UGC NET 2025: Admit Card, Exam Date, Pattern, Syllabus, PYQs

UGC NET 2025 December exam – Know about admit card release date, expected exam schedule, syllabus PDFs for Paper 1 & 2, updated pattern, eligibility, PYQs, marking scheme, and expert preparation tips for JRF & Assistant Professor.

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UGC NET Exam Eligibility
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Table of Contents

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

Download PDF

Download PDF

December 2023

Download PDF

June 2023

Download PDF

December 2022

Download PDF

June 2022

Download PDF

December 2021

Download PDF

June 2021

Download PDF

December 2020

Download PDF

June 2020

Download PDF

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.

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Aditi

Aditi Sharma, founder of JRFAdda, is a Computer Science educator with an MCA degree and JRF qualification (99.91 percentile, Dec 2019). Her experience includes roles as an SBI SO (DBA), work at Cognizant, and over 5 years of teaching online and offline. She has also served as a Government Computer Teacher in Rajasthan.

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