UGC NET Philosophy 2026 is a national-level eligibility examination conducted in CBT mode for aspirants seeking Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) positions in Philosophy. Thousands of candidates appear for this exam every year to build careers in teaching and research. The UGC NET Philosophy December 2025 exam was successfully held on 2 January 2026 in Shift 2. This article provides complete details on the UGC NET Philosophy 2026 exam, including eligibility criteria, marking scheme, syllabus, and direct links to download the official UGC NET Philosophy syllabus PDF and previous year question papers to support effective preparation.
Also Read: UGC NET Subject Weightage 2026
What is UGC NET Philosophy?
UGC NET Philosophy subject included in the University Grants Commission’s National Eligibility Test (NET) for lectureship and research. The UGC NET Philosophy 2025 exam evaluates a candidate’s in-depth knowledge of philosophical concepts, history of philosophy, logic, Indian and Western philosophy, contemporary issues, and all other important topics. Candidates who pass the UGC NET Philosophy 2025 exam can apply for positions in universities, colleges, and research institutions across India.
UGC NET Philosophy Exam Analysis 2025 OUT
UGC NET Philosophy Paper 2 for Dec 2025 (2 Jan 2026 Shift 2) was rated moderate overall on the basis of analysis, with a balanced mix of factual recall, conceptual understanding, and analytical questions drawing heavily from Indian logic, ethics, and classical Western thinkers. The paper adhered closely to the syllabus, featuring recurring PYQs on pramanas, syllogisms, and Kantian ethics, while Unit 6 (Logic) emerged as the toughest section requiring precise application skills. Students with strong revision on Nyaya hetvabhasas, Vedanta, and utilitarianism reported good attempts of 65–75 out of 100, positioning them safely for NET/JRF cutoffs amid normalization.
Key Highlights:
- Overall Difficulty: Moderate; time management key in logic-heavy sections
- High-Weightage Units: Logic (15 Q, difficult), Classical Indian (14 Q, moderate), Modern Western (12 Q)
- Scoring Areas: Modern Indian thinkers (easy-moderate), Social Philosophy (factual)
- Question Types: 40% match-the-following/chronology, 30% assertion-reason, 30% application-based
- Good Attempts: 65–75 for JRF; 55+ for NET qualification
- Prep Tips: Prioritize hetvabhasas, ethical theories, and PYQs for future shifts
UGC NET Philosophy Eligibility Criteria 2026
Candidates appearing for the UGC NET Philosophy 2026 exam must meet certain academic and age-related criteria. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the UGC NET Philosophy Eligibility Criteria 2025 requirements:
UGC NET Philosophy Educational Qualification 2026
- Candidates must have a Master’s degree or equivalent in Philosophy or a related subject from a recognized university.
UGC NET Philosophy Minimum Marks
- General/Unreserved/EWS category candidates have to secure at least 55% aggregate marks in their post-graduation.
- OBC/SC/ST/PwD/Third Gender candidates have to secure at least 50% aggregate marks.
UGC NET Philosophy Appearing Candidates
- Candidates who are currently in the final year of their Master’s degree or whose results are awaited can also apply for UGC NET Philosophy 2025.
- Such candidates will be provisionally admitted, and they must complete their Master’s degree with the required percentage of marks within two years from the date of the UGC NET result 2025. In case they fail to meet the minimum eligibility marks after the result declaration, their candidature will be cancelled.
Read More: UGC NET Eligibility Criteria 2026
UGC NET Philosophy Exam Pattern 2025
UGC NET Philosophy 2025 exam is conducted in online mode (CBT) and consists of two papers: Paper I and Paper II. Both papers will be conducted on the same day in a single session. Below, we have mentioned the detailed UGC NET Philosophy Exam Pattern 2025:
| Paper | Number of Questions | Marks | Types of Questions | Time Duration |
| UGC NET Paper I – General Aptitude | 50 | 100 | Multiple Choice Questions | 1 hour |
| UGC NET Paper-II – Subject Specific Philosophy | 100 | 200 | Multiple Choice Questions | 2 hours |
Read More: UGC NET Exam Pattern 2026
UGC NET Philosophy Marking Scheme 2026
UGC NET Philosophy 2026 exam has two papers conducted continuously without any break. Aspiring candidates who are preparing for the UGC NET Philosophy 2026 exam must have a thorough understanding of the UGC NET Philosophy Marking Scheme 2026 for both Paper I and Paper II. This UGC NET Philosophy 2025 Marking Scheme encourages appearing candidates to attempt all questions to maximize their score.
| Parameter | Paper 1 (General) | Paper 2 (Philosophy) |
| Type of Paper | Common for all subjects | Subject-specific (Philosophy) |
| Number of Questions | 50 MCQs | 100 MCQs |
| Total Marks | 100 marks | 200 marks |
| Duration | 1 hour (part of the combined 3 hours) | 2 Hours (included in the 3 hours) |
| Nature of Questions | Objective (MCQs) | Objective (MCQs) |
| Negative Marking | No | No |
| Mode | Computer-Based Test (Online) | Computer-Based Test (Online) |
Also Read: UGC NET Result 2025
UGC NET Philosophy Minimum Qualifying Marks 2025
Candidates must secure the minimum qualifying marks to qualify for the UGC NET Philosophy 2025 exam announced by the National Testing Agency (NTA). These UGC NET Qualifying Marks 2025 will vary according to the category of the candidate and are applicable for the aggregate score of both Paper I and Paper II combined. Getting the minimum qualifying marks does not guarantee candidate selection. The final selection for Assistant Professor or JRF will be based on the cut-off marks and availability of slots.
