UGC NET 2025 is a competitive national examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the University Grants Commission (UGC) to determine eligibility for Assistant Professor posts and for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in Indian universities and colleges. The UGC NET Application Form 2025 for the December session is expected to be released in the last week of September 2025, with the application deadline tentatively in October 2025. Once the application process is completed, candidates must shift their focus entirely toward preparation for the UGC NET 2025 December examination, which will be conducted in various exam centers across India, likely in the first week of January 2026, as per NTA’s academic calendar.
Also Read: UGC NET
UGC NET 2025 Eligibility Criteria
The National Testing Agency conducts the UGC NET 2025 to determine Indian nationals’ eligibility for Assistant Professor, Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in Indian universities and colleges. Candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements in order to apply for the exam:
UGC NET Educational Qualification 2025
Candidates must hold a postgraduate degree in a relevant field from a recognized university in order to be eligible for UGC NET 2025. Depending on the candidate’s category, different percentages of marks are needed. Below is a detailed overview of the UGC NET educational qualification 2025 criteria for the UGC NET 2025:
| Criteria | Details |
| Minimum Qualification | Master’s Degree or equivalent from a recognized university/institution |
| Minimum Marks Required | General/Unreserved/General-EWS: 55% aggregate in Master’s degree
OBC-NCL/SC/ST/PwD/Third Gender: 50% aggregate |
| Subjects Accepted | Humanities (including languages), Social Sciences, Computer Science & Applications, Electronic Science, etc. |
| Candidates in Final Year | Candidates appearing in the final year of their Master’s degree (or waiting for results) can also apply. |
Foreign Degree Holders
Candidates with foreign Master’s degrees should have their qualifications approved by the Association of Indian Universities.
UGC NET 2025 Age Limit
The UGC NET 2025 age limit criteria differ for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Assistant Professor eligibility. The table below provides the detailed UGC NET age limit criteria:
| Purpose | Maximum Age |
| JRF | Not more than 30 years |
| Assistant Professor | No upper age limit |
Also Read: UGC NET Age Limit
UGC NET 2025 Relaxation
For candidates in reserved categories, women, and those with relevant qualifications or previous experience, the UGC NET 2025 provides age relaxation. These relaxations are applied overall, where applicable, to ensure inclusive opportunities for all eligible candidates. The detailed relaxation criteria are as follows:
| Category / Criteria | Age Relaxation | Remarks |
| OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD, Third Gender, Women | Up to 5 years | Cumulative, applicable even if the candidate qualifies under multiple categories |
| Candidates with research experience | Up to 5 years | Limited to actual period spent on research, subject to verification |
| Candidates with LLM degree | Up to 3 years | Additional to other applicable relaxations |
| Armed Forces personnel (Ex-servicemen) | Up to 5 years | Applicable based on duration of service in the armed forces |
Also Read: UGC NET Eligibility 2025
UGC NET 2025 Exam Pattern
The UGC NET exam consists of two papers—Paper 1 and Paper 2 which were conducted in a single session using a Computer-Based Test (CBT) format. Here’s a breakdown of the Paper 1 and Paper 2:
| Paper | Subjects Covered | Number of Questions | Total Marks | Duration |
| Paper 1 | General Aptitude (Teaching & Research) | 50 | 100 | 1 hour |
| Paper 2 | Subject-Specific (Postgraduate Specialization) | 100 | 200 | 2 hours |
| Total | Both Papers Combined | 150 | 300 | 3 hours |
Also Read: UGC NET Exam Pattern 2025
UGC NET Syllabus 2025
The UGC NET syllabus 2025 is divided into two papers. Paper 1 tests general aptitude, while Paper 2 is subject-specific and based on the candidate’s postgraduate specialization. Below is a detailed outline:
UGC NET Paper 1 Syllabus (General Aptitude)
This paper assesses the candidate’s teaching and research aptitude, reasoning ability, comprehension, and general awareness.
