Best Time Management Tricks for UGC NET

Updated on Dec 9, 2022 17:57 IST

UGC NET notification is going to be released soon for the year 2023 by the National Testing Agency(NTA). The candidates can know about time management skills in the UGC NET exam in the article.

UGC NET or NTA-UGC NET is an eligibility examination taken by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the University Grant Commission (UGC) for the posts of assistant professor and/or JRF (Junior Research Fellowship) award in colleges and universities. Earlier, the UGC NET exam was conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Examination. The CBSE conducted the UGC NET exam till 2018.

The UGC NET exam is conducted twice a year in the months of June and December but after the covid era, the UGC NET exam cycle has been disturbed and it is being conducted in merged cycles once a year.

In this article, the candidates can know how to manage time in UGC NET exams as many applicants get disappointment in the exam due to lack of time. Before getting to the time management tips the candidates must know the exam pattern of the UGC NET exam. So, they can prepare for the UGC NET exam in a strategic manner.

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

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?

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?

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.

UGC NET Exam Pattern

The UGC NET exam is designed to determine the eligibility of candidates as assistant professors. The UGC NET exam is divided into two papers i.e., Paper 1 and Paper 2. UGC NET Paper 1 is a common paper for all subjects that comprise maths, reasoning, teaching aptitude, etc. However, Paper 2 is concerned with the specific subject in which the candidate has applied to qualify as an assistant professor. The detailed UGC NET/NTA NET exam pattern has been given below in the table:

Upcoming Sarkari Exam Dates

SBI Clerk

LIVE

SBI Cler...

10 Feb '25

Check live updates

IAS

IAS 2025 Application Dates

22 Jan '25 - 11 Feb '25

SBI PO

SBI PO 2025 Prelims Admit Card

20 Feb '25 - 28 Feb '25

ASRB ICAR NET

ASRB NET Application Form 2025

28 Feb '25

CSIR NET

CSIR NET December Session Exam 2024

28 Feb '25 - 2 Mar '25

SSC CPO

SSC CPO application form 2025

16 May '25 - 14 Jun '25

IBPS PO

IBPS PO 2025 application form

15 Jul '25

IBPS RRB

IBPS RRB PO 2025 Prelims Exam

27 Jul '25

IBPS Clerk

IBPS Clerk 2025 notification

31 Jul '25

TS SET

TS SET 2025 Application Form

30 Apr '25

UGC NET Exam Pattern
Total Number of Questions	Paper 1: 50 Paper 2: 100 Total: 150
Nature of Questions	MCQ (Multiple Choice Question)
Total Marks	300
Marks for correct answer	+2
Marks Deduction for incorrect answer	0
Time Duration	3 Hours (180 Minutes)

Also Read: UGC NET Notification 2023

Time Management Tricks for UGC NET

Studying the exam pattern the candidates can see that they have to solve 150 questions in 3 hours and there are no time barriers for solving Paper 1 and Paper 2. Most of the candidates miss time management skills in solving these papers. This article has discussed how to enhance your time management skill for the UGC NET exam.

UGC NET CBT

The candidates must be aware that the UGC NET exam is conducted in online CBT (Computer Based Test) mode. Most of the candidates prepare for the UGC NET exam offline. Practicing offline kills your ability to perform in online UGC NET CBT mode exam as many circumstances get changed like using the mouse instead of a pen, reading comprehension and passages scrolling the page, etc. The candidates are advised to take mocks and practice sets in CBT mode to get used to it. Getting familiar with the online CBT mode will save the maximum time in the UGC NET exam.

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.

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

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?

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?

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.

UGC NET Question Review System

The candidates can mark the questions for review that are answered, not answered, marked for review, answered but marked for review, or not visited. Marking the question helps in saving a lot of time as the candidates do not have to hop on the questions blindly to search for the questions the candidates need while taking the UGC NET exam.

Also Read: UGC NET English Syllabus 2023

UGC NET Paper 1&2 Time Division

The total duration of the UGC NET exam is 3 hours and there are no time barriers for solving the papers distinctly. But we suggest that the candidates must divide the time between Paper 1 and Paper 2. The candidates must give 1 hour to Paper 1 as it has 50 questions and 2 hours to Paper 2 which comprises 100 questions. Dividing the papers in a given time frame will enhance your speed and save you time.

What to Solve First in UGC NET Papers?

The candidates should solve the sections that are easy and less time to take in the UGC NET exam. If we take the example of the maths section from UGC NET Paper 1, the candidates must skip the questions that are lengthy and time taking as data interpretation. D.I. takes much more time than the other question. So, it should be saved for the last time. The candidates need to understand that being stuck on a single question kills more time. Though you know that you can crack the question but you have to give more time and giving more time to a single question is not beneficial for time management in the UGC NET exam. The candidates should not waste their time on topics that are time taking and save it later by keeping time in their hands. The list of the sections in papers that should not go first:

Data Interpretation
Reading Comprehensions
Reasoning
And the topics that the candidates are weak

Paper 1 plays an important role in qualifying for the exam. Therefore, the candidates must go through the syllabus of UGC NET Paper 1 to analyse the sections. The UGC NET syllabus has been given below for the candidates in the article.

