UGC NET Preparation Tips 2025, Toppers Strategy & Guide

University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test 2024 ( UGC NET )

Shikha Goyal
Updated on Jan 29, 2025 11:18 IST

By Shikha Goyal, Assistant Manager

UGC NET Preparation 2025: The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the UGC NET exam twice a year in June and December. The authority will publish the UGC NET 2025 June notification. It will be released on the official website at ugcnet.nta.ac.in. Candidates preparing for the UGC NET exam must go through the preparation tips to crack the UGC NET exam with a good strategy and smart work. The UGC NET 2024 December session exam was held from January 3 to January 27, 2025. The UGC NET 2024 June exam was conducted between August 21 and September 4, 2024. 

To start the preparation for the UGC NET exam must go through the UGC NET previous question and exam pattern to ensure maximum marks in the exam. The previous year's questions will help the candidates to know the exam better like sections, repeated questions, marks weightage, etc.

To pass the exam for UGC NET 2025 and be qualified to work in Indian universities and colleges, applicants must put in their best effort and work hard. Shiksha offers the top UGC NET preparation advice for 2025, which applicants need to strictly adhere to in order to pass the test.

Q:   How to prepare for UGC NET?

A: 

Preparing for the UGC NET exam requires a well-planned and structured study approach. Here are some tips that can help you prepare for the UGC NET exam:

a) Understand the syllabus: The first step in preparing for the UGC NET exam is to understand the syllabus and exam pattern. Go through the syllabus thoroughly and make a study plan accordingly.

B) Follow a structured study plan: Make a study plan that covers all the topics and subtopics in the syllabus. Allocate sufficient time for each topic and subtopic, and ensure that you cover all the important concepts.

C) Use standard study materials: Use standard study materials and books recommended by experts and previous-year toppers. This will help you get a better understanding of the concepts and topics covered in the exam.

D) Solve previous year's papers: Solving previous year's question papers and mock tests will help you understand the exam pattern and the types of questions asked in the exam. It will also help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and work on them accordingly.

E) Practice time management: 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's papers within the given time frame.

F) Stay updated with Current Affairs: Stay updated with Current Affairs and developments in your field of study, as questions related to Current Affairs and recent developments are often asked in the exam.

G) Take breaks and stay healthy: Taking regular breaks and staying healthy is important for effective preparation. Ensure that you take regular breaks, get enough sleep, and maintain a healthy diet. In summary, preparing for the UGC NET exam requires a well-planned and structured study approach. By following these tips, you can prepare effectively for the exam and increase your chances of qualifying.

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Q:   What is the age limit for UGC NET exam?

A: 
The age limit for the UGC NET exam varies depending on the category of the candidate. The National Testing Agency NTA which conducts the UGC NET exam, has set the following age limits for candidates: a) Junior Research Fellowship (JRF): The maximum age limit for JRF is 31 years as on 1st January of the year in which the exam is being conducted. However, there are certain relaxations in the age limit for reserved category candidates, as per the rules of the government of India. B) Assistant Professor: There is no upper age limit for candidates applying for the post of Assistant Professor. It is important to note that the age limit for the UGC NET exam may be subject to change from time to time. Candidates are advised to carefully read the official notification released by the National Testing Agency to know the exact age limit and other eligibility criteria for the UGC NET exam.
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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.
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UGC NET Preparation Tips 2025

Given below are some essential points that candidates must keep in mind for the preparation of UGC NET exam

UGC NET Syllabus & Exam Pattern 2025

The first step towards effective exam preparation is being well-versed with the UGC NET exam pattern 2025 and syllabus. The UGC NET exam comprises two Papers- Paper 1 and Paper 2. Candidates have to appear for both papers in a single duration of three hours. While Paper 1 contains questions that test the teaching and research aptitude of candidates, paper 2 consists of subject-specific questions. The syllabus makes you familiar with the important topics from which questions can be asked in the exam.

Check here the fundamentals of Sets, Probability, Game Theory, Sequence and Series, Differential Equations, Vector Algebra, Determinants, Mensuration, Relations and Functions, and Inverse Trigonometric Functions.

Download UGC NET Syllabus 2025

Download Here


Prepare for Competitive Exams with Expert Tips on English Section

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Also Read: How to prepare for UGC NET in 1 month?
                    UGC NET Last Minute Preparation Tips 2025

UGC NET Books 2025

There are many books available in the market for UGC NET preparation and it often becomes difficult to choose the right ones. Given below are important UGC NET books for Paper 1 recommended by previous years’ toppers.

