Pursue Your Ambition with Unwavering Dedication: UGC NET English Topper Kunal Kashyap

University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test 2024 ( UGC NET )

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Exam On: 3 Jan '25 - 16 Jan '25

Updated on Aug 10, 2023 17:06 IST

Kishor Kunal Kashyap, UGC NET English topper shared his preparation strategy and success story with Shiksha. Read the complete interview to know about the preparation strategy and tips to crack UGC NET exam. 

UGC NET exam, UGC NET interview, english literature, UGC NET 2023 English Literature

UGC NET English Topper

 

Meet Kishor Kunal Kashyap, who is a testament to true hard work and dedication. Kunal switched to English Literature as a Master's after his graduation in Physics honors due to his keen interest and love for literature. After completing his master's Kunal decided to take one of the toughest and sought exams in India, UGC NET. Kunal was unable to take any coaching classes or hire a private tutor for the preparation of the UGC NET. Undeterred, he took the matter into his own hands and started preparing on his own. He started off by setting a rigorous study schedule for himself which included hours of devotion to self-study. 

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On the day of the exam, Kunal was confident and well-prepared. He tackled questions with ease, drawing upon her extensive knowledge and training and when the results were announced, Kunal's hard work and determination paid off. This was a proud moment for Kunal and his family, and it was well-deserved recognition. 

Q:   How to avoid common mistakes while taking the UGC NET exam?

A:
Avoiding common mistakes in the UGC NET exam is important to increase your chances of qualifying. Here are some tips that can help you avoid common mistakes: a) Read the questions carefully: One of the most common mistakes that candidates make is not reading the questions carefully. Make sure you read the questions carefully and understand what is being asked before answering. B) Manage time effectively: Time management is crucial in the UGC NET exam, as you have to complete both papers in a limited time. Practice time management by solving mock tests and previous year papers within the given time frame. C) Don't make assumptions: Avoid making assumptions while answering the questions. Stick to the facts and concepts that you have learned during your preparation. D) Practice writing within the word limit: Many candidates make the mistake of exceeding the word limit while writing their answers. Practice writing within the word limit to avoid losing marks. E) Don't leave questions unanswered: Leaving questions unanswered is a common mistake that candidates make. Make sure you attempt all the questions, even if you are not sure of the answer. You may get partial marks for attempting the question. F) Don't copy-paste answers: Avoid copying answers from study material or other sources. The examiners are looking for original and well-reasoned answers. G) Stay calm and focused: The UGC NET exam can be stressful, but it is important to stay calm and focused during the exam. Don't panic if you come across a difficult question. Take a deep breath, read the question carefully, and attempt it to the best of your ability. In summary, avoiding common mistakes in the UGC NET exam requires careful reading of questions, effective time management, avoiding assumptions, practicing writing within the word limit, attempting all questions, avoiding copy-pasting answers, and staying calm and focused during the exam. By following these tips, you can avoid common mistakes and increase your chances of qualifying for the UGC NET exam.

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

A:
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.

Q:   How can I prepare for UGC NET exam?

A:
As we all know that the difficulty level of UGC NET is very high. To get sure shot success in this exam, you must be highly passionate and dedicated towards your studies. 1. First of all, collect the basic information regarding the subject like its eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus, best books, etc. 2. Get aware of all the latest notifications related to the exam to know about the exam activities. 3. Analyze the complete UGC NET Syllabus and make a preparation strategy. Start the preparation with Paper-1 syllabus because it is simpler than the Paper 2. You must finish it as soon as you can. 4. Make short notes for last time revision. 5. Manage time properly. Give time to the topics according to their importance level. 6. Solve previous years question papers and practice online mock test papers. 7. Be positive, be hopeful and be confident.

The candidates preparing for the UGC NET exam can go through the interview with Twinkle to get the UGC NET preparation strategy and tips to crack the exam.

Q: Tell us something about your background?

A: Kishor Kunal Kashyap is my name. After finishing my degree in science, I decided to major in literature. My interest in literature led me to get a master's degree in the subject from Central University, where I also qualified for the National Eligibility Test (NET) with a score of 98.99 percent. My study involves looking at the tale of Sita from new angles i.e. Myth and Literature.

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Q: Why you’ve chosen this exam? Which other exams did you appear in and which you have been able to crack?

