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 Form 2025 for the December session is expected to be released in 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 December 2025 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. Now that the exam is approaching, candidates should give priority to:
- Downloading and thoroughly studying the syllabus PDFs for Paper 1 and Paper 2
- Revising the latest exam pattern and marking scheme
- Taking mock tests and solving previous years’ question papers
- Focusing on time-bound revisions and mastering key topics
The next UGC NET session is expected to take place in December 2025, in accordance with the UGC’s biannual exam cycle.
UGC NET 2025 Exam Date
The National Testing Agency (NTA) will officially announce the date of the UGC NET December 2025 exam 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 2025 Eligibility Criteria
The National Testing Agency conducts the UGC NET 2025 to determine Indian nationals’ eligibility for:
- Assistant Professor
- Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Assistant Professor 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 educational qualification criteria:
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 Pursuing Final Year | Candidates appearing in the final year of their Master’s degree (or waiting for results) can also apply. Such candidates will be admitted provisionally and will be eligible for JRF/Assistant Professor only after passing the Master’s degree with required percentage. |
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 age limit:
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 |
Foreign Degree Holders
Candidates with foreign Master’s degrees should have their qualification approved by the Association of Indian Universities.
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.
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.
Exam Cycle | Paper 1 (General Paper) | Paper 2 (Subject-Specific) |
December 2024 | Available Soon PDF | Available Soon PDF |
June 2024 | ||
December 2023 | ||
June 2023 | ||
December 2022 | ||
June 2022 | ||
December 2021 | ||
June 2021 | ||
December 2020 | ||
June 2020 |
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.
Particulars | Shift 1 | Shift 2 |
Reporting Time | 7:30 AM | 1:00 PM |
Gate Closing Time | 8:30 AM | 2:00 PM |
Instructions by Invigilator | 8:45 AM to 9:00 AM | 2:15 PM to 2:30 PM |
Exam Start Time | 9:00 AM | 2:30 PM |
Exam End Time | 12:00 PM | 5:30 PM |
Also Read: UGC NET Exam Timing 2025
How to Prepare for the UGC NET Exam 2025?
Preparation for the UGC NET exam needs a systematic, dedicated approach since it is extremely competitive and has an extensive syllabus. Here is a detailed guide to prepare yourself well for Paper 1 (General Aptitude) as well as Paper 2 (Subject-specific):
- Understand the Syllabus – Know precisely what to study for Paper 1 and Paper 2.
- Make a Study Plan – Divide the syllabus into daily and weekly goals.
- Focus on Concepts – Develop a strong concept base; do not learn by rote.
- Solve PYQs – Regularly practice Previous Year Question Papers to understand patterns.
- Attempt Mock Tests – Practice mock tests on a weekly basis to enhance speed and accuracy.
- Revise Regularly – Allot time for weekly and monthly revisions.
- Prepare Notes – Prepare short, crisp notes for quick revision.
- Work on Weak Areas – Discover and improve your weak topics at an early stage.
- Stay Updated – Read current affairs (for Paper 1, particularly higher education and environment units).
- Stay Healthy – Good sleep, healthy diet, and good attitude are a must for steady study.
Also Read: UGC NET Preparation Tips 2025
Conclusion
UGC NET December 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 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 December cycle offers a fresh chance to achieve your academic goals.
UGC NET 2025 FAQs
The UGC NET 2025 December session will take place in computer-based test (CBT) mode in the first week of January 2026.
Yes, candidates can apply for both JRF and Assistant Professor, provided they meet the respective eligibility and age criteria.
The maximum age for a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) is 30 years old. Eligibility to be an Assistant Professor has no upper age limit.
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.
UGC NET is conducted twice a year – June and December sessions.
