UGC NET Social Work Syllabus 2026 is set up by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for those who aspire to clear Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in Social Work. There are two papers in this syllabus. The first paper checks the teaching and research skills of candidates whereas the second one includes only the Social Work subject (Subject code: 10). By having good knowledge about the UGC NET Social Work Syllabus, candidates can prepare effectively as they know what type of concepts and theories are commonly asked in the exam.
UGC NET Social Work Syllabus 2026 Overview
UGC NET Social Work examination is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), which checks the eligibility of the candidates as an Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in the subject of Social Work. This exam will be held in the Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode, consisting of two papers held in one session of three hours. The first paper tests the ability of the candidate in teaching and research aptitude in the form of 50 questions, with 100 marks, while the second paper tests their subject knowledge in Social Work (Subject Code: 10).
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Name | UGC NET Social Work |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Subject Code | 10 |
| Papers | Paper 1 & Paper 2 |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Total Questions | 150 |
| Total Marks | 300 |
| Duration | 3Hours |
| Paper 1 | 50 Questions (100 Marks) |
| Paper 1 | 100 Questions (200 Marks) |
| Negative Marking | No |
UGC NET Social Work Exam Pattern 2026
UGC NET Social Work Exam Pattern is two papers held in a single session with an overall time limit of 3 hours. Both the papers have multiple choice type questions. Paper-I is common for all the students which is intended to assess the teaching and research aptitude, analytical reasoning, comprehension, communication abilities etc. It consists of 50 questions having total 100 marks. Paper-II has 100 questions worth of 200 marks related to the subject social work. Thus there are total 150 questions with 300 marks.
Check UGC NET Exam Pattern Here
| Paper | Subjects | Questions | Marks |
| Paper 1 | Teaching & Research Aptitude | 50 | 100 |
| Paper 2 | Social Work | 100 | 200 |
| Total | Both Papers | 150 | 300 |
UGC NET Social Work Syllabus Paper 1 2026
UGC NET Social Work Syllabus Paper 1 is a syllabus that is followed by all the candidates in every subject, which aims to test their capabilities for teaching, research, and analysis. This paper comprises of ten units such as Teaching Aptitude, Research Aptitude, Reading Comprehension, Communication, Reasoning, Data Interpretation, ICT, People and Environment, and Higher Education System. Understanding these units will help the candidates in enhancing their performance in the UGC NET examination.
| Unit | Topics |
| Unit I | Teaching Aptitude |
| Unit II | Research Aptitude |
| Unit III | Reading Comprehension |
| Unit IV | Communication |
| Unit V | Mathematical Reasoning & Aptitude |
| Unit VI | Logical Reasoning |
| Unit VII | Data Interpretation |
| Unit VIII | Information and Communication Technology (ICT) |
| Unit IX | People, Development and Environment |
| Unit X | Higher Education System |
UGC NET Social Work Syllabus Paper 2 2026
UGC NET Social Work Syllabus Paper 2 evaluates subject-specific knowledge in Social Work. It covers theoretical concepts, professional practice, research methodology, administration, welfare policies, legislation, and specialized practice areas.
| Unit | Key Topics |
| Unit 1
Nature & Development of Social Work |
Definition, principles, ethics, history, reformers, ideologies |
| Unit 2
Society, Human Behaviour & Communities |
Social institutions, socialization, development theories, community structure |
| Unit 3
Social Work with Individuals & Groups |
Case work, interviewing, recording, group dynamics, leadership |
| Unit 4
Communities & Social Action |
Community organization, participation, social action, NGOs, movements |
| Unit 5
Research in Social Work |
Quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods, sampling, statistics, ethics |
| Unit 6
Social Welfare Administration |
Administration, NGO management, planning, budgeting, evaluation |
| Unit 7
Social Policy & Development |
Social policy, planning, welfare state, development models |
| Unit 8
Constitution & Human Rights |
Preamble, Fundamental Rights, DPSP, social justice, advocacy |
| Unit 9
Areas of Practice I |
Medical social work, psychiatric social work, mental health, ageing, women & child welfare |
| Unit 10
Areas of Practice II |
Family welfare, social defence, juvenile justice, rehabilitation, child protection laws |
UGC NET Social Work Syllabus PDF Hindi and English
The UGC NET Social Work Syllabus PDF can be downloaded from the official website of NTA UGC NET. It is highly recommended that the candidates download the updated PDF since their preparation will be done based on the updated syllabus. The PDF consists of the list of units, sub-units, and the entire syllabus for paper 2 in both English and Hindi languages.
Download the UGC NET Social Work Syllabus PDF.
| UGC NET Social Work Syllabus | Download PDF |
| UGC NET Social Work Syllabus in English | Click Here |
| UGC NET Social Work Syllabus in Hindi | Click Here |
Preparation Tips for UGC NET Social Work Syllabus 2026
Candidates can improve their preparation by following these strategies:
- Complete the entire syllabus before starting revision.
- Focus on conceptual clarity instead of rote learning.
- Give extra attention to Research Methodology and Social Work Methods.
- Revise Social Legislations and Human Rights regularly.
- Solve previous years’ question papers.
- Attempt mock tests weekly.
- Prepare concise notes for every unit.
- Revise theories and models frequently.
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Conclusion
UGC NET Social Work Syllabus is a complete guideline that includes the topics related to professional social work practice, research methodology, administration, policy making, social justice, constitutional provisions, and specialized practice. Candidates who wish to appear for the post of Assistant Professor and JRF must prepare all units of the UGC NET Social Work Syllabus. It is advised that candidates must revise regularly and solve question papers from previous years to fetch maximum marks in the exam.
UGC NET Social Work Syllabus FAQs
Where can I download the UGC NET Social Work Syllabus PDF?
Candidates can download the official UGC NET Social Work Syllabus PDF from the UGC NET official website under the syllabus section for Subject Code 10.
How many units are included in the UGC NET Social Work Syllabus?
The UGC NET Social Work Syllabus for Paper 2 consists of 10 comprehensive units, covering the theoretical, practical, administrative, legal, and developmental aspects of Social Work.
Is the UGC NET Social Work Syllabus the same for Assistant Professor and JRF?
Yes. The UGC NET Social Work Syllabus is identical for candidates appearing for Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF). The qualifying cut-off differs, but the syllabus remains the same.
Which topics are most important in the UGC NET Social Work Syllabus?
The high-weightage topics in the UGC NET Social Work Syllabus include Social Work Methods, Research Methodology, Community Organization, Social Policy, Human Rights, Social Welfare Administration, Indian Constitution, Social Legislations, and Medical & Psychiatric Social Work.
