Updated on Jun 26, 2025
Amrita Das
UGC NET 2025 Exam Pattern: UGC NET 2025 is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in online mode. The exam consists of two papers namely Paper 1 and Paper 2. Both papers have multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and are held in a single session of 3 hours (180 minutes). Paper 1 contains 50 questions for 100 marks and Paper 2 has 100 questions for 200 marks. Each correct answer carries 2 marks. There is no negative marking in the UGC NET 2025exam. The medium of the paper is English and Hindi only. Continue reading further to know more about the UGC NET Exam Pattern 2025 in detail.
UGC NET 2025 Exam Pattern
The UGC NET 2025 examination is conducted online, comprising two papers. Both Paper 1 and Paper 2 feature objective-type multiple-choice questions (MCQs). It is compulsory for all candidates to attempt questions from both papers. The combined duration for completing both papers is 3 hours (180 minutes), with no breaks in between. The question paper is available in both English and Hindi languages. Check out the following table for UGC NET Exam Pattern 2025.
Particulars | Details |
Exam Name | UGC NET 2025 |
Exam Mode | Online |
Total Questions | 150 (50 in Paper 1, 100 in Paper 2) |
Total Marks | 300 (100 in Paper 1, 200 in Paper 2) |
Marking Scheme | +2 for each correct answer; 0 for incorrect/unattempted answers (No Negative Marking) |
Exam Duration | 3 hours (180 minutes) combined for both papers |
Type of Questions | Objective Type, Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
Language of Paper | English and Hindi |
UGC NET 2025 Paper 1 Exam Pattern
UGC NET Paper 1 is common for all candidates and aims to assess their teaching and research aptitude. It includes questions from ten sections such as teaching aptitude, reasoning, comprehension, ICT, and general awareness. The paper contains 50 MCQs of 2 marks each. Check out the following table for UGC NET 2025 Paper 1 Exam Pattern.
Section | Number of Questions | Total Marks |
Teaching Aptitude | 5 | 10 |
Research Aptitude | 5 | 10 |
Reading Comprehension | 5 | 10 |
Communication | 5 | 10 |
Reasoning (including Mathematics) | 5 | 10 |
Logical Reasoning | 5 | 10 |
Data Interpretation | 5 | 10 |
Information & Communication Technology (ICT) | 5 | 10 |
People & Environment | 5 | 10 |
Higher Education System: Governance, Polity, Admin | 5 | 10 |
Total | 50 | 100 |
UGC NET 2025 Paper 2 Exam Pattern
UGC NET Paper 2 is subject-specific, based on the subject chosen by the candidate during the application process. All 100 questions in Paper 2 are compulsory. Candidates must select their subject from a list of 85 options, ideally aligning with their Post-Graduation discipline. Each question in Paper 2 is worth two marks, making the total marks for this paper 200. Check out the following table for UGC NET Paper 2 Exam Pattern 2025.
Particulars | UGC NET Paper 2 Exam Pattern |
Type of Paper | Subject-specific questions (82/85 Subjects) |
Total Questions | 100 |
Type of Questions | MCQs; 4 options with only 1 correct option |
Total Marks | 200 |
Marking Scheme | +2 for correct answer, 0 for incorrect answer |
Language of Paper | English and Hindi |
Check UGC NET 2025 Eligibility Criteria
Difference in UGC NET 2025 Paper 1 and Paper 2 Pattern
Paper 1 and Paper 2 of UGC NET 2025 differ in purpose and structure. Paper 1 checks general aptitude while Paper 2 tests subject-specific knowledge. Both papers are conducted together in a single session. Check out the following table for the difference in exam pattern of UGC NET 2025 Paper 1 and Paper 2.
Criteria | Paper 1 | Paper 2 |
Purpose | Teaching/Research Aptitude | Subject Knowledge |
Number of Questions | 50 | 100 |
Total Marks | 100 | 200 |
Compulsory Sections | Yes (10 sections) | Yes (Subject-specific) |
Subject | Common for all | Based on PG subject |
Type of Questions | MCQs | MCQs |
UGC NET 2025 Marking Scheme
Each question in both Paper 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 2025 Marking Scheme.
Response Type | Marks Awarded |
Correct Answer | +2 |
Incorrect Answer | 0 |
Unattempted Question | 0 |
New Changes in UGC NET 2025 Exam Pattern
The basic structure remains the same in UGC NET 2025, but a few changes have been made to the syllabus and subjects offered. Previously, the exam consisted of two separate papers conducted in different sessions, with distinct durations. Now, 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 2025 Syllabus Overview
The UGC NET Syllabus 2025 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 85 available subjects, including a newly added subject called Ayurveda Biology. Candidates need to study all important topics listed under their chosen subject. Check out the following table for UGC NET Syllabus 2025 in brief.
Paper | Syllabus Topics |
Paper 1 | Teaching Aptitude, Research Aptitude, Comprehension, Communication, Mathematical Reasoning and Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, Data Interpretation, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), People, Development, and Environment, Higher Education System |
Paper 2 | Subject-specific (Choose 1 from 85 subjects like English, Sociology, History, Commerce, Geography, Hindi, Computer Applications, Ayurveda Biology, etc.) |
UGC NET 2025 Exam Pattern FAQs
What is the exam pattern of UGC NET 2025?
The UGC NET 2025 exam has two papers – Paper 1 and Paper 2. Both papers are held together in a single session and include a total of 150 questions for 300 marks.
How many questions are there in UGC NET 2025 Paper 1?
UGC NET 2025 Paper 1 has 50 multiple-choice questions. Each question carries 2 marks, making it a 100-mark paper.
How many questions are there in UGC NET 2025 Paper 2?
UGC NET 2025 Paper 2 consists of 100 subject-specific questions. Each question is worth 2 marks, for a total of 200 marks.
What is the duration of UGC NET 2025 exam?
The total time duration of UGC NET 2025 is 3 hours or 180 minutes. Candidates must complete both Paper 1 and Paper 2 within this time.
Is there negative marking in UGC NET 2025?
No, there is no negative marking in the UGC NET 2025 exam. Candidates are not penalised for wrong or unattempted answers.
What type of questions are asked in UGC NET 2025?
UGC NET 2025 contains objective-type multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Each question has four options with one correct answer.
Can I choose the medium of UGC NET 2025 exam?
Yes, the UGC NET 2025 question paper is available in English and Hindi. Candidates can choose their preferred language while filling the application form.
What are the total marks for UGC NET 2025 Paper 1 and 2?
UGC NET 2025 Paper 1 is of 100 marks and Paper 2 is of 200 marks. The combined total is 300 marks.
Are all questions in UGC NET 2025 compulsory?
Yes, all questions in UGC NET 2025 are compulsory. Candidates must attempt all 150 questions across both papers.
What is the syllabus of UGC NET 2025 Paper 1?
UGC NET 2025 Paper 1 syllabus includes topics like teaching aptitude, research aptitude, reasoning, ICT, and environment. It is common for all candidates.
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