Also Read: UPTET 2023

UGC NET Paper 1 Syllabus 2023

The UGC NET notification 2023 is going to be released soon for the NTA NET 2023 exam. The UGC NET syllabus has been divided into 10 units. The syllabus for UGC NET Paper 1 has been given below for the aspiring candidate:

Unit-1: Teaching Aptitude

Teaching: Concept, objectives, levels of teaching (memory, understanding, and reflective), characteristics, and basic requirements
Learner’s characteristics: Characteristics of adolescent and adult learners (academic, social, emotional, and cognitive), individual differences
Factors affecting teaching related to Teacher, Learner, Support material, Instructional facilities, Learning environment, and Institution
Methods of teaching in higher learning institutions: Teacher-centred vs learner-centered methods; offline vs online methods (Swayam, Swayamprabha, MOOCs, etc.).
Teaching support system: Traditional, modern, and ICT based
Evaluation systems: Elements and types of evaluation, evaluation in Choice Based Credit Systems in higher education, computer-based testing, innovations in evaluation systems

Unit-2: Research Aptitude

Research: Meaning, types, and characteristics, positivism and post-positivistic approach to research
Methods of research: Experimental, descriptive, historical, qualitative, and quantitative methods
Steps of research
Thesis and article writing: Format and styles of referencing
Application of ICT in research
Research ethics

Unit-3: Comprehension

A passage of text is given. Questions are asked from the passage which needs to be answered.

Unit-4: Communication

Communication: Meaning, types, and characteristics of communication
Effective communication: Verbal and non-verbal, inter-cultural and group communications, classroom communication
Barriers to effective communication
Mass-media and society

Unit-5: Mathematical Reasoning and Aptitude

Types of reasoning
Number series, letter series, codes, and relationships
Mathematical aptitude (fraction, time & distance, ratio, proportion and percentage, profit and loss, interest and discounting, averages etc.)

Unit-6: Logical Reasoning

Understanding the structure of arguments: Argument forms, the structure of categorical propositions, mood and figure, formal and informal fallacies, uses of language, connotations and denotations of terms, the classical square of opposition
Evaluating and distinguishing deductive and inductive reasoning
Analogies
Venn diagram: Simple and multiple uses for establishing the validity of arguments
Indian Logic: Means of knowledge
Pramanas: Pratyaksha (Perception), Anumana (Inference), Upamana (Comparison), Shabda (Verbal testimony), Arthapatti (Implication) and Anupalabddhi (Non-apprehension)
Structure and kinds of Anumana (inference), Vyapti (invariable relation), Hetvabhasas (fallacies of inference)

Unit-7: Data Interpretation

Sources, acquisition, and classification of data
Quantitative and qualitative data
Graphical representation (bar-chart, histograms, pie-chart, table-chart and line-chart) and mapping of data
Data interpretation
Data and governance

Unit-8: Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

ICT: General abbreviations and terminology
Basics of Internet, Intranet, E-mail, Audio, and Video-conferencing
Digital initiatives in higher education
ICT and Governance

Unit-9: People, Development and Environment

Development and environment: Millennium development and Sustainable development goals
Human and environment interaction: Anthropogenic activities and their impacts on the environment
Environmental issues: Local, regional and global; air pollution, water pollution, soil pollution, noise pollution, waste (solid, liquid, biomedical, hazardous, electronic), climate change and its socio-economic and political dimensions
Impacts of pollutants on human health
Natural and energy resources: Solar, Wind, Soil, Hydro, Geothermal, Biomass, Nuclear and Forests
Natural hazards and disasters: Mitigation strategies
Environmental Protection Act (1986), National Action Plan on Climate Change, International agreements/efforts -Montreal Protocol, Rio Summit, Convention on Biodiversity, Kyoto Protocol, Paris Agreement, International Solar Alliance

Unit-10: Higher Education System

Institutions of higher learning and education in ancient India
Evolution of higher learning and research in post-independence India
Oriental, conventional, and non-conventional learning programs in India
Professional, technical and skill-based education.
Value education and environmental education
Policies, governance, and administration

Also Read: RRB NTPC 2023

Important Tips for Qualifying UGC NET 2023

The important tips for the candidates to qualify for the UGC NET 2023 exam have been given below for the candidates:

The candidates must start preparing for the UGC NET exam from their post-graduation days
Candidates should follow the syllabus of central universities as they cover the maximum topics of the UGC NET syllabus
Candidates should cover the syllabus from graduation to post-graduation
Candidates should solve the previous year’s question papers and take mock tests in the exam condition to perform well in the UGC NET CBT exam
Try to answer all the questions in the question though you don’t know the answers as there is no negative marking for incorrect answers
Take frequent breaks while preparing for the exam in the last months to keep your mind sane

Read More: REET Certificate 2023

About the Author