| Unit | Topics |
| Teaching Aptitude | Nature, objectives, and characteristics of teaching; learner characteristics; methods of teaching; evaluation systems. |
| Research Aptitude | Research meaning, characteristics, and types; steps of research; methods of research; research ethics; thesis and article writing. |
| Reading Comprehension | A passage to assess analytical and interpretative skills. |
| Communication | Communication types, barriers, and effective classroom communication. |
| Mathematical Reasoning | Number series, coding-decoding, and logical sequences. |
| Logical Reasoning | Venn diagrams, syllogisms, and verbal reasoning. |
| Data Interpretation | Interpretation and analysis of data in tabular, graphical, or chart format. |
| Information & Communication Technology (ICT) | Basics of computers, the internet, e-learning, ICT tools, and governance. |
| People, Development, and Environment | Environmental issues, sustainable development, policies, and initiatives. |
| Higher Education System | Policies, governance, administration, history, and the role of higher education in India. |
Also Read: UGC NET Syllabus 2025
UGC NET Paper 2 Syllabus (Subject-Specific)
Paper 2 is based on the subject chosen by the candidate. It includes detailed topics related to their postgraduate study. Here are some examples for popular subjects:
| Subject | Key Topics |
| Economics | Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Development Economics, International Economics, Econometrics, Business Economics |
| Political Science | Political Theory, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Indian Government and Politics, Political Institutions |
| History | Ancient, Medieval, and Modern Indian History, World History, National Movements, Colonial Economy |
| Commerce | Business Environment, Financial Management, Marketing, Accounting, Auditing, Strategic Management |
| English | Literary Movements, Major Authors (Shakespeare, Chaucer), Literary Criticism, Indian English Literature |
| Sociology | Sociological Theories, Social Change, Indian Society, Social Stratification, Research Methods |
| Philosophy | Indian Philosophy, Western Philosophy, Ethics, Logic, Metaphysics |
| Psychology | Behavioral Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Social Psychology, Research Methods |
| Public Administration | Administrative Theory, Indian Administration, Public Policy, Governance, Decentralization |
| Education | Educational Psychology, Curriculum Development, Educational Technology, Teacher Education |
| Anthropology | Cultural Anthropology, Physical Anthropology, Archaeology, Social Anthropology |
| Mathematics | Algebra, Real Analysis, Linear Algebra, Topology, Differential Equations, Number Theory |
| Geography | Physical Geography, Human Geography, Geographic Techniques, Environmental Geography |
| Law | Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, International Law, Human Rights, Legal Theory |
| Mass Communication & Journalism | Media Theories, Communication Models, Journalism Ethics, Mass Media Laws |
| Management | Organizational Behavior, Marketing Management, Financial Management, Human Resource Management |
| Library & Information Science | Information Sources, Cataloguing, Classification, Information Retrieval, Digital Libraries |
| Linguistics | Phonetics, Syntax, Semantics, Sociolinguistics, Psycholinguistics |
| Botany | Plant Physiology, Genetics, Taxonomy, Ecology, Molecular Biology |
| Zoology | Animal Physiology, Genetics, Evolution, Ecology, Cell Biology |
| Computer Science & Applications | Algorithms, Data Structures, Computer Networks, Database Management, Software Engineering |
| Environmental Science | Ecology, Environmental Pollution, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Laws |
UGC NET Syllabus Paper 1 PDF & UGC NET Syllabus Paper 2 PDF
UGC NET Marking Scheme and Mode of Examination 2025
The UGC NET exam follows a clear and straightforward marking system and mode of examination is Computer Based Test (Online):
| Aspect | Details |
| Correct Answer | +2 marks for each correct answer |
| Incorrect Answer | No negative marking for incorrect answers |
| Total Marks | 300 marks (100 for Paper 1, 200 for Paper 2) |
| Mode of Examination | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Question Type | Objective (Multiple-Choice Questions) |
| Language | Bilingual (English and Hindi) |
| Session | Single session for both papers |
UGC NET 2025 Admit Card Download
UGC NET Admit Card 2025 for the December session will be issued approximately 7 to 10 days before the exam. For the December 2025 session, the admit card is expected to be released by the third week of December 2025, so candidates should regularly check the official portal to stay updated and download their admit cards promptly.
Also Read: UGC NET Admit Card 2025
UGC NET 2025 Exam Date
The National Testing Agency (NTA) will officially announce the UGC NET December exam dates 2025 in due course. As per the expected schedule, the UGC NET December 2025 exam will be conducted in computer-based test (CBT) mode at multiple exam centers across India, likely in the first week of January 2026.
Also Read: UGC NET Exam Date 2025
UGC NET Previous Year Questions
UGC NET Previous Year Questions are original questions that were asked while conducting previous UGC NET exams. They include Paper 1 (Teaching & Research Aptitude — general for all), and Paper 2 (subject-related). Practicing PYQs makes you familiar with patterns and schemes in the exams, key topics, and difficulty levels.
Also Read: UGC NET Previous Year Question Papers
UGC NET 2025 Exam Timing
There will be two shifts per day for the Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode of the UGC NET 2025 exam. The exam shift, reporting time, and other instructions mentioned on the admit card must be understood by the candidates. Following the exam schedule exactly is essential to preventing disqualification or admission denial. The UGC NET Admit Card 2025 and a valid photo ID are among the documents that candidates should bring to the exam site well in advance of the reporting time.
Also Read: UGC NET Exam Timing 2025
Conclusion
UGC NET 2025 is a highly significant opportunity for aspirants aiming to become Assistant Professors or pursue research through the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in Indian universities and colleges. With the UGC NET 2025 exam expected to be held in the first week of January 2026, candidates must now focus on smart revision, effective time management, mock test practice, and strengthening conceptual clarity. Perform well in Paper 1 and your chosen Paper 2 subject to maximize your chances of success. Stay calm, consistent, and clear-headed—success follows preparation. For those who couldn’t qualify in the June session, this UGC NET 2025 December cycle offers a fresh chance to achieve your academic goals.
UGC NET 2025 FAQs
Can I apply for both Assistant Professor and JRF?
Yes, candidates can apply for both JRF and Assistant Professor, provided they meet the respective eligibility and age criteria.
What is the minimum age limit for JRF in UGC NET 2025?
The maximum age for a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) is 30 years old. Eligibility to be an Assistant Professor has no upper age limit.
When will the UGC NET Admit Card 2025 be released?
It is expected that the UGC NET 2025 Admit Card will be made available on the official NTA during the third week of December 2025.
How many times is the UGC NET conducted in a year?
UGC NET is conducted twice a year – June and December sessions.