UGC NET Paper 1 Books

Authors

Trueman's UGC NET/SET General Paper I

M Gagan and Sajit Kumar

NTA UGC NET/SET/JRF Paper I: Teaching and Research Aptitude by Pearson

KVS Madaan

General Paper-1 UGC NET/JRF/SLET – Teaching & Research Aptitude

Arihant Experts

Upkar’s UGC-NET/JRF/SET Teaching And Research Aptitude (General Paper - I)

Dr Lal Jain and Dr KC Vashistha

Also Read: Best books to prepare for UGC NET 2025

Get the Top Score in Numerical Ability section of Competitive Entrance Exams with Expert Prep Tips

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UGC NET Preparation Tips Video for LAW

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UGC NET Subject Wise Preparation Tips

The candidates who are preparing for the UGC NET exam must go through the subject-wise tips. The tips can help the candidates to prepare for the UGC NET exam

UGC NET Political Science Tips 

  • Focus on Political Theory and Comparative Political Analysis
  • Read the International Relations and Indian Foreign Policies 
  • Practice the mock test and previous years' question papers 

UGC NET Economics Tips 

  • Focus on Macro and Micro 
  • Understand the economic theories and models
  • Practice numerical and data interpretation questions 

UGC NET English Preparation Tips 

  • Focus on Indian, American, European Literature, and English Language Teaching
  • Analyse the works of contemporary writers
  • Practice reading, writing, and comprehension

UGC NET Mock Tests & Previous Years' Papers

Since UGC NET is an online exam, it is highly important for candidates to practise as many mock tests as possible. In addition, it is also important to attempt as many previous years’ UGC NET question papers as possible. Practicing UGC NET mock tests 2025 and attempting past years’ papers help candidates in many ways such as.

  • It gives the real look and feel of the exam
  • It improves the time management skill of candidates
  • Candidates are able to judge their weak areas for the exam
  • Candidates get to know the important topics for the exam

Get the Top Score in DI and Logical Reasoning section of Competitive Entrance Exams with Expert Prep Tips

Click Here
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Tips to Crack UGC NET Exam 2025

The candidates can follow the UGC NET preparation tips given below to qualify for the UGC NET exam in 2025. Following the tips can take out the best in the candidates and make them perform well in the UGC NET Exam:

  • Start Preparing for the UGC NET exam from the university days 
  • Follow the syllabus of central universities to cover the maximum topics in the exam 
  • Make a timetable that ensures that the candidate can cover all the topics of the syllabus leaving time for revision and practice
  • Practice the previous year's question papers, it will help the candidates to know the exam pattern and sections that get maximum weightage in the question paper
  • Take the mock tests in the exam conditions to prepare for the exam day 
  • Practice for accuracy and speed. It will help the candidates with the time management
  • Take frequent breaks while preparing for the UGC NET exam 2025. Relaxing the mind can take out the best in the exam

UGC NET Topper Tips

The candidates preparing for the UGC NET exam can check the testimonies of the qualified candidates as no can tell you the best preparation strategy than a qualifier themselves:

Twinkle Jaiswal

Subject: Law

Qualified: UGC NET & JRF in June 2023

Komal Sharma

Subject: Political Science 

Qualified: UGC NET June 2022 & December 2021

Shivani Karn 

Subject: English 

Qualified: UGC NET December 2020

Rajat Sen

Subject: Mass Communication & Journalism

Qualified UGC NET 2019 for Assistant Professor

Vivek Sharma

Subject: Political Science

Qualified UGC NET 2019 for JRF & Assistant Professor

Puja Sen

Subject: Mass Communication & Journalism

Qualified UGC NET 2019 for Assistant Professor

Deepak Kumar

Subject: History

Qualified UGC NET 2018 for JRF & Assistant Professor

Richa Chaudhary

Subject: Psychology

Qualified UGC NET 2018 for Assistant Professor only

Arun PS

Subject: History

Qualified UGC NET 2018 for Assistant Professor only

Ravindra Kumar

Subject: Geography

Qualified UGC NET 2017 for JRF & Assistant Professor

Rajshree Bhati

Subject: Geography

Qualified UGC NET 2017 for JRF & Assistant Professor

Shekhar Chandra

Subject: History

Qualified UGC NET 2017 for Assistant Professor only

Abhinav Pandey

Subject: History

Qualified UGC NET 2019 for Assistant Professor only

Jeetu Singh

Subject: English

Qualified UGC NET 2019 for Assistant Professor only

Vivek Mishra

Subject: Geography

Qualified UGC NET 2018 for JRF & Assistant Professor

Chiranjit Gorai

Subject: History

Qualified UGC NET 2018 for JRF & Assistant Professor

Snigdha Moitra

Subject: Forensic Science

Qualified UGC NET 2018 for Assistant Professor only

Ramesh Kumar

Subject: Commerce

Qualified UGC NET 2018 for Assistant Professor only

Nazreen Parveen Ali

Subject: Commerce

Qualified UGC NET 2017 for JRF & Assistant Professor

Waseem Ahmmad Bhat

Subject: Geography

Qualified UGC NET 2017 for JRF & Assistant Professor

Kanika Suri

Subject: Commerce

Qualified UGC NET 2017 for Assistant Professor only

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