A: I've always wanted to help others learn through teaching, and passing the UGC NET test is one of the prerequisites. I decided to take the test since I'm fascinated by the study area. I have appeared for the NDA, SSC, BPSC(Lecturer) and qualified for the preliminary stage

Also Read: UGC NET Topper English Sucess Story and Preparation Tips 

Q: How much time did you prepare for the UGC NET exam? Did you crack it in the first attempt? 

A: I dedicated 6 months to preparing for the exam. It was my first attempt and yes, I cracked it also, consecutively cleared in December too. Twice a year.

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

A:
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.

Q:   Is all India rank given in the UGC NET exam?

A:
No rank is assigned in the UGC NET exam. The candidates have to cross the cut off of the UGC NET/ JRF exam according to their category. The candidates who qualifies for the NET exam becomes eligible for being assistant professor in Indian colleges and Universities. However, the candidates who qualify for the JRF (Junior research Fellowship) gets the sum to complete their research in specific subject and becomes eligible to become assistant professors as well. The cutoff for JRF is higher than the cut off of NET exam.

Q:   Is there any interview round in UGC NET exam?

A:
The UGC NET exam conducted by the National Testing Agency NTA does not have a Personal Interview round. The selection of candidates for the award of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and eligibility for Assistant Professor is based solely on the performance of the candidates in the written exam conducted in two papers - Paper 1 and Paper 2. The candidates who qualify for the UGC NET exam are required to apply for the JRF or Assistant Professorship vacancies in various universities and colleges that are advertised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) or other government bodies. The selection process for these positions may involve additional rounds such as a Personal Interview presentation, or group discussion, depending on the institution's recruitment policy. However, it is important to note that the UGC NET exam pattern and selection process may be subject to change from time to time. Candidates are advised to carefully read the official notification and keep themselves updated with the latest information regarding the UGC NET exam.

Q:   Is it possible to crack UGC NET exam in 1 year?

A:
Yes, it is. Even 1 year is more you can crack it in 6 months. You can follow the below strategies to prepare for it. Tips and strategies for UGC NET exam It's always a problem for students How to prepare for the UGC NET Exam? So I am going to provide some tips and strategies you should follow for the UGC NET exam. Tips to prepare for the UGC NET exam Understand Paper Pattern and Syllabus Before starting your preparation, you must have a clear idea about the syllabus and paper pattern. Analyze the type of questions, marking scheme, cutoff. Also, check the whole syllabus and updates in a particular subject. Updates help you to know recent data and information regarding the subject. Make Time Table Prepare a timetable according to the subject. Mark important topics and divide each topic in smaller units. Decide the time you should give to each unit to complete the syllabus within the duration. Paper Solving Activity Include this practice, not for only UGC, but every exam you go prepare. Solve as many papers as you can of the previous year. Follow the answer key after the paper to check your performance. Indirectly benefit to increase your speed and time accuracy. Making Notes Try to make notes while reading, so at the time of the revision, you don't need to study the whole unit. It saves your time. Prepare formula sheets and short tricks to solve the paper quickly and speedily. Revision Always revise before the exam, so that you can remember whatever you have read and have a look at the notes and tricks you prepared. During revision, you get to know about the topics you least prepared. I hope the above article will be helpful to you for the preparation of your UGC NET examination.

Q: Tell us about the challenges you faced while preparing for the exam.

A: There is a variety of information and resources, and the curriculum covers a vast amount of ground because of recent additions. The biggest obstacles are managing time effectively and finishing all the course material.

Q: Did you take any coaching for the exam? If yes, from where and for how long? If not, how you managed to do self-study?

A: I decided against enrolling in a prep course. I learned a lot from the many videos available on YouTube that assisted me in passing the UGC NET exam. With the aid of the videos and books, I compiled my own notes, which proved to be quite useful. To pass the test, you must practice using questions from the previous year.

Q: How to prepare for UGC NET exam? Tell us the strategy you applied to prepare for the exam.

A: Read as much as you can from the PYQs. The only way to really grasp the pattern is via repeated application. Knowing how much time should be spent on each unit requires familiarity with the course outline. Each of the two papers is worth 10 units. Paper 1 is a prerequisite that must be passed before moving on to Paper 2. Common sense and the basics are covered in Paper 1. An informative book would be very useful. You have three hours to complete 150 questions on a test, so time management is crucial. Time-consuming components of Paper 1 include mathematical reasoning, logical reasoning, and data analysis.