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Marks (%) | Minimum Marks (Out of 300) |
| General/Unreserved (UR) | 40% | 120 |
| OBC | 35% | 105 |
| SC / ST / PwD / Third Gender | 35% | 105 |
Also Read: UGC NET Cutoff 2026
UGC NET Philosophy Syllabus 2026 Paper 2
The UGC NET Philosophy 2026 Paper 2 syllabus is designed to evaluate candidates’ in-depth knowledge of the subject. The UGC NET Philosophy Syllabus 2025 includes topics from Indian, Western Philosophy, Ethics, Logic, and Contemporary Philosophical Issues.
UGC NET Philosophy Syllabus for Paper 2 Unit-Wise
Below is unit wise syllabus in table format for UGC NET Philosophy Syllabus 2025:
| Unit | Topics |
| Unit I: Classical Indian Philosophy |
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| Unit II: Modern Indian Thinkers |
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| Unit III: Classical Western Philosophy |
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| Unit IV: Modern Western Philosophy |
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| Unit V: Ethics |
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| Unit VI: Social and Political Philosophy |
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| Unit VII: Logic |
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| Unit VIII: Contemporary Issues and Philosophical Trends |
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Read More: UGC NET Syllabus 2026
UGC NET Philosophy Syllabus 2026 PDF Download
UGC NET Philosophy Syllabus 2025 is a direct download link available below in both Hindi and English to help candidates prepare effectively. The UGC NET 2026 syllabus includes unit-wise topics, covering all important areas of Indian and Western Philosophy, Ethics, Logic, and Contemporary Thought. Candidates preparing for the exam can easily download the UGC NET Philosophy Syllabus 2025 PDFs from the direct links mentioned below and begin their preparation with all important topics in a structured format.
| Language | Download Direct Link |
| UGC NET Philosophy Syllabus 2026 in English | Download Link |
| UGC NET Philosophy Syllabus 2026 in Hindi | Download Link |
Also Read: UGC NET Philosophy Syllabus 2026
UGC NET Philosophy Career Opportunities 2026
Candidates who clear the UGC NET Philosophy 2026 exam will have a wide range of academic and professional career opportunities with a background in philosophical studies.
- Assistant Professor/Lecturer: After qualifying for the UGC NET Philosophy 2025 exam, one of the most desired opportunities is becoming an Assistant Professor in colleges and universities across India.
- Junior Research Fellowship (JRF): Aspirants who qualify for JRF are also eligible to pursue Ph.D. or M.Phil. with monthly stipends. It is ideal for candidates who aim for a research-focused career in Philosophy.
- Pursue a Ph.D. in Philosophy: Candidates after qualifying for the UGC NET Philosophy 2025 exam opt for a Ph.D. in Philosophy.
- Think Tanks and Research Institutes Jobs: Philosophy graduates are also in demand in think tanks, policy-making bodies, and social research organizations.
- Government and Public Sector Jobs: Qualified UGC NET Philosophy 2025 candidates can also apply for roles in Civil Services (e.g., UPSC, State PSCs), Educational Departments, and Public Sector Enterprises.
Read More: UGC NET Preparation Tips 2026
UGC NET Philosophy Previous Year Question Papers
Practicing UGC NET Philosophy PYQs (previous year’s questions) is important for candidates to understand the exam pattern, difficulty level, and important topics. The UGC NET Philosophy PYQs provide valuable insights into the exam trends. Download the official question papers from the direct link mentioned below for focused practice.
| Exam Name | Year | Download PDF |
| UGC NET Philosophy (December) | 2025 | Available Soon |
| UGC NET Philosophy (June) | 2025 | Download Link |
| UGC NET Philosophy | 2024 | Download Link |
| UGC NET Philosophy | 2023 | Download Link |
| UGC NET Philosophy | 2022 | Download Link |
| UGC NET Philosophy | 2022 | Download Link |
| UGC NET Philosophy | 2021 | Download Link |
| UGC NET Philosophy | 2021 | Download Link |
| UGC NET Philosophy | 2020 | Download Link |
| UGC NET Philosophy | 2018 | Download Link |
| UGC NET Philosophy | 2018 | Download Link |
Read More: UGC NET Previous Year Question Papers PDF
Conclusion
UGC NET Philosophy 2026 exam presents an excellent opportunity for candidates aspiring for a career in academics and research through roles such as Assistant Professor and JRF in Philosophy. Having a thorough familiarity with the exam pattern, eligibility, and marking scheme, combined with the previous year’s questions, will help candidates prepare for the UGC NET Philosophy 2025 exam with confidence.
For the upcoming UGC NET Philosophy 2026 June cycle, aspirants are encouraged to adopt a strategic and syllabus-focused study plan and use quality reference books. They should stay updated on UGC NET Philosophy 2026 exam notifications through official channels.
UGC NET Philosophy 2025 FAQs
Who can apply for the UGC NET Philosophy 2025 exam?
Candidates who have a Master’s degree in Philosophy or a related subject with at least 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC/PwD/Transgender). Also, final-year postgraduates are eligible.
How many papers are there in the UGC NET Philosophy 2025 exam?
The UGC NET Philosophy 2025 exam consists of two papers: Paper I: General Aptitude (common for all subjects) and Paper II: Subject-specific (Philosophy).
Will there be any negative marking in the UGC NET Philosophy 2025 exam?
No, there will be no negative marking for any incorrect answer.
Where can I download the UGC NET Philosophy 2025 exam syllabus?
Interested candidates can download the UGC NET Philosophy 2025 exam syllabus from the official website or the above-mentioned direct link. The UGC NET Philosophy 2025 exam syllabus is available in both English and Hindi language.
