The University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) is a national-level examination conducted by the University Grants Commission (UGC) to determine the eligibility of Indian nationals for lectureship and/or junior research fellowship in Indian universities and colleges. The exam is designed to assess the candidate's understanding of various subjects, their research capabilities, and their ability to communicate complex ideas in a clear and concise manner.

The UGC NET was first introduced in 1988 to ensure that only qualified candidates are appointed as lecturers or assistant professors in Indian universities and colleges. The exam is conducted twice a year, in June and December, and is open to candidates who have completed their Master's degree or are pursuing their Ph.D.

SYLLABUS FOR UGC NET 2024

LINK - Syllabus PDF

Previous Years Question Papers

LINK - Question Papers PDF

The UGC NET examination is considered to be moderately difficult. The questions are designed to test the candidates' knowledge and understanding of the subject matter, as well as their ability to apply theoretical concepts to practical problems.

Trends and Patterns:

Over the years, the UGC NET examination has seen a significant increase in the number of applicants, with a corresponding increase in competition.
The exam trends suggest that:
1. Paper-I, which tests teaching and research aptitude, is often considered to be the most challenging paper.
2. Paper-II, which tests subject-specific knowledge, is often considered to be more straightforward.
3. The exam has a high emphasis on theoretical knowledge, with less emphasis on practical skills.
The exam requires candidates to have a strong foundation in their subject area, as well as excellent communication and analytical skills.

1: Start Early-:

The UGC NET examination is a challenging test that requires thorough preparation. It's essential to start preparing early. This will give you sufficient time to cover the entire syllabus, practice consistently, and refine your skills.

2: Understand the Syllabus-:

Familiarize yourself with the UGC NET syllabus and understand what is being tested. The syllabus is vast, and it's crucial to know what topics to focus on. Make a study plan that covers all the topics and allocate sufficient time for each subject.

3: Develop a Study Plan-:

Create a study plan that suits your learning style and schedule. Break down your study material into manageable chunks, and allocate specific times for each topic. Set realistic goals and deadlines for each topic to stay on track.

4: Focus on Weak Areas-:

Identify your weak areas and focus on improving them. Practice problems and case studies to strengthen your understanding of the subject matter. Identify areas where you need improvement and allocate more time to those topics.

5: Practice Regularly-:

Practice is key to success in the UGC NET examination. Practice regular quizzes, mock tests, and sample papers to improve your speed and accuracy. Practice tests will help you identify areas where you need improvement and refine your skills.

6: Read Recommended Books- :

Read recommended books and research papers to improve your knowledge of the subject matter. Keep up-to-date with recent developments in your field by reading relevant journals and articles.

7: Join a Coaching Center or Online Resources-:

Join a coaching center or online resources to get guidance from experts. Coaching centers provide personalized guidance, practice tests, and study materials that can help you prepare effectively for the exam.

8: Focus on Teaching and Research Aptitude-:

The UGC NET examination tests not only subject knowledge but also teaching and research aptitude. Focus on developing your teaching skills by practicing case studies, lesson plans, and classroom management techniques.

9: Stay Up-to-Date-:

Stay up-to-date with recent developments in your field by reading relevant journals, articles, and research papers. This will help you stay current and improve your knowledge of the subject matter.

10: Time Management-:

Manage your time effectively during the exam by allocating sufficient time for each section. Practice time management by taking mock tests under timed conditions.

11: Stay Calm and Focused- :

Stay calm and focused during the exam by taking deep breaths, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep before the exam. Positive self-talk can also help you stay calm and focused during the exam.

13: Review Regularly- :

Review regularly by going over notes, practice questions, and sample papers. This will help you retain information better and improve your recall during the exam.

Some books for this examination:
1. Trueman’s UGC NET/SET General Paper 1 - 2020 Edition
2. UGC NET/JRF/SET General Paper 1 - Teaching & Research Aptitude by Arihant Publications
3. NTA UGC NET/SET/JRF Paper 1 - Teaching and Research Aptitude by KVS Madaan
4. UGC-NET/JRF/SET - Teaching & Research Aptitude (General Paper 1) by Upkar Prakashan
5. NTA UGC NET JRF Paper I – All 10 Subject + Indian Logic by Shubham Singhania & Anuj Jindal
6. Latest NTA UGC NET Paper 1 – 14 Solved Past Year Papers (7 Papers of 2019, and 5 Papers of 2018 and 2 Papers of 2017) by Shubham Singhania & Anuj Jindal
7. A Modern Approach to Verbal and Nonverbal Reasoning by S Chand
8. B.S. Sijwali and Indu Sijwali: A New Approach to Reasoning Verbal and Nonverbal by Arihant
9. Mini Goyal and Shweta Rani: Computer Awareness by Arihant
10. Quantitative Aptitude by R.S.Aggrawal
11. Wren and Martin: High School English Grammar & Composition by S Chand