UGC NET New Exam Pattern 2024: Paper 1 & Paper 2 Pattern, Marking Scheme

Exam On: 3 Jan '25 - 27 Jan '25

Updated on Jan 21, 2025 15:40 IST

UGC NET exam pattern 2024 is prescribed by the National Testing Agency (NTA). According to the exam pattern, the UGC NET 2024 exam comprises two papers- Paper 1 and Paper 2. The time duration of the UGC NET exam is 3 hours (180 minutes). Both papers contain objective-type multiple-choice questions (MCQs). A total of 150 questions are given to the candidates combining paper 1 and paper 2. UGC NET exam does not have a negative marking scheme. The candidates are awarded for correct answers but no mark deductions are made for incorrect answers.

The medium of the UGC NET question paper is in English and Hindi languages only. Have a look at the latest UGC NET exam pattern 2024 below in detail for Paper 1 and Paper 2.

Till December 2018, the UGC NET exam pattern was such that the test consisted of two papers (Paper 1 and 2) that were conducted in two different sessions. Candidates had to complete both papers (Paper 1 and 2) in a duration of one and two hours, respectively. However, in 2019, NTA changed the exam pattern and candidates now have to give both papers in a single three-hour duration.

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Q: What is the latest exam pattern for UGC NET 2024 exam?

The UGC NET 2024 exam pattern is outlined in the official notification by the NTA. It consists of two papers: Paper 1 and Paper 2. The duration of the exam is three hours, Both papers consist of objective type multiple-choice questions (MCQs), totaling 150 questions across both papers. Each question weightage is two marks. There is no negative marking for incorrect answers.

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Q: If I have taken UGC NET 2024 Paper 1, will I be qualified?

No. Candidates are required to appear in both UGC NET Paper 1 and Paper 2 to qualify for the exam. Candidates need to pass both exams separately to be considered for the position. Qualifying marks category-wise are mentioned below:

For General or Unreserved category: 40% aggregate marks in both the papers taken together

For PWD/SC/ST/OBC Non-creamy layer and Transgenders: 35% aggregate marks in both the papers taken together

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Q: When was the UGC NET 2024 June last exam conducted?

The National Testing Agency (NTA) released the UGC NET June cycle 2024 re-exam dates on the official website. The UGC NET 2024 exam was started on August 21 and the last exam was on September 4. Earlier, the exam was cancelled due to the integrity issues on June 19, 2024.

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Q: What are the UGC NET 2024 exam dates for December session?

The December session exam dates for UGC NET 2024 are January 3 to January 27, 2025. The authority released the UGC NET 2024 notification on November 19, 2024, on the official website at ugcnet.nta.ac.in.

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Table of Contents

UGC NET Exam Pattern 2024 Highlights
UGC NET Exam Pattern 2024
UGC NET Marking Scheme 2024

UGC NET Exam Pattern 2024 Highlights

Have a look at the highlights of the exam pattern and structure of the UGC NET 2024 exam below.

Before elaborating on the UGC NET exam pattern, let us have a look at the major highlights of both papers of the exam.

Particulars	UGC NET Paper 1 Highlights	UGC NET Paper 2 Highlights
Exam mode	Online	Online
Exam duration	3 hours (180 minutes)
UGC NET June Cycle Date	21-Aug-2024 to 4-Sept-2024
Type of paper	Common for all candidates	Subject-specific questions (82 Subjects)
Total Questions	50	100
Type of questions	MCQs; 4 options with only 1 correct option	MCQs; 4 options with only 1 correct option
Total marks	100	200
Marking scheme	+2 for correct answer 0 for incorrect answer	+2 for correct answer 0 for incorrect answer
Language of paper	English and Hindi	English and Hindi

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Q: When should I start preparing for UGC NET exam?

