UGC NET Indian Culture Syllabus 2026 is a crucial guide for aspirants aiming to qualify for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Assistant Professor posts. The syllabus comprehensively covers Indian civilization, including its historical heritage, art and architecture, literature, philosophy, and cultural evolution. This article provides a unit-wise syllabus analysis, updated exam pattern, and official PDF download links to support effective preparation.
The UGC NET Indian Culture December 2025 exam was successfully conducted on 3 January 2026 (Shift 2), making this syllabus highly relevant for upcoming cycles and result-based strategy planning.
Also Read: UGC NET Result 2025
UGC NET Indian Culture Exam 2025 Overview
The UGC NET Indian Culture Exam for the second session, that is, December 2025, was scheduled on 3 January 2026 in the 2nd shift. Published by the National Testing Agency (NTA), the UGC NET Indian Culture Syllabus 2025 specifies the curriculum of both Paper I and Paper II, the two parts of one examination.
Paper I: Generic Studies (applicable to all)
Paper II: Subject-specific (Indian Culture)
| Features | Details |
| Name of Examination | UGC NET |
| Conducting Authority | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Mode of Exam | Online (CBT) |
| Exam Medium | English and Hindi |
| Number of Papers | Paper I & Paper II |
| Total Questions | 150 |
| Subject Code (Indian Culture) | 50 |
| UGC NET Indian Culture Exam Date 2025 | 3 January 2026, Shift 2 |
| Official Website | ugcnet.nta.ac.in |
Also Read: UGC NET Study Material 2026
UGC NET Syllabus 2026 Paper I PDF
Paper I of the UGC NET exam is a universal paper (that is common for all), and it assesses the teaching, reasoning, and research skills. Strengthen these skills by downloading the official syllabus PDF for the UGC NET Paper I.
Download UGC NET Paper I Syllabus 2026 PDF
UGC NET Indian Culture Paper II Syllabus 2026 PDF in English
Paper II of the UGC NET Indian Culture exam is subject-based and focuses entirely on the candidates’ understanding of India’s cultural and historical past. For structured preparation, candidates should download the official syllabus PDF from the link attached and review the syllabus.
UGC NET Indian Culture 2026 Paper II Syllabus English PDF
UGC NET Indian Culture Paper II Syllabus 2026 PDF in Hindi
The NTA also releases the UGC NET Indian Culture Syllabus 2025 PDF in Hindi for the Hindi medium candidates. Start preparing for the exam by downloading the latest PDF of the UGC NET Indian Culture Syllabus 2026 in Hindi.
यूजीसी नेट भारतीय संस्कृति पाठ्यक्रम 2026 हिंदी पीडीएफ डाउनलोड करें
UGC NET Indian Culture Syllabus 2026 Analysis
The UGC NET Indian Culture Syllabus 2026 is a combination of Paper I and Paper II. It offers a broad curriculum that not only assesses research and teaching skills but also focuses on the various aspects of Indian history, art, philosophy, religion, and cultural development.
UGC NET Syllabus 2026 Paper I (Generic Studies)
The generic paper of the UGC NET Paper I, applies to a candidate regardless of their opted subject. The UGC NET Syllabus Paper I, consists of ten main units that make up the 50 questions from Paper I of the examination.
| Unit No. | Topic | Areas Covered |
| 1 | Teaching Aptitude | Nature, objectives, levels of teaching, learner characteristics, teaching methods, feedback and evaluation systems |
| 2 | Research Aptitude | Methods and steps in the research process, writing of thesis and article, ethical issues, employing ICT in research, data collection tools, and techniques |
| 3 | Comprehension | Reading comprehension, understanding, analysing, and interpreting passages, answering direct questions |
| 4 | Communication | Communication types, effective communication, barriers, classroom communication, and use of ICT |
| 5 | Mathematical Reasoning and Aptitude | Number & letter series, coding & decoding, basic numeracy, profit & loss, arithmetic, interest, discount |
| 6 | Logical Reasoning | Venn diagrams, syllogisms, analogies, statements and conclusions, arguments and assumptions, critical reasoning |
| 7 | Data Interpretation | Interpretation and analysis of data from graphs, tables, and charts, and basic statistical tools |
| 8 | Information and Communication Technology (ICT) | Implementation of ICT, internet and digital tools in education, cloud computing, e-learning platforms, cybersecurity, and ethics |
| 9 | People, Development and Environment | Environmental issues, sustainable development, natural resources, renewable and non-renewable energy, environmental protection laws, and policies |
| 10 | Higher Education System | History and development, policies, reforms, committees, and commissions; value education; issues and challenges |
Also Read: UGC NET Syllabus 2026
UGC NET Indian Culture Syllabus 2026 – Paper II (Opted-subject)
The UGC NET Indian Culture Paper II (subject code 50) is a domain-specific exam crafted for those specializing in Indian Culture. The syllabus is structured into 10 key units, each reflecting major thematic areas of the subject.
