UGC NET Law Topper's Interview: Twinkle Jaiswal (JRF) Shares Her Preparation Strategy to Crack UGC NET Exam

University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test 2024 ( UGC NET )

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

Updated on Jul 31, 2023 12:30 IST

Twinkle Jaiswal qualified for the UGC NET JRF & Assistant Professor (Law) in June 2023 cycle. Read her success story to know about the UGC NET preparation and strategy tips to crack the UGC NET exam.

UGC NET Law Topper (JRF) Twinkle Jaiswal

Twinkle Jaiswal's success story is truly inspiring and a testament to the power of hard work dedication and self-belief. While working as a Junior Program Officer in an NGO and pursuing her PhD in Law, Twinkle decided to take one of the toughest and sought exams in India for aspiring academics, the UGC NET exam. Despite having a busy schedule with multiple responsibilities Twinkle was determined to succeed. She managed her time effectively, balancing her work and studies. She tirelessly prepared for long hours and devoted her maximum time in preparation going through the study material, and taking mock tests to assess her preparation. 

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On the day of the exam, Twinkle was confident and well-prepared. She tackled questions with ease, drawing upon her extensive knowledge and training and when the results were announced, Twinkle's hard work and determination paid off: She had not only passed the UGC NET but secured the position of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF). This was a proud moment for Twinkle and her family, and it was well-deserved recognition. 

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:  I completed my schooling at Vivekananda Central School Hazaribagh, Jharkhand and further did my graduation and post-graduation from Amity Law School, Lucknow. I started my preparation for Judicial Services after my graduation. Currently, I am Pursuing PhD from Usha Martin University.

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.

Q: What was your overall and paper-wise marks/score in UGC NET exam? Which year did you qualify for the exam and where you are currently working?

A: I have secured 62 marks in UGC NET Paper 1 whereas 132 marks in Paper 2. I qualified for the UGC NET exam in 2023 for the June cycle and I am currently working as a Junior Program Officer in an NGO.

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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 always wished to share my knowledge by becoming an educator and qualifying UGC NET exam is the minimum criteria required for the same. My interest in the research field inspired me to pursue this exam. I cleared the All India Bar Examination in 2021. I have appeared for the MP Judicial Services examination and qualified for the preliminary stage.

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

A: I did not get much time to complete the preparation as I was also preparing for Bihar Judicial Services but somehow I managed to prepare for the UGC NET exam. I got three months for preparation. It was my second attempt. Due to bad time management, I could not qualify in my first attempt.

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?

The syllabus is quite lengthy, so many new topics have been added to the syllabus and there is a plethora of material and resources available. Time management and completion of the syllabus are the main challenges.

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

A: I did not take any coaching for the exam. There are several videos on youtube that helped me a lot in qualifying for the UGC NET exam. I made my own notes with the help of the videos and books which helped me a lot. Previous Year Questions are key to qualifying for the exam

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

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

A: Go through the PYQs as much as possible. Understanding the pattern is important which only can be done by practice. Understanding the syllabus is also important in order to know how much time you have to devote to which unit. There are 10 Units in Papers 1 and 2 each. Paper 1 is a basic paper that is for all regardless of the subject in paper 2. Paper 1 is all about common sense and is so basic. A good book would be a great help. Time management during the exam is very important you have to answer 150 questions in 3 hours. Paper 1 has mathematical reasoning, logical reasoning, and data interpretation which is time taking.

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Q. Is coaching important to crack the exam?

A: I did it without any coaching so according to me coaching is not important to crack this examination. A good book for both the papers and online study material would be enough.

Q: Tell us about the UGC NET study routine? 

A: Daily practice of MCQs and understanding the concepts are important. 3 to 4 hours of daily practice would be sufficient.

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

A: NTA conducts the exam twice a year so generally notification comes out 3 months before the exam date. So start preparing the moment you fill out the form.

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

A:  3-4 hours as I also prepare for judicial services so time management was important. I solved the Mock papers and PYQs.

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

A: Devote your time according to your strengths and weaknesses. The part which you already know or you have a thorough knowledge then a quick revision would help. Part which is new to you try to understand the concepts and make your own notes.

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

A: Arihant Publication and Disha.

Q: What according to you was the easiest and toughest section?

A: To me the whole of paper 1 was new so figuring out how to prepare paper 1 was a tough task. Paper 2 though it is related to law but there are so many things that were new to me. International cases were there, remembering them and reading them was a quite tough task for me. Mathematical reasoning, logical reasoning, and data interpretation were not too tough for me.

Q: How you tackled your strong and weak areas?

A: For the weak areas I understood the concepts the moment I started the preparation because learning any new or difficult thing just before an exam is not a good thing to do. 20 days before the exam one should devote the time to practice the MCQs based on the exam pattern with a stopwatch to monitor the time.

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

A: I practiced from the Arihant Publication book. The mock test is based on the UGC NET exam pattern and it helps you in tracking time and to screen how many questions you can answer correctly. It helps in tracking your preparation. Short and Crisp (to the point) notes helped me a lot.

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

A: I like writing poems and reading books and trying new and challenging things. I think my determination and courage to try difficult things helped me.

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

A: After clearing the exam one can go for a PhD with JRF. One can mentor the aspirants. One can become an Assistant professor in their subject and can also become a Research fellow.

Q: What factors do you attribute to success?

A: Hard work, determination, courage, and perseverance. Hard work, is the most important thing because it does not guarantee you success but without it, you do not have any chance.

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

A: If you want to crack the examination then be fair with yourself. Be fair with your preparation. Wholeheartedly prepare for it. Don't go here and there in search of material. Follow one book, follow one youtube channel which suits you, and make your own notes because writing helps in understanding things better. Narrow down your resources and practice as much as possible. Previous Year Questions are a must for cracking the examination. Work on your weaknesses, get over it, and don't pay attention to what people say. It's your dream, go and pursue it wholeheartedly.

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