The ideal time to start preparing for the UGC NET exam varies from person to person and depends on several factors such as your familiarity with the subject, the level of understanding of the topics covered in the syllabus, and the amount of time and effort you can devote to the preparation. However, as a general guideline, it is recommended that you start preparing for the exam at least 6-8 months before the exam date. This will give you sufficient time to cover the entire syllabus, revise the important topics, solve mock tests and previous year papers, and identify your strengths and weaknesses. If you are already familiar with the subject and have a good understanding of the topics covered in the syllabus, you can start preparing for the exam 3-4 months before the exam date. However, if you are new to the subject or need to improve your understanding of the topics, you may need to start preparing earlier. It is important to note that the UGC NET exam is a highly competitive exam, and the level of competition is increasing every year. Therefore, it is important to start preparing early and stay consistent with your preparation. With a focused approach and consistent effort, you can increase your chances of qualifying for the UGC NET exam.

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Q: How many attempts are allowed in UGC NET exam?

There is no limit to the number of attempts allowed for the UGC NET exam. As long as a candidate meets the eligibility criteria, they can appear for the exam in any number of attempts. The UGC NET exam is conducted twice a year, and candidates who are not able to qualify in one attempt can appear for the next cycle of the exam. However, it is important to note that candidates must fulfill the eligibility criteria for each attempt and pay the application fee for each attempt separately. Also, candidates who have already qualified for the UGC NET exam are eligible to appear again for the same subject and category.

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Q: What does securing 99 percentile mean in UGC NET exam?

In the UGC NET exam, the 99 percentile refers to the top 1 per cent of candidates who have appeared for the exam. In other words, if a candidate has scored in the 99th percentile, it means that they have performed better than 99 per cent of the candidates who appeared for the exam. The percentile score is a measure of how well a candidate has performed relative to other candidates who have taken the exam. It is calculated by comparing the candidate's score with the scores of all the candidates who have appeared for the exam. For example, if a candidate has scored in the 99 percentile, it means that their score is higher than the scores of 99 per cent of the candidates who appeared for the exam. The percentile score is an important measure for determining the eligibility of candidates for various positions such as Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Assistant Professorship. Candidates who score in the 99th percentile have a higher chance of being selected for these positions, as they are considered to be among the top performers in the exam. It is important to note that the percentile score may vary from year to year depending on the performance of the candidates who have appeared for the exam. Therefore, the percentile score required to qualify for a particular position may also vary depending on the level of competition in that year's exam.

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Q: What is the marking scheme of UGC NET 2024 December session exam?

The marking scheme of the UGC NET exam is provided below for the candidates. Following the marking scheme for the UGC NET exam, candidates can understand the exam pattern and prepare for the examination well. The marking scheme will also help the candidate to count the probable scores from the UGC NET provisional answer key that is released by the National Testing Agency (NTA):

a) For correct answer 2 marks are awarded

b) For incorrect answer there is no negative marking

c) Unanswered/marked for review: 0 (no marks given)

d) If a question is found to be incorrect/ambiguous or has multiple correct answers, only those candidates who have attempted the question and chosen one of the correct answers would be given the credit.

E) If a question is found to be incorrect and the Question is dropped, then two marks (+2) will be awarded to only those candidates who have attempted the question

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Registration

Ongoing

Exam Date

Results

Cutoff

Counselling

UGC NET Exam Pattern 2024

The UGC NET 2024 contains two papers that candidates need to complete in a duration of three hours. Both Papers 1 and 2 contain objective-type questions and it is mandatory for candidates to attempt questions from both papers.

UGC NET Paper	Number of Questions	Total Marks
UGC NET Paper 1	50	100
UGC NET Paper 2	100	200
Total	150	300

Candidates need to complete the UGC NET paper in a combined duration of 3 hours (180 minutes) without any break.
All the questions in Paper 1 and Paper 2 are compulsory.
The medium of the UGC NET question paper 2024 is in English & Hindi only. Candidates need to choose the medium carefully while filling out the UGC NET application form.
Each question carries two marks.
There is no negative marking for incorrect responses.

