UGC NET is a prestigious national-level examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) to determine the eligibility of candidates for the posts of Assistant Professor and for the award of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in Indian universities and colleges. The exam assesses candidates’ teaching aptitude, research skills, and subject-specific knowledge, making it a gateway to promising careers in academics and research. With a well-structured exam pattern and a wide range of subjects, UGC NET December 2025 offers aspiring educators and researchers a significant opportunity to establish themselves in the field of higher education.

Also Read: UGC NET 2025

What is UGC NET?

The UGC NET is a qualifying exam that evaluates a candidate’s research, teaching, and subject-specific knowledge skills. It covers 85 subjects and is held twice a year in June and December. In order to be hired as an assistant professor at Indian colleges and universities and to be eligible for JRF grants for research, candidates must pass this exam.

Clearing the UGC NET 2026 makes candidates eligible for:

• The post of Assistant Professor in Indian universities and colleges.
• The prestigious Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), which provides financial support for doctoral and post-doctoral research.

Also Read: UGC NET Selection Procedure 2025

UGC NET Full Form

UGC NET stands for University Grants Commission – National Eligibility Test. It is a national exam conducted by NTA on behalf of UGC, a statutory body under the Indian government’s Ministry of Education. Eligibility for Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) positions in Indian colleges and universities is determined by the exam. Two papers—Paper 1 (teaching/research aptitude) and Paper 2 (subject-specific knowledge) are used to assess postgraduate candidates. In India’s higher education system, UGC NET is essential to maintaining academic standards and encouraging high-caliber research and instruction. 

Exam Detail	Description
Full Form	University Grants Commission – National Eligibility Test
Conducting Body	National Testing Agency (NTA)
Organising Authority	University Grants Commission (UGC), India
Exam Frequency	Twice a Year (June & December)
Mode of Examination	Online (Computer-Based Test)
Exam Duration	3 Hours (No Break Between Papers)
Number of Papers	2 No. of Papers: Paper I (General) & Paper II (Subject Specific)
Total Marks	300 (Paper I – 100, Paper II – 200)
Subjects Offered	85+ Subjects
Eligibility Criteria	Master’s Degree with 55% (50% for SC/ST/OBC)
Age Limit for JRF	Max 30 Years (Relaxation for Reserved Categories)
Age Limit for Assistant Professor	No Age Limit
Official Website	ugcnet.nta.ac.in

Also Read: JRF Full Form 2025

UGC NET Important Dates: June & December Sessions

Event	December 2025 Session	June 2026 Session
Notification Release Date	7 October 2025	To Be Announced (TBA)
Application Start Date	7 October 2025	TBA
Last Date to Apply	7 November 2025 (Closed)	TBA
Fee Payment Deadline	7 November 2025 (Closed)	TBA
Application Correction Window	10- 12 November 2025 (Closed)	TBA
Admit Card Release	4th week of December 2025	TBA
Exam Dates	31 December 2025- 7 January 2026	TBA
Answer Key Release	February 2026	TBA
Result Declaration	February 2026	TBA

Also Read: UGC NET Notification 2025

UGC NET 2026 Exam for Which Job?

The UGC NET 2026 (University Grants Commission – National Eligibility Test) is an important exam for candidates aspiring to build a career in the field of higher education and research in India. It primarily serves as a gateway for two important roles:

Assistant Professor

Candidates can apply for assistant professor positions in Indian colleges and universities after passing the UGC NET exam. Teaching undergraduate and graduate students, supervising research projects, and advancing academic advancement are all part of this role. Candidates who apply for Assistant Professor positions using their UGC NET qualification have no upper age limit.

Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)

UGC NET provides research opportunities in addition to teaching. Those who pass the JRF eligibility exam are awarded fellowship grants to fund their research, which typically results in a PhD or other advanced degree. By providing financial support, this fellowship enables scholars to concentrate fully on their research. With exceptions for reserved categories, the maximum age limit for JRF is 30 years old.

Why is UGC NET Important for Jobs?

