UGC NET Sanskrit Syllabus 2026 for candidates preparing to qualify for the roles of Assistant Professor or Junior Research Fellowship (JRF). The Sanskrit subject is assigned Subject Code 25. The syllabus is structured to help aspirants gain a deep understanding of classical and modern Sanskrit literature, grammar, linguistics, philosophy, and criticism. For effective preparation, downloading the official syllabus PDF is essential.
The Sanskrit exam 2025 for the December session has concluded on 3 January 2026, shift 1. Prepare comprehensively for future sessions.
UGC NET Sanskrit Syllabus 2025 Overview
The UGC NET Sanskrit exam is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) to determine eligibility for the positions of Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in Indian universities and colleges. The exam is held twice a year in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.
| Feature | Details |
| Exam Name | UGC NET 2025 |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Purpose | Eligibility for Assistant Professor & JRF |
| Exam Frequency | Twice a Year |
| Exam Mode | Online (CBT) |
| Medium of Exam | Sanskrit |
| Papers | Paper I (General), Paper II (Sanskrit) |
| Subject Code | 25 |
| Total Duration | 3 Hours (Combined) |
| Exam Date | 3 January 2026, shift 1 |
| Official Website | ugcnet.nta.nic.in |
Also Read: UGC NET June 2026
UGC NET Sanskrit Syllabus 2026 PDF Download
For structured and systematic preparation, it’s crucial to download the UGC NET Sanskrit Syllabus 2026 PDF released by the NTA. The syllabus consists of 10 well-defined units, each covering critical domains of Sanskrit language and literature. Candidates should study each unit carefully, revise key texts and theories, and understand core linguistic and philosophical concepts.
| Sanskrit Syllabus 2026 |
| Download UGC NET Sanskrit Syllabus 2026 PDF In English |
| Download UGC NET Sanskrit Syllabus 2026 PDF In Hindi |
UGC NET Paper 1 Syllabus (Common for All Subjects)
Paper 1 evaluates a candidate’s general aptitude, including research and teaching capabilities. It consists of 50 objective-type questions and holds 100 marks. This paper is crucial for boosting your total UGC NET score.
UGC NET Paper 1 Units:
- Teaching Aptitude
- Research Aptitude
- Reading Comprehension
- Communication
- Mathematical Reasoning and Aptitude
- Logical Reasoning
- Data Interpretation
- Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
- People, Development and Environment
- Higher Education System: Governance, Polity, and Administration
Download UGC NET Paper I Syllabus 2026 PDF from the table below:
| UGC NET Paper I Syllabus 2026 | |
| English | Hindi |
Also Read: UGC NET Syllabus 2025 PDF Download
UGC NET Sanskrit Syllabus 2026 – Paper 2 Unit-wise Breakdown
Paper 2 is subject-specific and focuses entirely on Sanskrit literature, grammar, and philosophy. It includes 100 multiple-choice questions, carrying 2 marks each, totaling 200 marks.
UGC NET Sanskrit Syllabus Unit-wise:
| Unit | Title | Detailed Topics |
| Unit I | Vedic Literature – General Introduction | – Major theories on the Vedas: Max Müller, A. Weber, Jacobi, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, M. Winternitz, traditional Indian perspectives