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UGC NET Exam Pattern 2024 for Paper 1

In UGC NET Paper 1, the official website of NTA informs, "The questions will be generic, intending to assess the teaching/research aptitude of the candidate. It will primarily be designed to test reasoning ability, comprehension, divergent thinking, and general awareness of the candidate." While preparing for the UGC NET exam the candidates must start their preparation with the exam pattern and UGC NET syllabus. The exam pattern for the UGC NET paper 1 has been given below for the candidates:

UGC NET Paper 1 Sections	No. of Questions	Total Marks
Teaching Aptitude	5	10
Research Aptitude	5	10
Reading Comprehension	5	10
Communication	5	10
Reasoning (including Maths)	5	10
Logical Reasoning	5	10
Data Interpretation	5	10
Information & Communication Technology (ICT)	5	10
People & Environment	5	10
Higher Education System: Governance, Polity & Administration	5	10
Total	50	100

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UGC NET Exam Pattern for Paper 2

Regarding UGC NET Paper 2 exam, the website informs, "This will be based on the subject selected by the candidate. All the questions of Paper 2 will be compulsory."

Candidates need to choose the UGC NET Paper 2 subject from the given options of 83 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 UGC NET subjects, can appear in a related subject.

Q: What is the difficulty level of UGC NET exam?

The difficulty level of the UGC NET exam may vary from subject to subject and from one exam cycle to another. However, in general, the UGC NET exam is considered to be a moderately difficult exam that tests the candidates' knowledge, comprehension, analytical and reasoning abilities, and research aptitude. The exam consists of two papers - Paper 1 and Paper 2. Paper 1 is common for all candidates and tests the candidates' teaching and research aptitude, reasoning ability, comprehension, divergent thinking, and general awareness. Paper 2 consists of questions based on the subject chosen by the candidate and tests the candidates' knowledge and understanding of the subject. The exam is conducted in an online mode and consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The questions are designed to test the candidates' conceptual understanding and application of the subject. The exam is conducted for a total of 300 marks, with Paper 1 carrying 100 marks and Paper 2 carrying 200 marks. Overall, the UGC NET exam is considered to be a challenging exam that requires thorough preparation and a clear understanding of the exam pattern and syllabus.

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Q: What is the UGC NET 2024 syllabus for December session?

The UGC NET syllabus is divided into two sections that is Paper 1 and Paper 2. Paper 1 is common for all the candidates for any subject whereas the Paper 2 exam is subject specific which comprises the questions from the subject that the candidates opt to appear for the exam. The list of topics that is asked in the UGC NET Paper 1 exam has been given below for the candidates: a)Teaching Aptitude b) Research Aptitude c) Maths d) Reasoning e) Communication f) Data Interpretation g) Environmental Studies, etc. For the syllabus of UGC NET Paper 2 the candidates can refer to the link given below for the candidates: https://www.shiksha.com/exams/ugc-net-exam-syllabus.

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Q: What is the ideal number of sample papers to be solved before the UGC NET exam?

There is no fixed or ideal number of sample papers that a candidate should solve before the UGC NET exam. The number of sample papers that a candidate should solve depends on their individual preparation, strengths, and weaknesses. However, it is advisable for candidates to solve as many UGC NET sample papers as possible to enhance their preparation and improve their chances of success in the exam. By solving sample papers, candidates can get familiar with the exam pattern, types of questions, and difficulty level of the exam. It can also help them to identify their strengths and weaknesses and prioritize their preparation accordingly. Candidates can start by solving at least one sample paper per week and gradually increase the frequency as the exam date approaches. They can also try to solve the sample papers in a simulated environment, similar to the actual exam, to get a realistic experience. Apart from solving the sample papers, candidates should also focus on building a strong foundation in their subject, revise the concepts they have learned, and practice solving the previous year's question papers. This can help them to develop a comprehensive and effective exam preparation strategy and improve their chances of success in the UGC NET exam. Therefore, while there is no fixed or ideal number of sample papers that a candidate should solve, it is advisable to solve as many sample papers as possible to enhance their preparation and improve their performance in the exam.

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UGC NET Marking Scheme 2024

In each paper of UGC NET exam, two marks are awarded for every correct answer. There is no negative marking in the UGC NET exam.

UGC NET Marking Parameters	Marks Allotted
Correct answer	+2
Incorrect answer	0
Un-attempted question	0

Download UGC NET 2024 Syllabus -Download Here

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Q: What is the criteria for qualifying UGC NET exam?

