UGC NET Exam Pattern - NTA Paper Pattern & Marking Scheme

UGC NET Exam Pattern is structured by the National Testing Agency – NTA. UGC NET paper pattern is released along with the official notification. Being well versed with the latest UGC NET paper pattern is crucial for aspirants as it helps to strategize their exam preparation accordingly. 

Read in detail about the University Grant Commission on the linked page.

This article will provide details regarding the UGC Net exam Pattern for paper 1 and paper 2 of the UGC National Eligibility Test along with UGC NET marking schemes and Total marks.

Aspirants of other government exams can check the links to know about different examinations.

UGC NET Exam Pattern – Overview

The UGC NET paper pattern is designed to assess a candidate’s knowledge, research aptitude, and teaching skills in their chosen subject. It consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and is divided into two papers. Comprehending the exam pattern enables candidates to manage their time effectively. With a clear understanding of the number of questions and duration of each paper, candidates can plan their exam strategy, ensuring they have ample time to attempt all the questions within the given time limit.

For the Best preparation strategy for competitive exams, candidates can visit the linked article and get detailed study material and preparation tips to excel in the examination.

UGC NET Exam Pattern

The National Testing Agency will release the NET exam notification in which it will prescribe the latest exam pattern of UGC NET. 

All the details mentioned in the UGC NET paper pattern like the number of questions, UGC NET exam time duration, marking scheme are helpful for the candidates to prepare accordingly.

With the help of the UGC NET paper pattern, marking scheme and exam time, candidates can get to know the type of questions asked in the NTA NET exam and different subjects in which UGC NET paper is divided and the time duration allowed to answer each question. All these will help them plan their preparation in the best possible way. 

1. As per the latest exam pattern, the UGC NET exam comprises two papers- Paper 1 and Paper 2.
2. Candidates are allotted a cumulative exam duration of three hours for both papers with no break in between the papers. However, till december 2018 the test consisted of two papers (Paper 1 and 2) that were conducted in two different sessions. Candidates had to complete both the papers (Paper 1 and 2) in a duration of one and two hours, respectively. 
3. All the questions in Paper 1 and Paper 2 are compulsory. The questions in both papers will be objective in nature.
4. This means all the questions in UGC NET June 2023 will be of Multiple Choice type (MCQs). The question will have 4 options, candidates must select the most appropriate answer.
5. There will be a total of 50 questions in Paper 1and 100 questions in Paper 2. UGC NET total marks are 300 (Paper 1- 100 and Paper 2- 200).
6. The medium of the UGC NET question paper is in English and Hindi languages only. Candidates need to choose the medium carefully while filling the UGC NET application form. 
7. Each candidate will be allocated a desktop with pre-installed software at the exam centre specially created for the examination.
8. Make sure to check that the system and the mouse is working properly before the exam commences. 

The description of both the UGC NET exam papers has been given below.

Aspirants willing to appear for the next UGC NET exam can check the following links to know in-depth about the exam –

1. UGC NET Admit Card
2. UGC Net eligibility criteria
3. UGC NET Certificate

UGC NET Exam Pattern Paper 1

The General Aptitude Test is common for all the subjects. This paper intends to assess the candidate’s research and teaching aptitude to measure interpersonal skills. 

It is also designed to assess your comprehension skills, reasoning ability, and basic general awareness of politics, geography, and other related fields. All the questions of UGC NET Paper–I will be mandatory.

There are a total of 50 questions and each question is 2 marks. So, the UGC NET total marks Paper 1 is 100. A candidate will be allotted 1 hour to attempt this section.

UGC NET Exam Pattern Paper 2

UGC NET Paper-II is a subject-based paper. Candidates need to choose the subject of the UGC NET Paper 2 from the given options of 82 subjects while filling out the application form. 

Candidates need to appear in the subject of their Post-Graduation only. Candidates, whose Post Graduation subject is not covered in the list of NET subjects, can appear in a related subject.The NTA UGC NET Paper-II covers the entire syllabus of the master’s degree subject selected by the candidates. 

This paper intends to assess the knowledge of the subject chosen by the candidate. And to qualify for the exam, you must have deep knowledge of your chosen subject. 

There are a total of 100 MCQ type questions and each question is of 2 marks. So, the UGC NET total marks paper 2 are 200. All the questions of Paper-II will be mandatory.

UGC NET exam time duration for candidates will be allotted 2 hours to attempt this section. 

UGC NET Marking Scheme

The UGC NET examination not only tests candidates’ knowledge but also evaluates their ability to interpret and analyze information. To assess candidates fairly, the exam follows a well-defined marking scheme. Understanding the UGC NET negative marking is crucial for UGC NET aspirants as it provides insights into how their answers will be evaluated and graded.

• All the questions in paper 1 and paper 2 of UGC Net exam are compulsory to be answered.
• For each correct answer in both the papers candidates will be awarded 2 marks.
• There is no negative marking for incorrect responses. That means UGC NET negative marking is zero.
• No marks will be awarded for questions left blank or unanswered.
• If there is any dropped question, all the candidates will be awarded the marks for that question.
• If any question is found incorrect or ambiguous, then the candidates who have marked the correct answers will be awarded with the prescribed marks for that question.
• The candidate belonging to the General category needs to secure at least 40% aggregate in both the papers taken together and at least 35% aggregate marks in both the papers taken together for the candidates belonging to the Reserved category (SC, ST, OBC, PWD, Transgender) to be considered for Assistant Professor or JRF.

Selection Criteria for UGC NET Exam:

The UGC NET Exam follows a specific selection criteria to determine the eligibility for Assistant Professor and the allocation of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) slots. The selection process is as follows:

Step I: Minimum Aggregate Marks Requirement

• Candidates belonging to the General category must secure a minimum aggregate of 40% in both papers combined.
• Candidates from the Reserved category (SC, ST, OBC, PWD, Transgender) must secure a minimum aggregate of 35% in both papers combined.

Step II: Qualification Percentage

• The number of candidates who qualify for the Assistant Professor position should be 6% of the total candidates appearing in both papers.
• Approximately 1% of the total candidates appearing in both papers qualify for the award of JRF.

Step III: Allocation of Slots

• The total slots available are allocated to different categories based on the Government’s Reservation Policy.

Step IV: Determining Qualifying Cut-off

• The qualifying cut-off for Eligibility for Assistant Professor in each subject and category is determined by the aggregate percentage of marks obtained in both papers, corresponding to the allocated number of slots.

Step V: Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) Consideration

• Candidates who have applied for both JRF and Assistant Professor positions among the qualified candidates are considered for the award of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF).

Step VI: Allocation of JRF Slots

• The allocation of JRF slots is done subject-wise and category-wise in accordance with the Government’s Reservation Policy.

It is important to note that the subject-wise and category-wise merit list is prepared based on the marks obtained by the candidates in all selection rounds. These selection criteria are final and binding.

The UGC NET Exam follows a rigorous selection process to determine the eligibility for Assistant Professor and the allocation of Junior Research Fellowship slots. Candidates should be aware of these criteria while preparing for the exam.

Aspirants can check the following links for assistance –