– Overview of: ▪ Saṁhitā literature ▪ Dialogue Hymns: Pururavā–Urvaśī, Yama–Yamī, Saramā–Paṇi, Viśvāmitra–Nadī ▪ Brāhmaṇa and Āraṇyaka literature ▪ Vedāṅgas: Śikṣā, Kalpa, Vyākaraṇa, Nirukta, Chandas, Jyotiṣa |
| Unit II | Specific Study of Vedic Literature | – Selected Hymns:
▪ Ṛgveda: Agni (1.1), Varuṇa (1.25), Sūrya (1.125), Indra (2.12), Uṣas (3.61), Parjanya (5.83), Kitava (10.34), Jñāna (10.71), Puruṣa (10.90), Hiraṇyagarbha (10.121), Vāk (10.125), Nāsadīya (10.129) ▪ Śuklayajurveda: Śivasaṁkalpa (34.1–6), Prajāpati (23.1–5) ▪ Atharvaveda: Rāṣṭrābhivardhanam (1.29), Kāla (10.53), Pṛthivī (12.1) – Brāhmaṇa Concepts: Vidhi, Agnihotra, Agniṣṭoma, Darśapūrṇamāsa, Pañcamahāyajña, Akhyāna (Śunahśepa, Vāṅmanas) – Upaniṣads: Īśa, Kaṭha, Kena, Bṛhadāraṇyaka, Taittirīya, Śvetāśvatara – Vedic Grammar & Nirukta: Concepts like Samānākṣara, Sandhyakṣara, Svarabhakti, Saṁyoga, Pragṛhya, etc. – Four-fold division of Padas: Nāma, Ākhyāta, Upasargas, Nipātas – Selected Nirukta Chapters (I, II, VII – Daivatakāṇḍa) – Etymology of Vedic words: Āchārya, Vāk, Agni, etc. – Vedic Accent: Udātta, Anudātta, Svarita |
| Unit III | Darśana – Philosophical Systems (Intro) | – Pramāṇamīmānsā, Tattvamīmānsā, Ācāramīmānsā
– Systems: Cārvāka, Jaina, Bauddha, Nyāya, Sāṁkhya, Yoga, Vaiśeṣika, Mīmāṁsā |
| Unit IV | Darśana Literature – Special Textual Study | – Sāṁkhyakārikā (Īśvarakṛṣṇa): Satkāryavāda, Prakṛti & Puruṣa, Sṛṣṭikrama, Kaivalya
– Vedāntasāra (Sadānanda): Anubandha-catuṣṭaya, Ajñāna, Adhyāropa–Apavāda, Pañcīkaraṇa, Jīvanmukti – Tarkasaṁgraha / Tarkabhāṣā: Padārtha, Pramāṇa (Pratyakṣa, Anumāna, Upamāna, Śabda), Prameya – Yogasūtra (with Vyāsabhāṣya): Cittabhūmi, Yogāṅgas, Samādhi, Kaivalya – Brahmasūtra (1.1 – with Śaṅkarabhāṣya) – Nyāyasiddhāntamuktāvalī, Sarvadarśanasaṁgraha, Arthasaṁgraha, Jaina & Bauddha philosophies |
| Unit V | Grammar and Linguistics – General | – Overview of Sanskrit grammarians: Pāṇini, Kātyāyana, Patanjali, Bhartṛhari, Vāmanajayāditya, Bhaṭṭoji Dīkṣita, Nāgeśabhaṭṭa, Kaiyaṭa, Jainendra, Śākaṭāyana, Hemacandra
– Pāṇinīya Śikṣā – Linguistics: ▪ Language: Definitions & classifications ▪ Genealogical & morphological typologies ▪ Phonetic system: Stops, Fricatives, Semi-vowels, Vowels ▪ Phonetic laws: Grimm, Grassmann, Verner ▪ Semantic change: directions & reasons ▪ Concepts of Vākya, Bhāṣā vs Vāk, Language vs Dialect ▪ Indo-European language family |
| Unit VI | Specific Grammar Study | – Key grammatical terms: Saṁhitā, Guṇa, Vṛddhi, etc.
– Sandhi: Vowel (Ac), Consonant (Hal), Visarga – Subanta: Declensions – Ajanta/Halanta forms in various genders – Samāsa: Avyayībhāva, Tatpuruṣa, Bahuvrīhi, Dvandva – Taddhita & Tiṅanta derivations – Kṛdanta: Tavya, Ktvā, Tumun, etc. – Strīpratyaya rules – Kāraka prakaraṇa, Parasmaipada/Ātmanepada rules – Mahābhāṣya (Paspaśāhnika): Definitions of Śabda, Vyākaraṇa – Vākyapadīyam (Brahmakāṇḍa): Sphoṭa, Śabda-Brahma, Dhvani |
| Unit VII | Sanskrit Literature, Poetics, Prosody – General | – Notable authors: Bhāsa, Kālidāsa, Śūdraka, Māgha, Bhavabhūti, Bāṇabhaṭṭa, Daṇḍin, Bhāravi, Harṣa, etc.
