Updated on Jun 06, 2025
Asmita Verma
The National Testing Agency (NTA) prescribes the UGC NET exam format for 2025. UGC NET 2025 test consists of two papers, Paper 1 & Paper 2. According to the UGC NET 2025 exam pattern, candidates will have to complete the test within 180 minutes. Both papers have multiple-choice questions (MCQs) of the objective kind. The questions, which combine papers one and two, are distributed to 150 candidates. There is no negative marking system for the UGC NET exam. Candidates receive points for accurate responses; wrong answers do not result in a mark deduction. UGC NET question paper is available in both languages, English and Hindi only
UGC NET 2024 December session exam started in CBT mode on 3rd January, 2025. The exam will conclude on 27th January, 2025.
In 2019, NTA changed the exam pattern, and since then UGC NET Exam pattern has remained the same.
UGC NET Exam Pattern 2025 Highlights
Before elaborating on the UGC NET exam pattern, let us look at the major highlights of both exams' papers.
Particulars | UGC NET Paper 1 Highlights | UGC NET Paper 2 Highlights |
Exam mode | Online | Online |
Exam duration | 3 hours (180 minutes) | |
UGC NET June Cycle Date | To Be Announced | |
Type of paper | Common for all candidates | Subject-specific questions (82 Subjects) |
Total Questions | 50 | 100 |
Type of questions | MCQs: 4 options with only one correct option | MCQs: 4 options with only one correct option |
Total marks | 100 | 200 |
Marking scheme | +2 for the correct answer
0 for an incorrect answer | +2 for the correct answer
0 for an incorrect answer |
Language of paper | English and Hindi | English and Hindi |
UGC NET Exam Pattern 2025
The UGC NET 2025 question contains two papers that candidates must complete in three hours. Papers 1 and 2 contain objective-type questions, and candidates must attempt questions from both papers.
UGC NET Paper | Number of Questions | Total Marks |
UGC NET Paper 1 | 50 | 100 |
UGC NET Paper 2 | 100 | 200 |
Total | 150 | 300 |
- Candidates must finish the UGC NET paper in three hours, or 180 minutes, without interruption.
- Every question in Papers 1 and 2 must be answered.
- The UGC NET question paper 2025 is only available in Hindi and English. Candidates must carefully select the medium when filling out the UGC NET application form.
- There are two marks for each question.
- For inaccurate answers, there is no deduction in grade.
UGC NET Exam Pattern 2025 for Paper 1
According to NTA's official website, the UGC NET Paper 1 questions will be generic and designed to evaluate the candidate's teaching and research skills. Its primary purpose is to assess the candidate's capacity for reasoning, comprehension, divergent thinking, and general awareness. The UGC NET syllabus and exam format should be the first things candidates study for the UGC NET exam. The candidates can find below the exam pattern for the first UGC NET paper
UGC NET Paper 1 Sections | No. of Questions | Total Marks |
Teaching Aptitude | 5 | 10 |
Research Aptitude | 5 | 10 |
Reading Comprehension | 5 | 10 |
Communication | 5 | 10 |
Reasoning (including Maths) | 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 & Administration | 5 | 10 |
Total | 50 | 100 |
UGC NET 2025 Exam Pattern for Paper 2
Regarding the UGC NET Paper 2 exam, the website states, "This will be based on the subject selected by the candidate. All the questions of Paper 2 will be compulsory."
Candidates must choose the UGC NET Paper 2 subject from the given options of 83 subjects while filling out the application form. Candidates need to appear only on the subject of their post-graduation. Candidates whose Postgraduate subject is not covered in the list of UGC NETsubjects can appear in a related subject.
UGC NET Marking Scheme 2025
In each paper of the UGC NET exam, two marks are awarded for every correct answer. There is no negative marking in the UGC NET exam.
UGC NET Marking Parameters | Marks Allotted |
Correct answer | +2 |
Incorrect answer | 0 |
Unattempted question | 0 |
UGC NET Syllabus 2025
UGC NET syllabus 2025 is prescribed by the University Grants Commission (UGC). The NTA UGC NET Syllabus is different for Paper 1 and Paper 2. The UGC NET Paper 1 syllabus 2025 is standard for all candidates. On the other hand, the UGC NET Paper 2 syllabus varies for all 85 subjects. Candidates must choose the subject for Paper 2 while submitting the UGC NET application form.
UGC NET Paper 1 Syllabus 2025
The UGC NET Paper 1 syllabus has been given below for the candidates who are willing to appear for the UGC NET exam. Paper 1 comprises 50 questions from 10 units that hold a total weightage of 100 marks:
- 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
UGC NET Paper 2 Syllabus 2025
UGC NET Paper 2 Syllabus is subject-specific, and the candidates have to choose Paper 2 by their specialisation. The subject of post-graduation is the paper of specialisation. Paper 2 holds a weightage of 200 marks for 100 questions. The Commission has introduced 'Ayurveda Biology' as an additional subject in the UGC NET exam.
UGC NET Exam Pattern FAQs
Will there be a negative marking in UGC NET 2025?
There is no negative marking for incorrect answers.
Why am I not qualified for the UGC NET exam for an assistant professor after securing the minimum marks?
To be eligible for the UGC NET test, applicants must pass papers 1 and 2. To be eligible for the UGC NET exam, candidates must receive at least 40% of the possible points (Unreserved category) and 35%. However, the top 6% of applicants will be eligible for the Assistant Professor post out of those who met the minimum qualifying scores.
What is the age limit for UGC NET exam 2025?
There is no upper age limit to apply for the Assistant Professor exam. Candidates who have completed their post-graduation or appeared in their final year can apply for the UGC NET assistant professor position.
What are the criteria for the net exam 2025?
The criteria for eligibility for UGC NET 2025 include provisions based on age and educational qualification. Age limit: The maximum age limit for UGC NET under Junior Research Fellowship is 30 years. However, there will be no age limit for UGC NET attempts in the case of assistant professors.
What is the safe score for UGC NET 2025?
General category candidates must score at least 120 marks out of 300 to qualify for the exam. Candidates belonging to OBC, SC, ST, PWD, and Transgender need to secure at least 105 marks out of 300 combined in both Papers 1 and 2.
How many hours should you study for UGC NET 2025?
They must begin by analysing the exam syllabus, attempting the previous year's question papers and attempting mock tests. Make a study plan and pick topics accordingly. How many hours should you study for UGC NET? One must study for at least 6 hours daily to crack this national-level exam.
What is the UGC NET minimum cut-off?
The candidates need to qualify for papers one and paper 2, to be eligible to qualify for the UGC NET exam. The candidates have to score a minimum of 40 percent marks (Unreserved category) and 35 percent of marks to qualify for the UGC NET exam.
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