The UGC NET exam is a nationally recognized eligibility requirement for hiring assistant professors and for granting junior research fellowships in Indian universities and colleges. The UGC NET qualification has been regarded as an indicator of academic excellence and subject-matter expertise by research organizations and higher education institutions.

Also Read: UGC NET Salary 2025

UGC NET Career Options

Several fulfilling career paths in academia and research throughout India are made possible by passing the University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test or UGC NET. The following are well-known career paths open to UGC NET qualified applicants:

College and university assistant professors

You can work as an assistant professor at universities, colleges, and other educational establishments across India if you pass the UGC NET exam. This position includes mentoring students, developing curriculum, teaching, and participating in the academic community.

Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)

Research in their chosen field can be pursued full-time by candidates who meet the requirements for JRF. Scholars can concentrate on their research without  financial worries to the fellowship’s financial support for doctoral studies (PhD) or other advanced research projects.

Research Scientist/Research Associate

You can work as a Research Associate or Research Scientist in a variety of research organizations, academic institutions, government agencies, and private sector research centers after earning your UGC NET qualification.

PhD and Post-Doctoral Research 

UGC NET JRF holders are eligible to apply for prestigious post-doctoral research positions supported by both domestic and foreign organizations, as well as to enroll in PhD programs at top colleges and universities.

Government Jobs and Higher Education Institutes

Candidates with UGC NET qualifications are needed for research, teaching, and academic administration positions in a number of government agencies, public sector projects, and higher education organizations.

Content Development and Educational Publishing

Additionally, qualified candidates can look into opportunities in curriculum design, educational publishing, and content writing, contributing to textbooks, e-learning platforms, and academic materials.

Also Read: Career Options After UGC NET

Difference Between UGC NET and CSIR NET

The CSIR NET and UGC NET are esteemed national eligibility exams conducted in India to determine a candidate’s suitability for research fellowships and lectureships. However, they differ significantly in their scope, subjects, conducting bodies, and eligibility criteria.

spect	UGC NET	CSIR NET
Full Form	University Grants Commission – National Eligibility Test	Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Eligibility Test
Conducting Body	National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of UGC	CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research)
Scope of Subjects	Primarily humanities, social sciences, commerce, management, education, and some science subjects	Science subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Life Sciences, Earth Sciences, and Mathematical Sciences
Purpose	To determine eligibility for Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in universities and colleges across India	To determine eligibility for JRF and Lectureship in scientific research and academic institutions
Frequency	Twice a year (June and December sessions)	Usually once a year (typically in June)
Eligibility Criteria	Master’s degree in relevant subject with minimum 55% marks (50% for reserved categories)	Master’s degree in science subjects with at least 55% marks (50% for reserved categories)
Exam Pattern	Two papers – Paper I (General Aptitude), Paper II (Subject Specific)	Single paper based on the candidate’s chosen science subject area
Career Opportunities	Assistant Professor, JRF, research and teaching roles in arts, commerce, social sciences, education, and science	JRF and Lectureship in scientific research, R&D organizations, universities, and government labs

Also Read: Difference Between CSIR NET and UGC NET

UGC NET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

The University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) is a highly competitive exam that sets the standard for determining eligibility for Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) positions in Indian universities and colleges. Candidates must meet specific eligibility requirements, such as age restrictions and educational requirements, in order to qualify for the UGC NET 2026.

UGC NET 2026 Educational Qualification

• Candidates must have graduated from an accredited university or institution with a Master’s degree or its equivalent.
• The degree must be in one of the subjects covered in the UGC NET curriculum.
• For candidates in the general category, a minimum cumulative score of 55% is needed for the Master’s degree.
• There is a 5% relaxation for candidates who fall into the SC, ST, OBC (Non-Creamy Layer), PwD, and Third Gender categories; therefore, they need to have received at least 50% of the possible score.
• Applicants may also be those who have taken their final year or semester exam and are awaiting their results. However, before being awarded the JRF or Assistant Professor position, they must finish their Master’s degree with the required marks. 

