UGC NET History Syllabus 2026 is important for candidates preparing for the UGC NET December 2026 examination. History is one of the UGC NET subjects under Subject Code 06. The syllabus covers Indian history from the early period to post-independence India, along with historical sources, political and socio-economic developments, culture, research methodology and historiography.
Candidates preparing for JRF, Assistant Professor, or PhD admission through UGC NET should understand the complete syllabus before starting preparation. Paper 1 is common to all candidates, while Paper 2 tests subject-specific knowledge of History.
This page covers the UGC NET History Syllabus 2026, Paper 1 and Paper 2 syllabus, unit-wise topics, exam pattern, marking scheme, important topics, best books, coaching options and PYQs.
UGC NET History Syllabus 2026 December Overview
The UGC NET History examination has two papers. Paper 1 is common for all subjects and tests teaching and research aptitude, while Paper 2 is subject-specific and contains questions from History.
History Paper 2 has 10 units. The syllabus covers archaeological and literary sources, ancient India, early medieval India, medieval India, modern India, the national movement, post-independence India, historical methods, research methodology and historiography.
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Name | UGC NET December 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Subject | History |
| Subject Code | 06 |
| Papers | Paper 1 and Paper 2 |
| Paper 1 Questions | 50 |
| Paper 1 Marks | 100 |
| Paper 2 Questions | 100 |
| Paper 2 Marks | 200 |
| Total Questions | 150 |
| Total Marks | 300 |
| Exam Duration | 3 Hours / 180 Minutes |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Medium | English and Hindi, except language papers |
| Negative Marking | No |
UGC NET History Syllabus PDF 2026
Candidates should download and keep the latest UGC NET History syllabus PDF while preparing for the December 2026 examination. The syllabus should be used as the main checklist during preparation. Candidates can mark each topic after completing it and revise the same topics through PYQs and mock tests.
UGC NET History Syllabus 2026 PDF Free Download in English
To properly plan their preparation for the UGC NET History Exam 2026, candidates need to be completely familiar with the most recent UGC NET History Syllabus 2026. The detailed History NET syllabus PDF in English, which covers all the important topics needed for Paper 2, was published by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The UGC NET History Syllabus 2026 is now available for download in PDF format, which candidates can keep for reference during their preparation process. We are offering a direct download link for the UGC NET History syllabus 2026 PDF in English to make things simpler for applicants.
Download UGC NET History Syllabus 2026
UGC NET History Syllabus 2026 PDF Free Download in Hindi
The National Testing Agency (NTA) also offers the UGC NET History Syllabus 2026 in Hindi for applicants who would rather learn in that language. This makes it simpler for candidates who are learning Hindi to understand the subjects covered in the syllabus and to study for the exam. Candidates can access the UGC NET History Syllabus 2026 PDF free download in Hindi to plan their preparation by downloading it from the link below.
यूजीसी नेट इतिहास पाठ्यक्रम 2026 डाउनलोड करें
UGC NET Paper 1 Syllabus 2026 PDF
The objective of the UGC NET Paper 1 Syllabus 2026 is to evaluate the ability of an applicant for teaching and research aptitude. Every candidate hoping to pass the UGC NET History exam must understand the UGC NET History Syllabus 2026. Downloading the downloadable NET History syllabus PDF is essential for candidates studying for the UGC NET History exam in order to fully understand all of the UGC NET History units and topics, and subjects covered. The PDF is updated in accordance with the most recent NTA guidelines and includes a topic-wise breakdown.
UGC NET Syllabus Paper 1 PDF Download
UGC NET History Syllabus 2026 – Paper 1 Unit-Wise
Common to all subjects, including History, the UGC NET Paper 1 evaluates an applicant’s ability for both research and teaching. It will be easier for candidates to prepare strategically and successfully if they are aware of the Paper 1 syllabus, which is divided into topics, along with the detailed History NET syllabus PDF and the NTA NET History updated syllabus. The paper is conducted in the form of an objective multiple-choice question (MCQ), with 50 questions, a total of 100 marks. It must be finished in one hour. It is conducted together with Paper 2, and both papers take three hours to complete, following the History NET exam pattern 2026. Paper 1 has 10 units covering teaching aptitude, research aptitude, reasoning, communication, ICT, environment and higher education.