– Schools of poetics: Rasa, Alaṅkāra, Rīti, Dhvani, Vakrokti, Aucitya – Western Poetics: Aristotle, Longinus, Croce |
| Unit VIII | Literature – Specific Study | – Poetry: Buddhacaritam (Canto 1), Raghuvaṁśam (1), Kirātārjunīyam (1), Śiśupālavadham (1), Naiṣadhīyacaritam (1)
– Drama: Svapnavāsavadattām, Abhijñānaśākuntalam, Mṛcchakaṭikam, Uttararāmacaritam, Mudrārākṣasam, Ratnāvalī – Prose: Daśakumāracaritam (VIII), Harṣacaritam (V), Kādambarī (Śukanāsopadeśa) – Campū: Nala Campū (I) – Poetics texts: Sāhityadarpaṇa, Kāvyaprakāśa, Dhvanyāloka, Vakroktijīvita, Nāṭyaśāstra (Ch. 1 & 6), Daśarūpakam (1 & 3) – Chandas (Metres): Āryā, Anuṣṭup, Mandākrāntā, Śārdūlavikrīḍita, etc. |
| Unit IX | Purāṇas, Itihāsa, Dharmaśāstra, Epigraphy – General | – Rāmāyaṇa & Mahābhārata: Themes, society, historical value
– Purāṇas: Maha & Upa Purāṇas, legends, cosmology – Smṛtis, Kauṭilīya Arthaśāstra – Paleography: Brāhmī script origin, theories – Inscriptions: Introduction and classification |
| Unit X | Specific Study – Itihāsa, Dharma & Epigraphy | – Texts:
▪ Kauṭilīya Arthaśāstra (Vinayādikarika) ▪ Manusmṛti (Ch. I, II, VII) ▪ Yājñavalkyasmṛti (Vyavahārādhyāya) – Inscriptions: ▪ Mauryan: Ashoka’s Major Rock & Pillar Edicts ▪ Post-Mauryan: Sāranātha Image Inscription (Kaniṣka), Girnār (Rudradāman), Hāthīgumphā (Khāravela) ▪ Gupta & post-Gupta: Allahabad Pillar (Samudragupta), Mandasor (Yasodharman), Banāskherā (Harṣa), Aihole (Pulakeśīn II) |
UGC NET संस्कृत पाठ्यक्रम 2026 – यूनिटवार सारणी (हिंदी में)
| यूनिट | शीर्षक | विस्तृत विषयवस्तु |
| यूनिट I | वैदिक साहित्य – सामान्य परिचय | – वेदों पर प्रमुख सिद्धांत: मैक्स मूलर, ए. वेबर, याकोबी, बाल गंगाधर तिलक, एम. विंटरनिट्ज़, भारतीय पारंपरिक दृष्टिकोण
– संहिताओं का परिचय – संवाद सूक्त: पुरुरवा–उर्वशी, यम–यमी, सरमा–पणि, विश्वामित्र–नदी – ब्राह्मण एवं आरण्यक साहित्य – वेदांग: शिक्षा, कल्प, व्याकरण, निरुक्त, छंद, ज्योतिष |
| यूनिट II | वैदिक साहित्य – विशेष अध्ययन | – चयनित ऋचाएं:
▪ ऋग्वेद: अग्नि, वरुण, सूर्य, इंद्र, उषस्, पर्जन्य, कितव, ज्ञान, पुरुष, हिरण्यगर्भ, वाक्, नासदीय ▪ शुक्ल यजुर्वेद: शिवसंकल्प (अध्याय 34), प्रजापति (अध्याय 23) ▪ अथर्ववेद: राष्ट्राभिवर्धनम्, काल, पृथ्वी – ब्राह्मण विषयवस्तु: विधि, अग्निहोत्र, अग्निष्टोम, दर्शपूर्णमास, पंचमहायज्ञ, आख्यान (शुनःशेप, वाङ्मनस्) – उपनिषद्: ईश, कठ, केन, बृहदारण्यक, तैत्तिरीय, श्वेताश्वतर – वैदिक व्याकरण एवं निरुक्त: समानाक्षर, संध्याक्षर, स्वरभक्ति, संयोग, प्रगृह्य आदि – पदों का चतुष्प्रकार वर्गीकरण: नाम, आख्यात, उपसर्ग, निपात – निरुक्त के अध्याय (1, 2, 7 – दैवतकाण्ड) – वैदिक शब्दों की व्युत्पत्ति: आचार्य, वाक्, अग्नि आदि – वैदिक स्वर: उदात्त, अनुदात्त, स्वरित |