UGC NET 2026 Age Limit

• Junior Research Fellowship (JRF): Maximum age limit is 30 years as of the exam date. Age relaxation is provided as per government norms:
  • Up to 5 years for SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/PwD/Third Gender candidates.
  • Up to 3 years for female candidates.
• Assistant Professor: There is no upper age limit to apply for Assistant Professor eligibility.

Also Read: UGC NET Age Limit

Nationality for UGC NET 2026

The applicant needs to be a citizen of India. Candidates of other nationalities may, however, participate if they fulfill the requirements established by the organizing body.

Other Important Points

• Candidates with a professional degree that has been considered to be 55% equivalent to a Master’s degree are also eligible.
• The relaxation of eligibility requirements strictly complies with government and UGC regulations.
• Candidates must choose the subject of their Master’s degree for Paper II of the exam.

Also Read: UGC NET Eligibility Criteria 2025

UGC NET 2026 Exam Pattern

The purpose of the UGC NET exam is to evaluate applicants’ suitability for Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) positions in Indian colleges and universities. Effective preparation requires an understanding of the exam pattern. A overview of the UGC NET 2026 Exam Pattern is provided below:

Exam Pattern Aspect	Details
Mode of Exam	Online (Computer-Based Test)
Number of Papers	2 Papers (Paper I & Paper II)
Exam Duration	3 Hours (No break between Paper I & II)
Question Type	Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Number of Questions	Paper I: 50 questions Paper II: 100 questions
Marks per Question	2 marks per question
Total Marks	Paper I: 100 marks Paper II: 200 marks
Negative Marking	None
Paper I Syllabus	Teaching Aptitude, Research Aptitude, Reading Comprehension, Communication, Reasoning, ICT, People & Environment, Higher Education System
Paper II Syllabus	Subject-specific based on candidate’s chosen subject (85+ subjects available)
Exam Frequency	Twice a Year (June and December sessions)

Also Read: UGC NET Exam Pattern 2025

UGC NET 2026 Syllabus

The UGC NET syllabus 2026 is intended to evaluate candidates’ subject-specific knowledge in addition to their general teaching and research skills. To maintain relevance and alignment with contemporary academic standards, the National Testing Agency (NTA) updates the syllabus on a regular basis.

Before starting their preparation, candidates are encouraged to carefully go through the official UGC NET Syllabus 2026 that is posted on the official UGC NET website and here. There are two papers in the UGC NET 2026 exam:

UGC NET Paper 1 General Paper

UGC NET 2026 Paper 1 is a general paper that is common for all candidates:

• It includes subjects like teaching aptitude, research aptitude, reading comprehension, communication, reasoning, logical thinking, information and communication technology (ICT), people and the environment, and the higher education system. 
• This exam assesses the candidate’s awareness of the educational environment as well as their comprehension of the teaching and research processes.

UGC NET Paper 2 – Subject Specific

Paper 2 of the UGC NET 2026 exam is based on the candidate’s chosen discipline:

• Paper 2 has a total of 85 courses in the arts, humanities, social sciences, commerce, science, and other subjects.
• In-depth knowledge of the subject is evaluated in this paper.

Also Read: UGC NET Syllabus 2025

UGC NET Paper 1 Syllabus Topics

Paper 1 of the UGC NET 2026 is a general paper, and the UGC NET Paper 1 syllabus covers the following topics:

Topic	Details
Teaching Aptitude	Understanding teaching-learning processes, objectives, methods, and evaluation
Research Aptitude	Research methods, steps, ethics, types, and research proposal writing
Reading Comprehension	Understanding, analyzing, and interpreting texts
Communication	Types, barriers, effective communication, and academic communication
Reasoning (Including Mathematical)	Logical reasoning, analytical reasoning, numerical ability, and problem-solving
Logical Reasoning	Patterns, sequences, analogies, and critical thinking
Data Interpretation	Graphs, tables, charts, and data analysis
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)	Basics of computer knowledge, internet, software, and digital resources
People and Environment	Environmental awareness, sustainable development, and social issues
Higher Education System	Structure, governance, policies, and challenges in Indian higher education

UGC NET Paper 2 Syllabus

The UGC NET Paper 2 is subject-based and covers a total of 85 subjects. The subjects under UGC NET 2026 are as follows:

