UGC NET Exam Pattern 2026: Paper 1 and Paper 2 Pattern, Marking Scheme

The UGC NET Exam Pattern 2026 for the December Session will follow the exam structure prescribed by the National Testing Agency. The exam will comprise two papers, Paper 1 and Paper 2, conducted in a single 3-hour (180-minute) session. Paper 1 will contain 50 questions carrying 100 marks, while Paper 2 will have 100 questions for 200 marks. Both papers will consist of objective-type multiple-choice questions (MCQs), with Paper 2 based on the subject selected by the candidate.

Under the UGC NET December 2026 marking scheme, candidates will receive 2 marks for every correct answer. There will be no negative marking for incorrect or unanswered questions. The exam will be conducted in CBT mode from December 14 to 19, 2026, with December 20 and 21 kept as additional dates. The question paper will be made available in English and Hindi, except where a language paper is applicable.

UGC NET Exam Pattern 2026 Highlights

The UGC NET 2026 exam is held in Computer-Based Test mode and consists of two papers, Paper 1 and Paper 2, with both papers featuring objective-type multiple-choice questions. All candidates must attempt questions from both papers. The combined duration for completing both papers is 3 hours (180 minutes), with no breaks in between. The UGC NET 2026 Question Papers are available in both English and Hindi. Hence, before planning to appear for the exam, candidates should go through the detailed exam pattern to understand its structure and marking scheme. Here is a quick summary of the exam pattern for UGC NET 2026 for students’ reference:

UGC NET Paper 1 Exam Pattern 2026

The UGC NET Paper 1 is common to all candidates and evaluates their teaching and research aptitude through 10 sections. These include Teaching Aptitude, Research Aptitude, Reading Comprehension, Communication, Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Data Interpretation, ICT, People and Environment, and Higher Education System. The paper comprises 50 questions carrying 100 marks, with 5 questions from each section, and each question carries 2 marks. The paper contains 50 MCQs of 2 marks each. Check out the following table for the UGC NET 2026 Paper 1 Exam Pattern:

UGC NET Paper 2 Exam Pattern 2026

The UGC NET Paper 2 exam 2026 is a subject-specific paper based on the subject chosen by the candidate during the application process. It consists of 100 compulsory multiple-choice questions, carrying a total of 200 marks. Each question carries 2 marks, with four options and one correct answer. There is no negative marking for incorrect answers. The paper is available in English and Hindi, except where the language of the subject requires otherwise. Candidates can check out the details related to UGC NET Paper 2 in the table below:

Students should check UGC NET Books 2026 to choose the right study material as per the latest syllabus and exam pattern, and make their preparation more focused and effective.

Difference in UGC NET Paper 1 and Paper 2 Pattern 2026

Paper 1 and Paper 2 of UGC NET 2026 differ in purpose and structure. Paper 1 checks general aptitude while Paper 2 tests subject-specific knowledge. Both the papers are conducted together in a single session. Check out the following table for the difference in exam pattern of UGC NET 2026 Paper 1 and Paper 2.

UGC NET Marking Scheme 2026

Each question in both Papers 1 and 2 carries 2 marks. There is no negative marking for incorrect answers or unattempted questions. This allows candidates to attempt all questions without fear of negative marking. Check out the following table for UGC NET 2026 Marking Scheme.

Important Features of UGC NET Exam Pattern 2026

The basic structure remains the same in UGC NET 2026, but a few changes have been made to the syllabus and subjects offered. As per the existing exam pattern, both Paper 1 and Paper 2 are conducted in a single, combined duration of three hours (180 minutes) without any break. This revised pattern requires candidates to manage their time across both papers efficiently within the same exam slot.

• The exam now comprises two papers (Paper 1 and Paper 2) conducted in a single three-hour duration.
• Previously, Paper 1 was one hour, and Paper 2 was two hours, conducted separately.
• All questions in both papers are compulsory.

UGC NET Syllabus 2026 Overview

The UGC NET Syllabus 2026 is prescribed by the University Grants Commission, divided into two papers. Paper 1 covers general topics related to teaching and research aptitude. It includes 10 units such as communication, reasoning, and higher education. Paper 2 is subject-specific, and candidates must choose one from 87 available subjects. Two new subjects, Forestry and Statistics, have been added this year. Candidates need to study all the important topics listed under their chosen subject. Check out the following table for UGC NET Syllabus 2026 in brief:

UGC NET Exam Pattern 2026 FAQs