| यूनिट III | दर्शन – दार्शनिक प्रणालियों का परिचय | – प्रमाणमीमांसा, तत्त्वमीमांसा, आचारमीमांसा
– दर्शनों का परिचय: चार्वाक, जैन, बौद्ध, न्याय, सांख्य, योग, वैशेषिक, मीमांसा |
| यूनिट IV | दर्शन साहित्य – विशेष अध्ययन | – सांख्यकारिका (ईश्वरकृष्ण): सत्कार्यवाद, प्रकृति-पुरुष, सृष्टिक्रम, कैवल्य
– वेदान्तसार (सदानन्द): अनुबंध चतुष्टय, अज्ञान, अध्यारोप-अपवाद, पंचीकरण, जीवन्मुक्ति – तर्कसंग्रह/तर्कभाषा: पदार्थ, प्रमाण (प्रत्यक्ष, अनुमान, उपमान, शब्द), प्रमेय – योगसूत्र (व्यास भाष्य सहित): चित्तभूमि, योगाङ्ग, समाधि, कैवल्य – ब्रह्मसूत्र (1.1 शंकरभाष्य सहित) – न्यायसिद्धान्तमुक्तावली, सर्वदर्शनसंग्रह, अर्थसंग्रह, जैन-बौद्ध दर्शन |
| यूनिट V | व्याकरण एवं भाषाविज्ञान – सामान्य | – प्रमुख वैयाकरणों का परिचय: पाणिनि, कात्यायन, पतंजलि, भर्तृहरि, वामन-जयादित्य, भट्टोजि दीक्षित, नागेशभट्ट, कैयट, जैनेंद्र, शाकटायन, हेमचंद्र
– पाणिनीय शिक्षा – भाषाविज्ञान: ▪ भाषा की परिभाषा एवं वर्गीकरण ▪ वंशावली एवं रूपात्मक वर्गीकरण ▪ ध्वनि प्रणाली: स्पर्श, घोष, अर्धस्वर, स्वर ▪ ध्वनि नियम: ग्रिम, ग्रासमैन, वर्नर ▪ अर्थपरिवर्तन के कारण एवं दिशा ▪ वाक्य की परिभाषा, भाषा बनाम वाक, भाषा बनाम उपभाषा ▪ भारोपीय भाषा परिवार का परिचय |
| यूनिट VI | विशिष्ट व्याकरण अध्ययन | – प्रमुख व्याकरणिक परिभाषाएँ: संहिता, संयोग, गुण, वृद्धि आदि
– संधि: अच् संधि, हल् संधि, विसर्ग संधि – सुभंत: अजन्त/हलन्त शब्दों के रूप सभी लिंगों में – समास: अव्ययीभाव, तत्पुरुष, बहुव्रीहि, द्वन्द्व – तद्धित एवं तिङन्त रूप – कृदन्त: तव्य, क्त्वा, तुमुन आदि – स्त्री प्रत्यय के नियम – कारक प्रकरण, परस्मैपद/आत्मनेपद नियम – महाभाष्य (पस्पशाह्निक): शब्द की परिभाषा, अर्थ से संबंध, व्याकरण का उद्देश्य – वाक्यपदीयम् (ब्रह्मकाण्ड): स्फोट सिद्धांत, शब्द-ब्रह्म, ध्वनि की प्रकृति |
| यूनिट VII | संस्कृत साहित्य, काव्यशास्त्र, छन्द – सामान्य | – प्रमुख लेखक: भास, कालिदास, शूद्रक, माघ, भवभूति, बाणभट्ट, दण्डिन, भारवि, हर्ष आदि
– काव्यशास्त्र की शैलियाँ: रस, अलंकार, रीति, ध्वनि, वक्रोक्ति, औचित्य – पाश्चात्य काव्यशास्त्र: अरस्तू, लोंगिनस, क्रोचे |
| यूनिट VIII | साहित्य – विशिष्ट अध्ययन | – काव्य: बुद्धचरितम्, रघुवंशम्, किरातार्जुनीयम्, शिशुपालवधम्, नैषधीयचरितम् (प्रथम सर्ग)
– नाटक: स्वप्नवासवदत्तम्, अभिज्ञानशाकुन्तलम्, मृच्छकटिकम्, उत्तररामचरितम्, मुद्राराक्षसम्, रत्नावली – गद्य: दशकुमारचरितम् (अष्टम उच्छ्वास), हर्षचरितम् (पंचम), कादंबरी (शुकनासोपदेश) – चम्पू: नल चम्पू (प्रथम उच्छ्वास) – काव्यशास्त्र ग्रंथ: साहित्यदर्पण, काव्यप्रकाश, ध्वन्यालोक, वक्रोक्तिजीवित, नाट्यशास्त्र (अध्याय 1, 6), दशरूपकम् (प्रकाश 1, 3) – छंद: आर्या, अनुष्टुप्, मंदाक्रान्ता, शार्दूलविक्रीड़ित आदि |
| यूनिट IX | पुराण, इतिहास, धर्मशास्त्र, अभिलेख – सामान्य | – रामायण और महाभारत: विषय, समाज, ऐतिहासिक महत्व