Subject Code	Subject	Brief Syllabus
1	Economics	Micro & Macro Economics, Indian Economy, Public Finance, International Economics
2	Political Science	Political Theory, Indian Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations
3	Sociology	Sociological Theories, Indian Society, Research Methods, Social Change
4	History	Ancient, Medieval, Modern Indian History, World History, Historiography
5	Commerce	Accounting, Business Law, Finance, Marketing, Management
6	Education	Philosophy of Education, Psychology, Curriculum Studies, Educational Technology
7	English	British Literature, American Literature, Literary Theory, Linguistics
8	Hindi	Hindi Literature, Grammar, Modern Poetry & Prose, Literary Criticism
9	Philosophy	Indian & Western Philosophy, Logic, Ethics, Contemporary Indian Thought
10	Geography	Physical Geography, Human Geography, Geographical Thought, GIS & Remote Sensing
11	Law	Constitutional Law, Jurisprudence, IPC, International Law, Environmental Law
12	Psychology	Cognitive Psychology, Social Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Research Methods
13	Library and Information Science	Information Sources, Services, Management, IT Applications
14	Management	Organizational Behavior, HRM, Marketing, Finance, Strategic Management
15	Bengali	Bengali Literature, Language, Grammar, Criticism
16	Hindi (Second Paper)	Advanced Hindi Language & Literature topics
17	Anthropology	Physical Anthropology, Social Anthropology, Archaeological Anthropology
18	Commerce (Second Paper)	Advanced Topics in Commerce & Business Studies
19	Economics (Second Paper)	Advanced Economics and Applied Economics Topics
20	History (Second Paper)	Specialization in Indian/World History
21	Home Science	Food & Nutrition, Human Development, Family Studies, Textile
22	Kannada	Kannada Literature, Criticism, Grammar
23	Malayalam	Malayalam Literature, Criticism, Grammar
24	Odia	Odia Literature, Language, Poetics
25	Punjabi	Punjabi Literature, Language, Literary Movements
26	Sanskrit	Vedic Literature, Classical Sanskrit, Grammar, Poetry
27	Tamil	Tamil Literature, Grammar, Classical & Modern Texts
28	Telugu	Telugu Literature, Grammar, Poetics
29	Urdu	Urdu Poetry & Prose, Grammar, Literary History
30	Arabic	Classical & Modern Arabic, Translation, Grammar

Also Read: UGC NET Political Science Syllabus 2025

UGC NET 2026 Subjects List – Paper 2 (85)

Candidates can appear in the subject of their post-graduation choice because UGC NET Paper 2 is subject-specific and covers 85 different subjects. Paper 2 evaluates the applicant’s basic knowledge of the theories, concepts, and research skills associated with their field of study. The NTA assigns a distinct subject code to each subject, which candidates must carefully select when completing the UGC NET Application Form 2025.