| Unit | Paper 1 Topic | Important Topics / Areas |
| Unit 1 | Teaching Aptitude | Teaching concept, objectives and characteristics; Levels of teaching; Learner characteristics; Factors affecting teaching; Methods of teaching; Teaching support systems; Evaluation systems |
| Unit 2 | Research Aptitude | Meaning and types of research; Research methods; Steps of research; Research ethics; Thesis and article writing; Referencing and research tools; ICT in research |
| Unit 3 | Comprehension | Reading comprehension; Understanding information and ideas presented in a passage; Answering questions based on the passage |
| Unit 4 | Communication | Meaning and types of communication; Effective communication; Barriers to communication; Classroom communication; Verbal and non-verbal communication; Mass media and communication |
| Unit 5 | Mathematical Reasoning and Aptitude | Number series; Ratio and proportion; Percentage; Profit and loss; Average; Time and distance; Mathematical reasoning; Basic quantitative aptitude |
| Unit 6 | Logical Reasoning | Arguments; Deductive and inductive reasoning; Analogy; Syllogism; Venn diagrams; Logical structures; Indian logic |
| Unit 7 | Data Interpretation | Tables; Bar graphs; Pie charts; Line graphs; Data comparison; Percentage-based data; Interpretation of quantitative information |
| Unit 8 | Information and Communication Technology (ICT) | ICT basics; Internet; E-mail; Digital learning; E-learning platforms; Online education; Digital initiatives; ICT in teaching and research |
| Unit 9 | People, Development and Environment | Sustainable development; Human-environment interaction; Pollution; Climate change; Environmental issues; Natural resources; Environmental policies and initiatives |
| Unit 10 | Higher Education System | Higher education in India; Institutions and regulatory bodies; Governance and administration; Policies related to higher education; Value education; Development of higher education in India |
UGC NET History Syllabus 2026 – Paper 2 Unit-Wise
UGC NET Paper 2 is the subject-specific History paper. It contains 100 questions for 200 marks. The History syllabus is divided into 10 units. The syllabus covers early Indian history, medieval India, modern India, national movement, post-independence developments, research methodology and historiography.
| Unit | Unit Title | Important Topics / Areas |
| Unit I | Negotiating the Sources | Archaeological sources; Exploration and excavation; Epigraphy; Numismatics; Dating of archaeological sites; Indigenous literary sources; Religious and secular literature; Primary and secondary sources; Greek, Chinese and Arabic accounts; Neolithic and Chalcolithic cultures; Settlement and food production; Harappan/Indus Civilization; Major Harappan sites; Settlement patterns; Craft specialization; Religion, society and polity; Decline of the Indus Civilization; Internal and external trade; First urbanization; Vedic and Later Vedic periods; Aryan debates; Political and social institutions; State structure; Varna and social stratification; Religious and philosophical ideas; Iron technology; Megalithic cultures; Mahajanapadas; Monarchical and republican states; Second urbanization; Jainism, Buddhism and Ajivikas |
| Unit II | State to Empire | Rise of Magadha; Alexander’s invasion; Mauryan Empire; Mauryan administration; Economy and society under the Mauryas; Ashoka and Dhamma; Post-Mauryan kingdoms; Indo-Greeks; Sakas; Kushanas; Satavahanas; Sangam Age; Trade and contacts with the Roman world; Gupta-Vakataka period; Gupta administration and economy; Art and culture; Harsha; Regional political developments |
| Unit III | Emergence of Regional Kingdoms | Regional kingdoms of India; Deccan and South Indian kingdoms; Political developments in North, East and West India; State formation; Administration; Agrarian economy; Land grants; Taxation; Peasantry; Trade and commerce; Ports and guilds; Temple institutions; Temple architecture; Education; Religion and society; Bhakti traditions; Early medieval historiographical debates |
| Unit IV | Sources and Political Developments in Medieval India | Sources of Medieval Indian History; Persian and regional sources; Delhi Sultanate; Establishment and expansion of the Sultanate; Administrative developments; Regional kingdoms; Vijayanagara Empire; Bahmani Kingdom; Deccan states; Mughal Empire; Mughal political developments; Maratha power; Major political and administrative developments |
