The UGC NET (University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test) is a national exam to decide eligibility for Assistant Professorship and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in Indian universities and colleges. The exam is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), twice in a year – once around June and second December
UGC NET: Exam Pattern
UGC NET is a computer-based test (CBT) and consists of two papers, which are held in a single sitting without any break.
It is conducted in two cycles i.e. June cycle and December cycle. There is no rule or obligation for students to apply for a specific cycle.
| Paper | Questions | Marks | Duration |
| Paper 1: General Aptitude | 50 | 100 |
1 hour* |
| Paper 2: Subject-specific | 100 | 200 | 2 hours* |
| Total | 150 | 300 | 3 hours |
*The total Exam duration is 3 hours and the candidates conventionally divide the time in the ratio of 1:2 (1 hour for 50 questions from Paper 1 and 2 hours for 100 questions from Paper 2)
All the questions are multiple choice (MCQs)
- Every correct answer awards +2 marks
- No negative marking for incorrect answers
Paper 1 examines teaching and research ability, reasoning, understanding, data interpretation, and general awareness. Paper 2 is subject-specific, based on the subject the candidate has applied for.
UGC NET: Notification and Important Dates
UGC NET December 2025 notification was published by NTA on October 7, 2025. The exam will be conducted for more than 85 subjects, and the exact exam dates will be declared soon. Important dates are:
- Application Start: October 7, 2025
- Last Date to Submit: November 7, 2025
- Window for Application Correction: November 10-12, 2025
- Date of Exam: December 2025 or January 2026 (subject-wise date sheet pending)
UGC NET: Step-by-Step Application Process
The application is to be made online only on the official website, ugcnet.nta.ac.in.
Application Steps:
1. Go to the official NTA UGC NET website: ugcnet.nta.ac.in
2. Click on “Apply for UGC NET December 2025” and select “New Registration”
3. Complete general details to get an application number and password
4. Login and complete personal, educational, and exam preference details
5. Upload photograph and signature in accepted formats (JPEG, 10KB–200KB size for photos)
6. Pay the application fee (Online payment through debit/credit card, Net Banking or UPI)
- General: ₹1150
- OBC/EWS: ₹600
- SC/ST/PwD/Third Gender: ₹325
7. Download and store the confirmation page for future reference
UGC NET: Other Important Details
- Eligibility: Master’s degree with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for reserved categories); JRF age limit of 30 years; Aspirants pursuing Master’s degree in final year may also apply.
- Syllabus: Paper 1 is general, Paper 2 is subject-focused. One can download the proper syllabus from UGC NET Website.