S. No.	Subject	Subject Code
1	Adult Education/Continuing Education/Andragogy/Non-Formal Education	46
2	Anthropology	7
3	Arab Culture and Islamic Studies	49
4	Arabic	29
5	Archaeology	67
6	Assamese	36
7	Bengali	19
8	Bodo	94
9	Buddhist, Jaina, Gandhian, and Peace Studies	60
10	Chinese	32
11	Commerce	8
12	Comparative Literature	72
13	Comparative Study of Religions	62
14	Computer Science and Applications	87
15	Criminology	68
16	Defence and Strategic Studies	11
17	Dogri	33
18	Economics / Rural Economics / Co-operation / Demography / Development Planning / Development Studies / Econometrics / Applied Economics / Development Economics / Business Economics	1
19	Education	9
20	Electronic Science	88
21	English	30
22	Environmental Sciences	89
23	Folk Literature	71
24	Forensic Science	82
25	French (French Version)	39
26	Geography	80
27	German	44
28	Gujarati	37
29	Hindi	20
30	Hindu Studies	102
31	History	6
32	Home Science	12
33	Human Rights and Duties	92
34	Indian Culture	50
35	Indian Knowledge System	103
36	Japanese	45
37	Kannada	21
38	Kashmiri	84
39	Konkani	85
40	Labour Welfare / Personnel Management / Industrial Relations/ Labour and Social Welfare / HR Management	55
41	Law	58
42	Library and Information Science	59
43	Linguistics	31
44	Maithili	18
45	Malayalam	22
46	Management (including Business Admin., Marketing, HR, Financial, and Cooperative Management)	17
47	Manipuri	35
48	Marathi	38
49	Mass Communication and Journalism	63
50	Museology & Conservation	66
51	Music	16
52	Nepali	34
53	Oriya	23
54	Pali	83
55	Performing Art – Dance/Drama/Theatre	65
56	Persian	42
57	Philosophy	3
58	Physical Education	47
59	Political Science	2
60	Politics including International Relations/International Studies, Defence/Strategic Studies, Area Studies	90
61	Population Studies	15
62	Prakrit	91
63	Psychology	4
64	Public Administration	14
65	Punjabi	24
66	Rajasthani	43
67	Russian	41
68	Sanskrit	25
69	Sanskrit traditional subjects (including Jyotisha/Sidhanta Jyotish/Navya Vyakarna/Vyakarna/Mimansa)	73
70	Santali	95
71	Sindhi	101
72	Social Medicine & Community Health	81
73	Social Work	10
74	Sociology	5
75	Spanish	40
76	Tamil	26
77	Telugu	27
78	Tourism Administration and Management	93
79	Tribal and Regional Language/Literature	70
80	Urdu	28
81	Visual Art (including Drawing & Painting/Sculpture Graphics/Applied Art/History of Art)	79
82	Women Studies	74
83	Yoga	100
84	Disaster Management	104
85	Ayurveda Biology	105

Also Read: UGC NET Subject List 2025 

How Many Papers in UGC NET 2026?

UGC NET 2026 has two papers:

• Paper 1 – Common for all candidates.
• Paper 2 – Subject-specific.

There is no break in between the two papers that make up the UGC NET. These objective-type papers are intended to evaluate the candidate’s research and teaching skills as well as subject-matter expertise.

Paper	Description	Number of Questions	Total Marks	Duration
Paper I	General Paper on Teaching & Research Aptitude	50	100	1 Hour
Paper II	Subject-Specific Paper (based on selected subject)	100	200	2 Hours
Total	–	150 Questions	300 Marks	3 Hours (No break)

Also Read: UGC NET Notes 2025

UGC NET 2026 Minimum Qualifying Marks

Candidates must achieve the minimum qualifying marks established by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in order to be eligible for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) or Assistant Professor positions through the UGC NET 2026 exam. These marks are categorized based on the overall performance in both Paper I and Paper II and are grouped according to the candidate’s category.

Category	Minimum Qualifying Marks (Paper I + II)
General / Unreserved (UR)	40% aggregate marks
OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)	35% aggregate marks
SC / ST	35% aggregate marks
PwD / Transgender	35% aggregate marks

Also Read: UGC NET Cut Off Marks 2025

UGC NET Previous Year Questions

 One of the best resources for candidates preparing for the UGC NET 2026 exam is the UGC NET Previous Year Questions. Candidates can better understand the exam format, question types, degree of difficulty, and main areas of focus in various subjects by using these papers.

Benefits of Solving UGC NET Previous Year Question Papers

Preparing for the UGC NET 2026 exam by regularly solving UGC NET Previous Year Question Papers has many benefits, some of which are listed below:

• Familiarity with Exam Pattern: Become familiar to the structure of both Paper I (General Aptitude) and Paper II (Subject-specific).
• Understand Question Trends: Determine common patterns and key areas from previous years.
• Increase Accuracy & Speed: Practice decreases errors and improves time management.
• Self-Assessment: Determine your areas of weakness and evaluate your level of preparation.
• Develop Confidence: Exam personality is developed and anxiety is decreased through realistic exam-like practice.

Also Read: UGC NET Previous Question Papers PDF

UGC NET Application Process 

The UGC NET Application Process is conducted entirely online through the official website of the National Testing Agency. For both the June and December sessions, the procedure usually starts a few months prior to the exam date. Candidates must carefully follow the application instructions to prevent errors or rejection.

