• Updated on 23 Jun, 2026 by Ankita Banerjee
What's new?
UGC NET Latest news and articles
UGC NET Exam Pattern 2026 June Session has been released by the National Testing Agency (NTA) along with the notification on April 29, 2026, at ugcnet.nta.nic.in. 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 2026 Exam. The UGC NET question paper is generally available in English and Hindi. UGC NET June 2026 Exam Date is from June 22 to 30, 2026. Check below for the detailed UGC NET 2026 exam pattern, marking scheme, and paper-wise structure.
UGC NET Exam Pattern 2026: Highlights
The UGC NET 2026 examination is conducted online, comprising two papers. Both Paper 1 and Paper 2 include 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 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
UGC NET Paper 1 is common for all candidates and is designed to assess the teaching and research aptitude of candidates. 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 2026 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 Paper 2 Exam Pattern 2026
UGC NET Paper 2 is subject-specific and is based on the subject selected by the candidate during the application process. All 100 questions in Paper 2 are compulsory. For the June 2026 session, candidates can choose one subject from the list of 87 UGC NET subjects. Each question carries 2 marks, making the total marks for Paper 2 equal to 200. Candidates can check out the details related to UGC NET Paper 2 in the table below:
|
Particulars |
UGC NET Paper 2 Exam Pattern |
|
Type of Paper |
Subject-specific questions (87 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 |
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.
|
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 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.
|
Response Type |
Marks Awarded |
|
Correct Answer |
+2 |
|
Incorrect Answer |
0 |
|
Unattempted Question |
0 |
Key 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:
|
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 87 subjects like English, Sociology, History, Commerce, Geography, Hindi, Computer Applications, Forestry and Statistics, etc.) |
UGC NET Exam Pattern 2026 FAQs
What is the exam pattern of UGC NET 2026?
The UGC NET 2026 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 2026 Paper 1?
UGC NET 2026 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 2026 Paper 2?
UGC NET 2026 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 2026 exam?
The total time duration of UGC NET 2026 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 2026?
No, there is no negative marking in the UGC NET 2026 exam. Candidates are not penalised for wrong or unattempted answers.
What type of questions are asked in UGC NET 2026?
UGC NET 2026 contains objective-type multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Each question has four options with one correct answer.
Can I choose the medium of UGC NET 2026 exam?
Yes, the UGC NET 2026 question paper is available in English and Hindi. Candidates can choose their preferred language while filling out the application form.
What are the total marks for UGC NET 2026 Paper 1 and 2?
UGC NET 2026 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 2026 compulsory?
Yes, all questions in UGC NET 2026 are compulsory. Candidates must attempt all 150 questions across both papers.
What is the syllabus of UGC NET 2026 Paper 1?
UGC NET 2026 Paper 1 syllabus includes topics like teaching aptitude, research aptitude, reasoning, ICT, and environment. It is common for all candidates.