UGC NET International and Area Studies 2025 exam is organized by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the University Grants Commission (UGC) to screen the eligibility of candidates for the posts of Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in Indian universities and colleges. The subject is meant for candidates aiming for international relations, diplomacy, geopolitics, foreign policy analysis, and area-specific studies (e.g., South Asia, West Asia, East Asia, etc.).
As the 2025 cycle is fast approaching, candidates need to understand well in advance the pattern of the exam, syllabus, eligibility, and preparation plan to succeed in this highly competitive exam.
Also Read: UGC NET Eligibility 2025
What is International and Area Studies?
International and Area Studies is a multidisciplinary subject with an amalgamation of political science, history, economics, geography, sociology, and language studies to analyze international issues and regional dynamics. The UGC NET paper evaluates the knowledge of the candidates in:
- International relations theories and diplomacy
- Global organizations and international law
- India’s foreign policy
- Strategic and security studies
- Political and economic developments in key global regions
UGC NET International and Area Studies Eligibility Criteria 2025
The National Testing Agency (NTA) and the University Grants Commission (UGC) prescribe the eligibility criteria for UGC NET International and Area Studies 2025 to determine that candidates possess a required academic background and qualifications. The most important eligibility details are given below:
UGC NET Educational Qualifications 2025
- Master’s Degree: Applicants should have passed a Master’s degree or equivalent in International and Area Studies, Political Science, International Relations, or other related fields from a recognized university.
UGC NET Minimum Marks
- General/Unreserved/General-EWS: 55% marks as a minimum.
- OBC-NCL/SC/ST/PwD/Third Gender: 50% marks at least.
Final Year Students
- Final year appearing students or results awaiting students are also eligible to apply. But they must complete their Master’s degree with the needed percentage in two years from the date of the NET result, otherwise they will be ineligible.
UGC NET Age Limit 2025
Junior Research Fellowship (JRF):
- Maximum age limit is 30 years as on the date of examination.
- Assistant Professor: No age limit.
- Age relaxation of 5 years is available for OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD, women, and those having research experience.
Also Read: UGC NET Previous Question Papers
UGC NET International and Area Studies Exam Pattern 2025
The UGC NET International and Area Studies 2025 exam is carried out by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in a Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. The test consists of two papers carried out in a single sitting without any break.
Component | Paper I | Paper II |
Type | General (Teaching & Research Aptitude) | Subject-specific (International and Area Studies) |
Number of Questions | 50 | 100 |
Marks | 100 | 200 |
Duration | Combined 3 hours (No separate timing) | |
Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
Mode | Computer-Based Test (Online) | Computer-Based Test (Online) |
Language | English and Hindi (except language papers) | English and Hindi |
Negative Marking | No | No |
Also Read: UGC NET Exam Pattern 2025
UGC NET International and Area Studies Marking Scheme 2025
The UGC NET International and Area Studies 2025 examination is held by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode and has two papers:
Paper | Number of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
Paper I | 50 | 2 | 100 |
Paper II | 100 | 2 | 200 |
Total | 150 | — | 300 |
UGC NET International and Area Studies Minimum Qualifying Marks 2025
To be eligible to be considered as an Assistant Professor or for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in International and Area Studies, the candidates need to score the following minimum aggregate marks on both Paper I and Paper II:
Category | Minimum Qualifying Marks | Percentage |
General (Unreserved) | 120 out of 300 | 40% |
OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/SC/ST/PwD/Transgender | 105 out of 300 | 35% |
UGC NET International and Area Studies Syllabus 2025
The syllabus of UGC NET International and Area Studies 2025 is formulated to assess the candidate’s knowledge and comprehension of international politics, theories of international relations, regional studies, and the foreign policy of India. It encompasses a broad spectrum of topics relevant to aspirants seeking the post of research or teacher in International and Area Studies.
UGC NET International and Area Studies Syllabus 2025 Unit Wise
The syllabus is organized into 10 comprehensive units, including theory foundations, region studies, international governance, and foreign policy of India.