| Unit No. | Topic | Areas Covered |
| 1 | Meaning and Concept of Culture | Definitions and interpretations of culture (traditional to modern), relation between culture and civilization, historiography, and cultural contributions of India globally. |
| 2 | Sources for Studying Indian Culture | Archaeological and literary sources, oral traditions, foreign travellers’ accounts, numismatics, inscriptions, and archival material. |
| 3 | Prehistoric and Protohistoric Cultures | Stone Age (Palaeolithic to Neolithic), Chalcolithic period, Harappan civilization (debates, town planning, script), early languages and societal life. |
| 4 | Vedic and Post-Vedic Period | Early and Later Vedic society, polity, religion, economy, emergence of Buddhism, Jainism, Ajivikas; ancient education centres like Taxila and Kashi. |
| 5 | Mauryan and Post-Mauryan Era | Socio-political and religious developments, Ashoka’s Dhamma, foreign influence, early literature, science, education institutions, Sangam culture. |
| 6 | Gupta and Post-Gupta Period | Rise in science and mathematics, temple architecture, classical literature, philosophy, Nalanda and Valabhi universities, cultural exchanges. |
| 7 | Early Medieval Period | Social changes (caste expansion, slavery), women’s role, feudal society, Bhakti and Tantric movements, major philosophers, temple architecture styles, pilgrimages, literary works. |
| 8 | Sultanate Period | Political structures, urbanization, Islamic influence, Bhakti-Sufi traditions, Sultanate art and architecture, educational institutions in medieval India. |
| 9 | Mughal Period | Governance systems, economic policies, social structures, Bhakti and Sufi movements, literary and artistic patronage, Indo-Islamic architecture, European contact, science and instruments. |
| 10 | Modern Period | Western influence, Christian and reform movements (like Brahmo Samaj, Arya Samaj), new education system, regional literatures, scientific progress, and colonial impact. |
Also Read: UGC NET Exam 2026
UGC NET Indian Culture Exam Pattern 2025
Paper I (General) and Paper II (Indian Culture) are the two papers that make up the online Computer-Based Test (CBT) format of the UGC NET Indian Culture Exam 2025. There is no deduction for incorrect answers, and each correct response earns two marks.
Also Read: UGC NET Exam Pattern 2026 For Paper 1 & 2
| Paper | Subject | No. of Questions | Total Marks | Duration |
| Paper I | General | 50 | 100 | 1 hour |
| Paper II | Indian Culture | 100 | 200 | 2 hours |
| Total | – | 150 | 300 | 3 hours |
Conclusion
The UGC NET Indian Culture Syllabus 2026 offers a comprehensive framework to understand India’s rich historical, artistic, literary, and cultural traditions, making it vital for aspirants targeting JRF and Assistant Professor roles. With the December 2025 session exam successfully concluded on 3 January 2026 (Shift 2), candidates can now align their preparation with the updated unit-wise syllabus and exam pattern. A focused study approach, regular revision, and analysis of previous years’ questions will significantly enhance performance. Downloading and following the official syllabus remains the key to structured and effective preparation.
UGC NET Indian Culture Syllabus 2025 FAQs
What is the UGC’s officially assigned subject code for the UGC NET Indian Culture exam?
The subject code is 50 for the UGC NET Indian Culture exam.
What is the total number of questions that make up Paper II of the UGC NET Indian Culture Exam 2025?
Paper II is made up of 100 questions. These questions carry 2 marks each, totalling 200 marks.
What is the medium of the UGC NET Indian Culture Exam 2025?
The UGC NET Indian Culture exam is bilingual (English & Hindi).
What are the main topics covered by Paper II of the UGC NET Indian Culture Syllabus 2025?
The main topics covered in the UGC NET Indian Culture Paper II are ancient history, art and architecture, historical periods, literature, and the Mughal, Sultan, and modern periods.
