UGC NET Environmental Science 2025 is a nationwide eligibility test organized by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the University Grants Commission for candidates willing to work as Assistant Professors or obtain Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) in Environmental Science. The UGC NET exam evaluates a candidate’s comprehensive understanding of Environmental Science, including ecological principles, environmental chemistry, pollution control, environmental laws, sustainable development, and contemporary issues. Here is a comprehensive detail about the UGC NET Environmental Science 2025 exam, covering the exam pattern, syllabus, eligibility, important dates, and career prospects.
Also Read: UGC NET Exam Date 2025
What is UGC NET Environmental Science?
UGC NET Environmental Science is a topic-specific paper under the University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) organized by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for testing the eligibility of applicants for Assistant Professorship and/or Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in the area of Environmental Science. UGC NET Environmental Science is important for students aspiring to build a professional career in environmental research, sustainable development, ecological conservation, and teaching at the university level.
Also Read: UGC NET Selection Procedure 2025
UGC NET Environmental Science Eligibility Criteria 2025
The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the UGC NET Environmental Science 2025 examination to find out the eligibility for Assistant Professor and/or Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) posts in Environmental Science. Following are the complete eligibility conditions:
UGC NET Environmental Science Educational Qualification 2025
- Master’s Degree: The candidates should have passed a Master’s degree or equivalent in Environmental Science or a related field from a recognized university.
- Minimum Marks:
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- General/Unreserved/General-EWS: Minimum 55% marks (not rounded off).
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/SC/ST/PwD/Third Gender: At least 50% marks (without rounding off).
- Final Year Students: Applicants who are students in their final year and those awaiting results may apply. They, however, must obtain their degree within two years from the date of declaration of the NET result with the prescribed percentage of marks; otherwise, they will be disqualified.
UGC NET Age Limit 2025
Junior Research Fellowship (JRF):
- Maximum age: 30 years as of June 1, 2025.
Age Relaxation:
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/SC/ST/PwD/Female/Third Gender: 5 years.
- Candidates holding LLM degree: Additional 3 years.
- Research experience: 5 years, depending on the length of research.
Assistant Professor: No maximum age limit.
Also Read: UGC NET Eligibility Criteria
UGC NET Environmental Science Exam Pattern 2025
The UGC NET Environmental Science Exam Pattern 2025 is designed to assess the candidates who aim for the position of Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in Environmental Science. The UGC NET 2025 exam consists of two papers administered in a single session with no break. Following is a descriptive overview of the exam pattern:
| Component | Details |
| Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Papers | Two: Paper I (General Aptitude) and Paper II (Environmental Science Subject) |
| Duration | 3 hours (180 minutes) for both papers combined |
| Total Questions | 150 (Paper I: 50 questions; Paper II: 100 questions) |
| Total Marks | 300 (Paper I: 100 marks; Paper II: 200 marks) |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Marking Scheme | +2 marks for each correct answer; no negative marking |
| Medium | English |
| Session | Both papers conducted in a single session without any break |
Also Read: UGC NET Exam Pattern 2025
UGC NET Environmental Science Marking Scheme 2025
The UGC NET Environmental Science 2025 examination has two papers—Paper I (common for all subjects) and Paper II (subject-specific for Environmental Science). Both of these papers are taken in a single 3-hour session without any break. The examination is objective in nature with Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) only.
| Component | Paper I | Paper II (Environmental Science) |
| Total Questions | 50 | 100 |
| Marks per Question | 2 | 2 |
| Total Marks | 100 | 200 |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Subject Focus | Teaching & Research Aptitude, Reasoning, General Awareness | Environmental Science, Ecology, Conservation, Climate Studies |
| Negative Marking | None | None |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | Combined 3 hours for both papers | Combined 3 hours for both papers |
| Medium | Bilingual (English & Hindi) | English |
UGC NET Environmental Science Minimum Qualifying Marks 2025
These percentages are calculated on the basis of aggregate marks scored in both papers put together. Candidates have to secure the following minimum marks in both Paper I and Paper II in order to qualify for the UGC NET Environmental Science 2025 examination:
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Marks |
| General / Unreserved | 40% |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) / SC / ST / PwD / Transgender | 35% |
UGC NET Environmental Science Syllabus 2025
The UGC NET Environmental Science Syllabus 2025 is designed to assess the candidate’s comprehensive understanding of environmental concepts, ecological systems, environmental pollution, natural resource management, and sustainable development. The syllabus includes two papers—Paper I (general teaching and research aptitude) and Paper II (subject-specific Environmental Science).