Unit | Title | Key Topics Covered |
I | International and Area Studies – Concepts, Theories, and Approaches | Major concepts, scope, nature of IR and Area Studies; Realist, Liberal, Marxist, Critical theories; Western and Non-Western approaches; Power politics (Balance of Power, Geopolitics, Bipolarity, Unipolarity, Multipolarity, Polycentrism); State and Non-State Actors |
II | Evolution of International Relations and Area Studies | Emergence of nation-states and nationalism; Pre-World War I system; Inter-War Period; Post-WWII and Cold War; Decolonisation; Global South politics; Post-Cold War; Impact of Globalisation |
III | Contemporary World Order | Changing world order patterns (Unipolarity, Bipolarity, Multipolarity, Polycentrism); Role of major powers (US, Russia, China, Japan, India, EU); Globality, Globalism, Globalisation; Democratisation; Science and technology impact |
IV | Conflict, Security, and Peace | Theories and approaches to conflict and security; Conflict resolution; Human security; Arms control, disarmament, nuclear non-proliferation; Terrorism and counter-terrorism |
V | International Organisations and Global Governance | United Nations (structure, functions, reforms); Regional organizations (EU, ASEAN, SAARC, AU); IMF, World Bank, WTO; International law and human rights; Global environmental governance |
VI | India’s Foreign Policy | Evolution and determinants; Non-alignment and strategic autonomy; Relations with major powers; Role in regional/global organizations; Economic diplomacy; Diaspora engagement |
VII | South Asia and Indo-Pacific | Geopolitics of South Asia and Indo-Pacific; Regional cooperation; Maritime security; Strategic partnerships; India’s Act East Policy; Emerging security dynamics |
VIII | Central Asia, West Asia, and Africa | Geopolitical significance; Energy security; Political transitions and conflicts; India’s engagement; Role of external powers |
IX | Europe and the Former Soviet Union/Russia | European integration and EU; Post-Soviet transitions; NATO and security; India-Europe/Russia relations; Economic and strategic partnerships |
X | The Americas | US foreign policy and global role; Latin America developments; Regional organizations (OAS, MERCOSUR); India-America’s engagement; Diaspora and cultural exchanges |
Also Read: UGC NET Syllabus 2025
UGC NET International and Area Studies 2025 Syllabus PDF Download
To download the UGC NET International and Area Studies Syllabus 2025 in PDF, you can visit the official University Grants Commission (UGC) website and download from the link given below. The syllabus is provided for all NET subjects, including International and Area Studies. You should be aware that the UGC does not distribute individual copies of the syllabus to the candidates. It is best to download the syllabus from the proper official UGC website to have the latest and correct information.
Language | Download Link |
English | Download UGC NET International and Area Studies Syllabus 2025 (English) |
हिंदी (Hindi) | यूजीसी नेट अंतरराष्ट्रीय और क्षेत्रीय अध्ययन पाठ्यक्रम 2025 डाउनलोड करें (हिंदी) |
Download UGC NET Full Official Syllabus PDF
UGC NET International and Area Studies Preparation Tips 2025
To excel in the UGC NET International and Area Studies examination candidates should focus on their theoretical knowledge as well as their awareness of current events and in-depth understanding of regional political dynamics. A set of expert recommendations will lead your 2025 exam preparation:
- Understand the syllabus in detail – Read the official UGC NET syllabus first and break it into logically understandable units and subtopics.
- Split up topics wisely – Structure units based on your strengths and weaknesses for efficient planning.
- Refer to standard books – Utilize authentic books such as Andrew Heywood, V.N. Khanna, Rajiv Sikri, and Steven Lamy for clear concepts.
- Read scholarly journals – Learn from journals like Foreign Affairs, EPW, and ORF or IDSA publications.
- Track news of the day – Track global news from The Hindu, Indian Express, MEA news, and UN/IMF/WTO websites.
- Take concise notes – Take structured notes in the format of flowcharts, tables, and bullet points to easily revise.
- Practice past year papers – Try at least 5 years’ question papers of UGC NET to observe patterns and areas of focus.
- Practice frequent mock tests – Enroll in mock test series to practice within exam time and develop time management.
- Use internet facilities – Use NPTEL, SWAYAM, YouTube video lectures, and NET-related websites for consolidating concepts.
- Review regularly – Use the last month to review well and avoid the urge to add new content at this point.
- Join peer groups or mentorship – Join discussion groups or mentorship schemes to resolve your queries and stay motivated.