How to Apply for UGC NET 2026?

Below are the details to complete the UGC NET application form 2025:

• Go to the Official Website
• Registration: Click on the link “UGC NET Registration”.
• Enter personal details like name, email, and mobile number.
• Set a password and security question.
• Complete the Application Form
• Enter academic qualifications, subject option, and preference of exam center.
• Upload scanned photograph and signature according to the provided format.

Also Read: UGC NET Application Form 2025

Payment of UGC NET Application Fee

Pay the UGC NET application Fee online using debit/credit card, UPI, or net banking.

Category	Fee (₹)
General	1,150/-
OBC-NCL/EWS	600/-
SC/ST/PwD/Third Gender	325/-

Also Read: UGC NET Application Fee Structure

UGC NET Exam Date

The UGC NET Exam Date 2025 for the December session is from 31 December 2025 to 7 January 2026 for 85 subjects, as per the official UGC NET 2025 December notification released by the National Testing Agency (NTA). This national-level exam is conducted twice a year to assess candidates for eligibility for the posts of Assistant Professor and the award of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in Indian universities and colleges.

Feature	Details
Exam Name	UGC NET (University Grants Commission – National Eligibility Test)
Conducting Body	National Testing Agency (NTA)
Exam Cycle	December 2025 Session
Exam Dates	31 December 2025 to 7 January 2026
Mode of Exam	Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Duration	3 Hours (No break between Paper 1 and Paper 2)
Papers	Paper 1 (General Aptitude), Paper 2 (Subject Specific)
Total Questions	150 (Paper 1: 50, Paper 2: 100)
Total Marks	300 (Paper 1: 100, Paper 2: 200)
Marking Scheme	+2 for each correct answer, No Negative Marking
Languages	English & Hindi (except for language-based subjects)

Also Read: UGC NET Exam Date 2025

UGC NET 2026 Study Material

UGC NET 2026 preparation needs the appropriate study material, books, and online study resources for achieving success. Properly planned studies with genuine materials may contribute to the candidate’s success in Paper 1 (Teaching & Research Aptitude) and Paper 2 (Subject-Specific Topics).

UGC NET Free Online Study Material by JRFAdda

Exclusive Resources Available:

• Topic-wise Notes & Study PDFs
• Live & Recorded Classes by Experts
• MCQ Practice Sets & Quizzes
• Doubt-Solving Sessions

Also Read: UGC NET Study Material 2025

Benefits of Clearing the UGC NET/JRF Examination

Passing the UGC NET/JRF exam gives access to several career prospects in academics, research, and government institutions. It is a distinguished credential that brings professional development and financial security.

Also Read: Benefits of Clearing the UGC NET/JRF Examination

Preparation Tips for UGC NET 2026

Below are the preparation tips mentioned for UGC NET 2026 Exam:

• Understand the Syllabus & Exam Pattern: Read all subjects, giving more emphasis to weaker topics.
• Time Management: Fix particular hours every day for each paper.
• Use Quality Study Material: Use books by famous authors and UGC NET notes.
• Practice with Mock Tests & Previous Papers: JRFAdda offers free UGC NET mock tests.
• Revise Regularly: Weekly revisions keep key concepts in mind.
• Stay Updated: Keep track of UGC NET official notifications for updates.
• Healthy Routine: Keep a balance between study and rest.

Also Read: UGC NET Preparation Tips 2025

Conclusion

UGC NET exam is a major entry point for the candidates who want to become lecturers at the university level and researchers in India. Correct information about the pattern of the exam is necessary for correct preparation. Paper 1 tests teaching and research aptitude, common to all the candidates, and Paper 2 tests subject-wise knowledge. Both the papers are computer-based tests with objective type questions to make the assessment uniform and transparent. Correct preparation as per the pattern of the exam, time management, and practice can make you highly eligible for the exam. Stay updated with official UGC NET notifications and follow routine study to achieve success in the UGC NET 2026 exam.

UGC NET 2026 Exam FAQs