UGC NET Environmental Science Paper 2 Unit-wise Topics
This unit-wise format allows for targeted preparation and clarity on the scope of each section in Paper II.
| Unit | Title | Key Topics Covered |
| Unit I | Fundamentals of Environmental Sciences | Definition, scope & importance of environmental science
Structure & composition of atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere & biosphere Ecological principles: ecosystem structure & functions, biotic vs abiotic components Thermodynamics & energy transfer, material balance Meteorological parameters: pressure, temperature, humidity, radiation, wind patterns (e.g., wind roses) Earth–human–environment interactions, biogeographic provinces, agro-climatic zones
Sustainable development, natural resource assessment Remote sensing & GIS basics, environmental education, awareness & ethics |
| Unit II | Environmental Chemistry | Fundamentals of environmental chemistry Atmospheric chemistry: composition, particles, ions, radicals, ozone, smogWater chemistry: hydrological cycle, DO/BOD/COD, solubilitySoil chemistry: inorganic/organic componentsBiogeochemical cycles: carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulphur Toxic chemicals/pollutants: pesticides, heavy metals, VOCs, POPs Analytical methods: chromatography, spectrophotometry, AAS, GC-MS, XRF, XRD, NMR, SEM/TEM etc. |
| Unit III | Environmental Biology | Ecology: inter-disciplinary nature, origin of life, speciation
Ecosystem structure/functions, energy flow, food chains/webs, biogeochemical cycles, succession, stability & services Ecosystem types & classification Biomes: tundra, taiga, grassland, deciduous forest, alpine, chaparral, savanna, tropical rainforest Population & community ecology: growth, carrying capacity, interactions (predation, parasitism, allelopathy), keystone species Biodiversity & conservation: hotspots, in situ/ex situ strategies, protected areas, gene pool, bioprospecting, restoration ecology Industrial ecology, toxicology & microbiology: bioassays, threshold limits, biotransformation, water/air microbes Environmental biotechnology: bioremediation, bioindicators, biofertilizers, biofuels, biosensors |
| Unit IV | Environmental Geosciences | Earth’s origin & structure, minerals, rocks, geochemical differentiation
Landforms & plate tectonics, weathering, erosion, soil formation Climatic factors: seasons, coriolis, monsoons, western disturbances, El Niño/La Niña Geochemistry, paleoclimate studies Hydrology & hydrogeology: groundwater systems, Darcy’s law, subsidence, water quality Natural resource exploration, exploitation concerns Natural hazards: floods, landslides, earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, avalanches — prediction & mitigation |
| Unit V | Energy & Environment | Energy sources: solar, fossil fuels, renewable energies, nuclear, bioenergy
Environmental impacts of various energy sources and energy conservation methods |
| Unit VI | Environmental Pollution & Control | Pollution types: air, water, soil, noise, thermal, marine, radioactive
Control methods, environmental health, global warming impacts |
| Unit VII | Solid & Hazardous Waste Management | Waste types & characteristics
Management technologies: collection, disposal, recycling, waste-to-energy E-waste, fly ash, plastic waste treatment |
| Unit VIII | Environmental Assessment, Management & Legislation | EIA, Environmental Management Systems (EMS), risk assessment
Indian environmental laws & policies, NGOs’ role International treaties & conventions |
| Unit IX | Statistical Approaches & Modelling | Statistical concepts: variables, central tendency, dispersion, skewness, kurtosis
Modelling techniques: linear, multiple regression, validation, forecasting |
| Unit X | Contemporary Environmental Issues | Global issues: climate change, biodiversity loss, sustainable development goals
National Action Plan on Climate Change, river conservation initiatives (e.g., Namami Gange/Yamuna) Current Indian concerns: water conservation, epidemiological issues (arsenicosis, fluorosis, dengue), carbon credits Conservation movements (Chipko, Appiko, etc.), wildlife projects (Project Tiger, Crocodile, etc.) Sustainable habitats: green building, GRIHA standards, Swachh Bharat |
Also Read: UGC NET Syllabus 2025
UGC NET Environmental Science 2025 Syllabus PDF Download
You can download the UGC NET Environmental Science Syllabus 2025 in PDF format. Here you can find the syllabus for both Paper I (General Paper on Teaching & Research Aptitude) and Paper II (Environmental Science), available in PDF format.
| Language | Download Link |
| UGC NET Environmental Science Syllabus 2025 (English) | Download Link |
Download UGC NET Full Official Syllabus PDF
UGC NET Environmental Science Preparation Tips 2025
Following are efficient and effective UGC NET Environmental Science Preparation Tips 2025 to ensure success in
Paper I as well as Paper II:
- Know the Syllabus & Pattern—Familiarize yourself with all 10 units of Paper II and the subjects in Paper I.