Also Read: UGC NET Preparation Tips 2025
UGC NET International and Area Studies Question Paper 2024
The UGC NET International and Area Studies Question Paper 2024 is a significant study material for the exam candidates. It provides a clear idea regarding the pattern of questions, level of difficulty, and major topics covered under Paper 1 and Paper 2.
Exam Name | Shift | Paper | Download Link |
UGC NET June 2024 | Shift 1 | Paper 2 | Updated Soon |
UGC NET June 2024 | Shift 2 | Paper 2 | Updated Soon |
UGC NET International and Area Studies Previous Year Question Papers
UGC NET International and Area Studies Previous Year Question Papers are a must for candidates who want to clear the exam with good marks. These papers help in knowing the pattern, structure, and nature of questions that appear in the exam.
Exam Name | Year | Download PDF |
UGC NET International and Area Studies | 2018 | |
UGC NET International and Area Studies | 2017 | |
UGC NET International and Area Studies | 2016 | |
UGC NET International and Area Studies | 2015 | |
UGC NET International and Area Studies | 2014 |
Career Scope After Qualifying UGC NET International and Area Studies
When individuals pass the UGC NET International and Area Studies examination they gain access to extensive professional opportunities across different fields including academia, research, policy-making and international affairs. Candidates who study this multi-disciplinary field acquire profound expertise in international relations and global politics alongside regional studies and foreign policy which makes them eligible for various dynamic positions.
Career Option | Details |
Assistant Professor in Universities and Colleges | Eligible for permanent, guest, or contractual teaching positions across India. Growing demand for interdisciplinary studies in International and Area Studies. Can also pursue PhD for advanced academic roles. |
Research Fellowships (JRF) | Qualifying for JRF enables fully funded Ph.D. programs in reputed Indian institutions. Specializations include India’s foreign policy, regional studies, international organizations, and strategic/security studies. |
Think Tanks and Research Institutions | Opportunities in policy think tanks and research organizations such as ORF, IDSA, CPR, CIPOD (JNU), and UN-affiliated bodies. |
Journalism and Media (International Affairs) | Roles as international affairs analysts, editorial writers, or correspondents focusing on foreign policy, global conflicts, diplomacy, and strategic affairs in reputed media houses. |
Civil Services and Indian Foreign Service | Subject knowledge aids in UPSC Civil Services exams, especially for IFS, IAS, Defence Accounts, Intelligence Services, and policy roles in the Ministry of External Affairs. |
International Organizations and NGOs | Work with global organizations such as UNDP, UNHCR, UNICEF, World Bank, WTO, IMF, Amnesty International, Oxfam, and Human Rights Watch in diplomacy, development, and peace studies. |
Education & Content Development | Opportunities in academic publishing, online education platforms, curriculum design, and NGOs focusing on political science, global affairs, and international studies content creation. |
Overseas Opportunities | Post-doctoral research, teaching, or policy roles abroad in universities, global research bodies, and diplomatic agencies for further specialization. |
Also Read: Career Options After UGC NET June 2025
Conclusion
For those who wish to establish a career in international relations alongside geopolitical studies and foreign policy and area-specific studies, UGC NET International and Area Studies 2025 presents an excellent opportunity. Candidates who develop a complete comprehension of the syllabus, examination structure and qualification requirements and maintain strategic preparation techniques will maximize their probability of success. Success in this examination depends on regular revision combined with current global affairs monitoring and ongoing practice through test simulations of previous years’ questions. Your academic future will be successful through maintaining your focus while developing a strategic study plan and offering maximum effort.
UGC NET International and Area Studies 2025 FAQs
The candidates should possess Master’s degree in International and Area Studies, Political Science, International Relations, or any other allied subject with 55% marks (50%m for reserved category). Candidates who are pursuing the final semester can also apply.
Maximum age limit is 30 years for JRF (with relaxation wherever applicable). No age limit is applicable for Assistant Professorship.
You can download it from the official site of UGC or from direct links provided here in this article.
Some of the suggested books include Global Politics by Andrew Heywood, Foreign Policy of India by V.N. Khanna, Challenge and Strategy by Rajiv Sikri, and Introduction to Global Politics by Steven Lamy.
Yes, one should know contemporary developments in global politics and international relations in order to perform well in the exam.