| Unit V | Administration and Economy | Delhi Sultanate administration; Mughal administration; Administrative institutions; Revenue systems; Land revenue; Agriculture; Irrigation; Rural economy; Industries and handicrafts; Trade and commerce; Internal and external trade; Currency and monetary systems; Markets; Famines; Peasant movements; Vijayanagara administration and economy; Maratha administration |
| Unit VI | Society and Culture | Social organization; Sufi traditions; Bhakti movement; Sikh movement; Religious and philosophical developments; Position of women; Education; Literature; Art and architecture; Painting; Music; Cultural developments; Regional cultural traditions |
| Unit VII | Sources of Modern Indian History | Sources of Modern Indian History; Archival materials; Biographies and memoirs; Newspapers; Oral evidence; Foreign accounts; Creative literature; Paintings and monuments; Coins and material sources; European traders; Portuguese; Dutch; French; British; Expansion of British power; British relations with Indian states; Bengal; Oudh; Hyderabad; Mysore; Carnatic; Punjab; Revolt of 1857; Causes of the Revolt; Nature and impact of the Revolt; Company administration; Crown administration; Constitutional developments |
| Unit VIII | Colonial Economy and Society | Colonial economy; Land revenue systems; Agriculture; Commercialization of agriculture; British industrial policy; Handicrafts; Trade; Banking; Transport; Railways; Urbanization; Labour; Peasant movements; Tribal movements; Social reform movements; Educational developments; Women and social reform; Press and public opinion; Changes in Indian society under colonial rule |
| Unit IX | National Movement and Post-Independence India | Rise of Indian nationalism; Formation of the Indian National Congress; Early nationalist movement; Extremist phase; Swadeshi movement; Home Rule movement; Gandhian movements; Non-Cooperation Movement; Civil Disobedience Movement; Quit India Movement; Revolutionary movements; Subhas Chandra Bose; Indian National Army; Constitutional developments; Communal politics; Partition; Independence; Integration of princely states; Making of the Indian Constitution; Features of the Constitution; Bureaucracy; Linguistic reorganization of states; Centre-State relations; Economic policies and planning; Development and displacement; Tribal issues; Foreign policy; Panchsheel; Emergency; Liberalisation, Privatisation and Globalisation; Post-independence political and economic developments |
| Unit X | Historical Method, Research Methodology and Historiography | Scope and importance of History; Objectivity and bias; Heuristics; Historical criticism; Synthesis and presentation; History and auxiliary sciences; History as a science, art or social science; Causation in History; Imagination in History; Regional history; Recent trends in Indian History; Research methodology; Hypothesis; Selection of research area; Data collection; Primary and secondary sources; Original and derivative sources; Trends in historical research; Recent Indian historiography; Selection of research topic; Note-taking; References; Footnotes; Bibliography; Thesis and assignment writing; Plagiarism; Intellectual dishonesty; History writing; Greek and Roman historiography; Church historiography; Renaissance and history writing; Positive and negative schools of historical writing; Von Ranke; Marxist philosophy of history; Scientific materialism; Oswald Spengler; Arnold Joseph Toynbee; Post-modernism |
Check Complete UGC NET Syllabus 2026
UGC NET History Exam Pattern 2026
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially released the History NET exam pattern 2026, which follows the same format as previous years. Candidates must understand the exam format in order to plan their preparation and concentrate on both Paper 1 (General) and Paper 2 (History Subject). Both tests are conducted using the Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode in a single session.
| Paper | Marks | Number of Questions | Duration | Syllabus Coverage |
| Paper 1 | 100 | 50 (General Teaching & Research Aptitude) | 3 Hours (Combined) | Common for all subjects |
| Paper 2 | 200 | 100 (Subject-specific) | History-specific |
View UGC NET Exam Pattern 2026
UGC NET History Marking Scheme 2026
Since there is no negative marking, candidates can attempt questions after eliminating clearly incorrect options. The UGC NET marking scheme is simple:
- Each question carries 2 marks.
- A correct answer gives +2 marks.
- There is no negative marking for an incorrect answer.
- No marks are awarded for an unanswered question.
- No marks are awarded for a question marked for review without a valid answer.
- The maximum marks are 300 for both papers together.