- Make a Study Plan – Complete each subject weekly with revision time.
- Focus on Important Topics– Environmental Biology, Environmental Chemistry, Pollution & Control, Contemporary Environmental Issues, and Statistical Modelling (Unit IX).
- Solve Previous Papers—Practice old papers and online mock tests.
- Use Standard Books—Use books by Arihant/Trueman and KVS Madaan.
- Take Notes & Revise—Short notes and regular revision.
- Stay Consistent & Healthy—Proper study, proper sleep, and a balanced life are the keys.
UGC NET Environmental Science Question Paper 2024
UGC NET Environmental Science Question Paper 2024 is an important resource for examinees who wish to appear in the next year’s 2025 exam. It provides knowledge about the newest exam pattern, question trend, difficulty level, and the subject matter type prioritized by the NTA.
| Exam Name | Shift | Paper | Download Link |
| UGC NET June 2024 | Shift 1 | Paper 2 | Download PDF |
UGC NET Environmental Science Previous Year Question Papers
Practice and referring to UGC NET Environmental Science Previous Year Question Papers are important for successful exam preparation. The papers give an indication of the exam pattern, question types, and levels of difficulty, which guide in making strategic studies.
| Exam Name | Year | Download PDF |
| UGC NET Environmental Science | 2023 | Download Link |
| UGC NET Environmental Science | 2022 | Download Link |
| UGC NET Environmental Science | 2021 | Download Link |
| UGC NET Environmental Science | 2020 | Download Link |
| UGC NET Environmental Science | 2018 | Download Link |
Career Scope After Qualifying UGC NET Environmental Science
Qualifying for UGC NET Environmental Science provides access to a broad spectrum of academic, research, and professional careers in India. Following is a list of important career options:
Assistant Professor: Eligible for teaching in colleges/universities with a salary of ₹57,700+ (Academic Level 10).
Junior Research Fellowship (JRF): Monthly stipend: ₹31,000–₹35,000 + HRA and Leads to Ph.D. in top institutes (IITs, CSIR labs, etc.).
Ph.D. Admission: NET qualifies you for direct Ph.D. admission in many universities.
Scientist/Research Roles: Work in CSIR, DRDO, ISRO, CPCB, IMD, and MoEFCC.
Corporate & Consultancy Jobs: Roles: Environmental Analyst, EIA Expert, Sustainability Officer. And Employers: ERM, AECOM, WSP, and Tata Environment Research Center.
NGOs & Think Tanks: Work with WWF, UNEP, or CSE on climate, biodiversity, or advocacy.
Government Jobs: Apply for IFS, UPSC (Environment optional), State PCS, Forest Dept.
Other Options: Environmental author, consultant, startup founder, or foreign Ph.D.
Conclusion
UGC NET Environmental Science 2025 offers a valuable opportunity for candidates aspiring to build a career in academics, research, or allied fields such as environmental consultancy, policy-making, and public service. A clear understanding of the UGC NET Environmental Science 2025 syllabus, strategic preparation, and consistent practice are key to cracking the exam. Staying updated with official notifications and solving previous years’ question papers can significantly enhance your chances of success and open doors to fellowships, Ph.D. programs, and teaching positions in reputed institutions.
UGC NET Environmental Science 2025 FAQs
Is there an age limit for UGC NET Environmental Science?
For JRF, the age limit is 30 years (age relaxations available). There is no age relaxation for Assistant Professor positions.
What is the mode of the UGC NET Environmental Science exam?
The test is administered online in the form of a Computer-Based Test (CBT).
How many papers are there in UGC NET Environmental Science 2025?
There are two papers—Paper I (General) and Paper II (Environmental Science), held in a single sitting.
What is the minimum qualifying mark for UGC NET Environmental Science?
General category candidates require 40% aggregate, and reserved category candidates require 35% in both papers taken together.