The criteria for qualifying the UGC NET exam are as follows: a) Minimum marks: Candidates need to secure the minimum qualifying marks in both paper 1 and paper 2 to qualify for the exam. General category candidates must score 40 per cent aggregate marks in both papers. OBC NCL, SC, ST, and PWD category candidates have to secure 35 per cent aggregate marks in both papers b) Top 6% of candidates: In addition to the above criteria, the top 6% of candidates who appear for both papers and score the minimum qualifying marks will be declared NET qualified for eligibility for Assistant Professor only. It is important to note that the UGC NET exam is conducted for two different purposes: to determine the eligibility of candidates for the award of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and for Assistant Professorship. The above criteria apply to candidates who are appearing for the exam for Assistant Professor only. For candidates who are appearing for the exam for JRF, there is an additional criterion of age limit, which is 31 years as on 1st January of the year in which the exam is being conducted, with certain relaxations for reserved category candidates. Candidates who qualify the UGC NET exam become eligible for Assistant Professorship in Indian universities and colleges. Additionally, candidates who qualify for JRF become eligible for a fellowship to pursue research in their respective fields.

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Q: Which books are best to prepare for UGC NET Paper 1?

There are several books available in the market for UGC NET preparation, but that is not enough. The candidates must prepare from the previous year's question papers and practice exams to improve their scores and get mastery over the topics. Here are some of the best books that candidates can refer to for the preparation of UGC NET Paper 1: a) Trueman's UGC NET/SET General Paper I by M. Gagan and Sajit Kumar b) UGC NET/JRF/SLET General Paper-1 Teaching and Research Aptitude by Arihant Publications c) UGC NET/SET (JRF & LS) Teaching & Research Aptitude (General Paper-I) by Pearson d) UGC NET/SET General Paper-1 by McGraw Hill Education e) UGC NET/SET (JRF & LS) General Paper 1 by N. A. Khan f) UGC NET/SET (JRF & LS) General Paper 1 by RPH Editorial Board (g) NTA UGC Paper I for NET/SET/JRF- Teaching and Research Aptitude by Oxford (h) UGC NET/JRF/SLET Book for Paper 1 by Upkar Publication.

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Q: What is the UGC NET exam pattern?

The UGC NET (National Eligibility Test) is a national-level exam conducted by the National Testing Agency NTA on behalf of the University Grants Commission (UGC). The exam is conducted twice a year to determine the eligibility of candidates for the post of Assistant Professor and for awarding Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in Indian universities and colleges. The exam is conducted in two papers: Paper 1 and Paper 2. Here are the details of the UGC NET exam pattern: Paper 1: a) Duration: 3 hours (180 minutes combining both papers) b) Total marks: 100 c) Number of questions: 50 d) Type of questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) e) Marking scheme: Each question carries 2 marks. There is no negative marking for incorrect answers. F) Syllabus: Teaching and research aptitude, reasoning ability, comprehension, divergent thinking, and general awareness. Paper 2: a) Duration: 3 hours (180 minutes combining both papers) b) Total marks: 200 c) Number of questions: 100 d) Type of questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) e) Marking scheme: Each question carries 2 marks. There is no negative marking for incorrect answers. f) Syllabus: Based on the subject selected by the candidate. The UGC NET exam is conducted in online mode. The questions in both papers are in English and Hindi except for languages other than English and Hindi. Candidates need to secure the minimum qualifying marks in both papers to be eligible for Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF).

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Q: Is it mandatory to appear for both papers of UGC NET exam?

Yes, it is mandatory for candidates to appear for both UGC NET Paper 1 and 2 to qualify for the UGC NET exam. The candidates have to qualify for both papers separately. Candidates who will qualify for one paper will not be considered as qualified for the UGC NET exam. Paper 1 consists 50 questions for 100 marks. Paper 2 consists 100 questions for 200 marks. The candidates are advised to study paper 1 as paper 2 or they will not qualify for the UGC NET exam 2023.

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