Important NTA UGC NET History Topics 2026
NTA does not officially prescribe a fixed unit-wise weightage for History. Therefore, candidates should not completely skip any unit. However, while planning revision, the following areas deserve special attention because they cover major portions of the syllabus:
| Section | Important Topics |
| Ancient and Early India | Indus Valley Civilization; Vedic Age; Mahajanapadas; Jainism and Buddhism; Mauryan Empire; Ashoka and Dhamma; Post-Mauryan kingdoms; Gupta period; Sangam Age; Sources of Ancient Indian History |
| Medieval India | Delhi Sultanate; Vijayanagara Empire; Bahmani Kingdom; Mughal Empire; Mughal administration; Revenue systems; Bhakti movement; Sufi traditions; Sikh movement; Medieval art and architecture; Trade and economy |
| Modern India | European trading companies; Expansion of British power; British administration; Revolt of 1857; Colonial economy; Land revenue systems; Social and religious reform movements; Rise of nationalism; Indian National Congress; Gandhian movements; Revolutionary movements; Subhas Chandra Bose and INA; Partition and Independence |
| Post-Independence India | Constitution; Integration of princely states; Linguistic reorganization; Economic planning; Foreign policy; Panchsheel; Centre-State relations; Emergency; Liberalisation, Privatisation and Globalisation |
| Historiography and Research | Historical sources; Objectivity and bias; Historical criticism; Research methodology; Primary and secondary sources; Hypothesis; Bibliography and footnotes; Plagiarism; Ranke; Marxist historiography; Spengler; Toynbee; Post-modernism |
UGC NET Best Books for December Exam 2026
Choosing the right study material is important for UGC NET History December 2026 preparation. The JRFAdda UGC NET History Book Handwritten Notes is designed for Paper 2 aspirants. It covers Ancient, Medieval, Modern and World History through handwritten notes prepared by experienced teachers and JRF-qualified experts. The book also includes previous-year solved papers and a question bank to help candidates practise and revise important topics.
| Particulars | Details |
| Book Name | UGC NET History Book Handwritten Notes |
| Publisher | JRFAdda |
| Suitable For | UGC NET History Paper 2 |
| Content | Ancient, Medieval, Modern and World History |
| Study Material | Topic-wise handwritten notes |
| Practice Material | Solved previous-year papers and question bank |
| Language | Hindi and English |
| Price listed | ₹2,999 |
Buy JRFAdda UGC NET History Book Handwritten Notes
Best UGC NET History Coaching Online and Offline 2026
Candidates can choose online or offline coaching according to their study schedule, location and learning needs.
UGC NET History Online Coaching 2026
JRFAdda currently lists History courses for the December 2026 cycle, including an ATOM 2026 History Paper 1 + Paper 2 batch. Its History course page also lists History test series and other preparation programmes. Online coaching can be useful for candidates who want:
- Live classes
- Recorded lectures
- Digital notes
- PYQ discussions
- Mock tests
- Revision classes
- Doubt-solving support
ATOM Dec 2026 UGC NET History Batch Paper 2 – Enroll Now
UGC NET History Offline Coaching 2026
Offline coaching can be useful for candidates who prefer classroom learning, fixed study schedules and direct interaction with teachers. JRFAdda also offers an Offline Foundation Batch 2026 for the December cycle in Jaipur, covering Paper 1 and Paper 2 with classroom coaching, study material, tests and mentoring. Candidates should compare the syllabus coverage, faculty, study material, PYQs, test series, class schedule.
UGC NET History Previous Year Question Papers
Previous Year Question Papers are an important part of UGC NET History preparation. Candidates should solve PYQs after completing every major unit rather than waiting until the end of the preparation. PYQs can help candidates understand the type of questions asked from Ancient History, Medieval History, Modern History, National Movement, Post-Independence India and Historiography.
UGC NET Previous Year Question Papers
Conclusion
The UGC NET History Syllabus 2026 covers a wide range of topics from early Indian history to post-independence India. Along with political history, candidates need to prepare social, economic and cultural developments, historical sources, research methodology and historiography. For the December 2026 examination, candidates should first complete the 10 units of Paper 2, regularly practise History PYQs and simultaneously prepare the 10 units of Paper 1. The syllabus should remain the main checklist throughout preparation. Candidates should also revise the exam pattern and marking scheme regularly so that they can plan their time effectively during the three-hour examination.
