
Statistical Tools and Techniques Sampling Methods Report Writing and Presentation |
Also Read: UGC NET Result 2025
UGC NET Population Studies Previous Year Question Papers
Practicing UGC NET Population Studies Previous Year Question Papers is the best approach to know the pattern of the exam, difficulty level, and questions asked. It makes the candidate more confident about their UGC NET Population Studies 2025 preparation and increases the chances of scoring high in the coming exam.
| Exam Name | Year | Download PDF |
| UGC NET Population Studies | 2024 | Download PDF |
| UGC NET Population Studies | 2023 | Download PDF |
| UGC NET Population Studies | 2022 | Download PDF |
| UGC NET Population Studies | 2021 | Download PDF |
| UGC NET Population Studies | 2020 | Download PDF |
| UGC NET Population Studies | 2018 | Download PDF |
Also Read: UGC NET Previous Year Question Paper PDF for Paper 1 & 2
How to Prepare for UGC NET Population Studies 2025?
Here are some good preparation tips to prepare for UGC NET Population Studies 2025 exam:
- Understand the UGC NET Population Studies syllabus properly: Divide each unit and prepare short notes for revision.
- Use Standard Books: “Demography” by Bogue, “Principles of Population Studies” by Asha A. Bhende and Tara Kanitkar, “Methods and Materials of Demography” by Siegel and Swanson.
- Practice MCQs: Practice UGC NET Population Studies Previous Year Question Papers and mock tests.
- Pay Attention to Research Methodology: It’s an important part in Paper 2 and connected with Paper 1 as well.
- Stay Up-to-Date: Read reports such as Census data, NFHS (National Family Health Survey), UNFPA Reports, etc.
- Revision and Time Management: Give time for revision, especially for formulas, theories, and models.
Also Read: UGC NET Cut Off 2025
Career Opportunities after UGC NET Population Studies
Passing the UGC NET Population Studies exam ensures multiple career options that are interesting and challenging. Population Studies candidates are highly sought after in research, academia, public policy, international organizations, and the development field. Here’s an overview of the key career opportunities:
Assistant Professor/Lecturer
- Qualified to apply for Assistant Professor positions in universities and colleges.
- Teach Demography, Population Studies, and allied subjects.
Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Research
- Undertake funded Ph.D. research and research projects.
- Employment as Research Associates or Postdoctoral Fellows in demographic research institutes.
Government Jobs
- Employed with organizations such as Census of India, Ministry of Health, NITI Aayog, MoSPI.
- Designations are Demographer, Statistical Officer, Research Officer, Policy Analyst.
International Organizations
- Jobs with UNFPA, WHO, UNDP, World Bank.
- Positions such as Population Analyst, Research Consultant, Monitoring & Evaluation Expert.
NGOs and Development Sector
- Work in health, family planning, gender equity, migration, urbanization domains.
- Positions such as Program Officer, Field Research Coordinator, or Policy Advisor.
Data and Statistical Analysis
- As a Demographic Data Analyst or Social Statistician in research companies and consultancy firms.
Conclusion
UGC NET Population Studies 2025 is an excellent platform for demography’s potential researchers and academicians. It presents an opportunity to gain a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) or Assistant Professorship, paving the way to employment opportunities in teaching, research, government, international bodies, and development organizations. Through a defined UGC NET Population Studies 2025 syllabus and equitable exam scheme, applicants have every chance of passing this subject in the UGC NET December 2025 cycle. Regular practice, punctuality, and keeping abreast of demographic trends are essential to success.
UGC NET Population Studies 2025 FAQs
What is eligibility for UGC NET Population Studies 2025?
Candidates require a Master’s degree in Population Studies and the same branch as 55% marks in the General Category and 50% marks for the OBC/SC/ST/PwD/Third Gender category.
What is the pattern of the UGC NET Population Studies 2025 exam?
The exam is divided into two papers: Paper I (General Aptitude) containing 50 questions and Paper II (Subject-Specific) containing 100 questions. Both are MCQ type, adding up to 300 marks.
What does the UGC NET Population Studies 2025 Syllabus include?
Major topics are demographic theories, fertility, mortality, migration, population policies, sustainable development, and research methodology.
What is the marking scheme for UGC NET Population Studies 2025?
The marking scheme involves awarding 2 marks for every correct answer, with no negative marking for wrong answers.
