Here’s a complete guide to the UGC NET (University Grants Commission – National Eligibility Test) exam and its eligibility criteria: UGC NET exam syllabus
📘 What is UGC NET?
UGC NET is a national-level exam conducted in India to determine the eligibility for Assistant Professor and/or Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in Indian universities and colleges.
- Conducted by: National Testing Agency (NTA)
- Subjects Offered: Over 80 subjects (English, Hindi, Commerce, Sociology, History, Management, etc.)
- Mode: Online (Computer-Based Test)
- Frequency: Twice a year (usually in June and December)
📝 UGC NET Exam Pattern (2025)
| Paper | Subjects | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Teaching & Research Aptitude (common to all) | 50 | 100 | 3 hours |
| Paper 2 | Subject-specific (chosen by candidate) | 100 | 200 |
- No negative marking
- Total marks: 300
✅ UGC NET Eligibility Criteria
🎓 1. Educational Qualification
- Must have a Master’s Degree or equivalent from a UGC-recognized university.
- Minimum Marks:
- General/EWS: 55%
- OBC (NCL)/SC/ST/PwD/Third Gender: 50%
- Final-year PG students can also apply (provisionally), provided they complete their degree within the timeline.
🧑🎓 2. Age Limit
For JRF (Junior Research Fellowship):
- Upper age limit: 30 years
- Relaxation:
- OBC/SC/ST/PwD/Female candidates: 5 years
- L.L.M. degree holders: additional 3 years
For Assistant Professor:
- No upper age limit
📌 Additional Key Points
- No restriction on the number of attempts for Assistant Professor.
- You can appear in the subject of your post-graduate degree (or a closely related subject).
- The NET score is valid for:
- Lifetime for Assistant Professor
- 3 years for JRF (from the date of issue)
🧭 Career Opportunities After UGC NET
- Assistant Professor in colleges/universities
- PhD research via JRF with monthly stipend
- Lecturer jobs in public/private institutions
- Research associate positions in think tanks or institutions
- Postdoctoral fellowships in India or abroad
- Opportunities in policy research, NGOs, PSUs, and government departments
Would you like help with:
- Choosing a subject for UGC NET?
- Study plan or preparation tips?
- Previous year papers or syllabus download link?