What is UGC NET?
UGC-NET is a test to determine the eligibility of Indian nationals for:
- Award of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and appointment as Assistant Professor;
- Appointment as Assistant Professor and admission to Ph.D.;
- Admission to Ph.D. only in Indian universities and colleges.
Categories & eligibility
| Qualified for | JRF | Assistant Professor | Ph.D. admission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category-1: Award of JRF and appointment as Assistant Professor | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Category-2: Appointment as Assistant Professor and admission to Ph.D. | No | Yes | Yes |
| Category-3: Admission to Ph.D. only | No | No | Yes |
JRF-qualified candidates are admitted into Ph.D. programmes based on interview as per the UGC regulations. For categories 2 & 3, NET marks typically carry 70% weight and the university viva carries 30% for Ph.D. admissions; NET marks used for Ph.D. admission are valid for one year from result declaration.
Source: Information Bulletin (UGC-NET)
2.1 Mode of Examination
The examination is conducted in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode only.
2.2 Pattern of Examination
The test consists of two papers, both objective multiple-choice questions (MCQ). There is no break between the papers. All questions are compulsory.
Paper II — 100 questions, 200 marks. Based on candidate's selected subject (domain knowledge).
Total duration: 3 hours (180 minutes) for both papers combined.
2.3 Subject & Syllabus
List of subjects and codes are provided in the bulletin appendices. Syllabi for all NET subjects are available on the official UGC NET website (candidates should download the appropriate syllabus).
2.4 Medium of Question Paper
- Mediums: English & Hindi only (except language papers).
- The medium chosen in the application cannot be changed later.
- In case of ambiguity, the English version is treated as final.
2.5 Marking Scheme
- Each question carries 2 marks.
- Correct response: +2. There is no negative marking.
- No marks for un-attempted questions.
- If a question is found incorrect/ambiguous, credit is given to candidates who attempted with a correct option; if dropped, +2 awarded to those who attempted it.
Source: Information Bulletin (UGC-NET)
General / UR / EWS candidates: at least 55% marks in Master’s degree or equivalent. OBC–NCL / SC / ST / PwD / Third gender: at least 50% marks.
Candidates in the final year/semester of Master's may apply provisionally; they must complete the degree with required percentage within two years of result (one year for Ph.D.-only qualifiers) or be disqualified.
Candidates with a 4-year/8-semester bachelor's degree should have at least 75% marks (relaxations may apply). Those qualifying based on a 4-year degree may be eligible for JRF and Ph.D., but note restrictions for Assistant Professor eligibility.
JRF: Not more than 30 years as on 01.06.2025 (relaxations: up to 5 years for certain categories and conditions).
Assistant Professor / PhD admission: No upper age limit.
- NET/SET/SLET is the minimum eligibility condition for Assistant Professor recruitment; specific exemptions are governed by UGC rules.
- Candidates must ensure their eligibility; submission of documents is not required at application stage but may be needed if selected.
Source: Information Bulletin (UGC-NET)