Also Read: Succes Story of Komal Sharma (UGC NET Topper Political Science)

Q: Is coaching important to crack the exam?

A: I accomplished the task independently, leading me to believe that tutoring is not a crucial factor in successfully passing this test. Sufficient study resources including both printed materials and internet content would be ideal for academic purposes.

Q: Tell us about the UGC NET study routine?

A: Regularly engaging in the practice of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and developing a comprehensive comprehension of the underlying ideas hold significant importance. A daily practice duration of 6 to 7 hours would likely prove to be enough.

Q: What is the ideal time for starting the preparation?

A: NTA administers the examination biannually, often issuing notifications around three months prior to the scheduled examination day. It is advisable to begin preparations promptly upon completion of the form. Additionally, it is possible to begin one's preparation throughout their undergraduate years or Post Graduation.

Q: How much time did you spend regularly on preparation?

A: I allocated around 6-7 hours of my daily schedule for studying, taking into consideration the need to additionally prepare for the BPSC examination. This decision was based on the recognition of the need for effective time management. I have completed the practice examinations and the previous year's question papers.

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Q: What should be the section-wise preparation strategy?

A: Spend your time wisely considering your abilities and limitations. You may save time by skimming through the material you already know well. When it comes to the unfamiliar material, take the time to read it through and take notes.

Q: Can you refer to some good books for UGC NET preparation?

A: I can't say that about the books but the books best worked for me are:

  • Routledge by Ronal Carter, William j long
  • Beginning Theory by Peter Bary, An Introduction to Cultural Studies. Pramod K. Nayar
  • Contemporary Literary and Cultural Theory
  • Book by Pramod K Nayar
  • R Gupta’s Pyqs 

Q: What according to you were the easiest and toughest sections?

A: All of Paper 1 was unfamiliar to me, making it difficult to figure out how to study for it. While I knew some of the material in Paper 2, there was a lot that I didn't know. It was challenging for me to remember and study the material on cultural studies and literary theory that was included. Data interpretation, logical thinking, and mathematical reasoning were not difficult for me.

Q: How you tackled your strong and weak areas?

A: Since it's not a good idea to try to learn anything new or challenging just before an exam, I had a decent grasp of the topics in my weak areas from the minute I began studying. One month before the test, one should sit down with a stopwatch to practice multiple-choice questions (MCQs) following the exam's format. 

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Q: Did you take any mock tests? How do mock tests help to improve your performance in the exam?

A: The R Gupta (PYQs) served as my source of practice. This practice test is designed to help you gauge your speed and accuracy in preparation for the actual UGC NET examination. It's useful for keeping tabs on your study progress. I found great benefits in taking brief, succinct notes.

Q: After clearing the UGC NET exam, how can anyone find a job?

A: If you pass the test, you may go on to JRF's PhD programme. Aspirants may be mentored. One may work as an assistant professor or a research fellow depending on their area of expertise.

Q: What are your hobbies? Did you attribute it to the preparation?

A: I like poetry writing, reading, and taking on difficult new experiences. I credit my success to my doggedness and willingness to take risks.

Q: What factors do you attribute to success?

A: The qualities of hard effort, dedication, bravery, and persistence. The significance of hard effort lies in its ability to provide opportunities for success, while its absence diminishes the likelihood of achieving desired outcomes.

Q: Any message or advice to future UGC NET aspirants?

A: To achieve success in the test, it is important to maintain a sense of fairness and integrity with oneself. It is important to ensure fairness in one's preparation. Thoroughly engage in adequate preparation for the task at hand. Avoid excessive movement and exploration in pursuit of resources. It is advisable to choose a single book and subscribe to a certain YouTube channel that aligns with one's own preferences. Additionally, the practice of creating individualised notes is recommended as it facilitates enhanced comprehension and assimilation of knowledge. It is advisable to limit the scope of your resources and engage in extensive practice. Utilising the previous year's questions is crucial for achieving success in the test. It is advisable to address one's areas of improvement, overcome them, and refrain from being influenced by external opinions. Pursue your ambition with unwavering dedication and commitment.

Read More: Shivani Karn UGC NET English Literature Topper Interview

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