– पुराण: महापुराण, उपपुराण, पुराणिक खगोल एवं कथाएँ – स्मृतियाँ, कौटिल्य अर्थशास्त्र का परिचय – प्राचीन लिपियाँ: ब्राह्मी लिपि की उत्पत्ति एवं सिद्धांत – अभिलेख: सामान्य वर्गीकरण एवं महत्व |
| यूनिट X | इतिहास, धर्मशास्त्र और अभिलेख – विशिष्ट अध्ययन | – ग्रंथ:
▪ कौटिल्य अर्थशास्त्र (विनयाधिकरिका) ▪ मनुस्मृति (अध्याय 1, 2, 7) ▪ याज्ञवल्क्यस्मृति (व्यवहाराध्याय) – अभिलेख: ▪ मौर्यकालीन: अशोक के प्रमुख शिलालेख और स्तंभ ▪ उत्तर-मौर्य: सारनाथ बौद्ध मूर्ति (कनिष्क), गिरनार (रुद्रदामन), हाथीगुम्फा (खारवेल) ▪ गुप्त व उत्तरगुप्त: प्रयाग स्तंभ (समुद्रगुप्त), मंदसौर (यशोधर्मन), बनासखेड़ा (हर्ष), ऐहोले शिलालेख (पुलकेशिन II) |
Also Read: UGC NET Syllabus 2026
UGC NET Sanskrit Exam Pattern 20253
The UGC NET Sanskrit exam consists of two papers held in a single online session.
| Paper | Questions | Marks | Type | Duration |
| Paper I | 50 | 100 | General Aptitude (MCQs) | 3 Hours (Combined) |
| Paper II | 100 | 200 | Subject-specific (Sanskrit) | – |
Also Read: UGC NET Exam Pattern 2026
Preparation Tips for UGC NET Sanskrit 2026
- Download and Analyze the Syllabus PDF: Understand each unit and sub-topic.
- Refer to Authentic Texts: Study from standard Sanskrit scriptures, grammars, and commentaries.
- Practice Mock Tests: Take CBT-mode mocks to simulate exam pressure.
- Review Previous Year Papers: Identify question trends and important topics.
- Make Notes and Revise Regularly: Summarize each topic for quick revisions.
- Use Bilingual Resources: Use Hindi/English explanations for difficult Sanskrit texts.
Conclusion
The UGC NET Sanskrit Syllabus 2026 offers a comprehensive framework for aspirants aiming for JRF or Assistant Professor roles in Sanskrit. Covering a wide spectrum—from ancient Vedic texts to modern Sanskrit literature and linguistic theory—it allows for deep academic preparation. Download the syllabus PDF, study each unit methodically, and use authentic resources to build subject mastery.
UGC NET Sanskrit Syllabus 2025 FAQs
How many units are in the UGC NET Sanskrit Paper 2 syllabus?
There are 10 comprehensive units in Paper 2, each focusing on a different area of Sanskrit studies.
Is there any change in the UGC NET Sanskrit syllabus every year?
While core content remains stable, minor updates may occur. Always refer to the latest PDF issued by NTA.
What is the exam mode and medium for Sanskrit?
The exam is conducted online (CBT), and the medium for Sanskrit is typically Sanskrit or Hindi.
Can Sanskrit literature be prepared without prior formal education in Sanskrit?
It is advisable to have at least undergraduate-level Sanskrit knowledge. Reading original texts and commentaries is essential.
