UGC-NET stands for University Grants Commission (UGC) National Eligibility Test.

It is conducted on behalf of UGC by National Testing Agency (as a coordinating agency) to assess the eligibility of a candidate for Assistant Professor only or Junior Research Fellowship & Assistant Professor Both, in Indian Universities and Colleges in India.

This is conducted at the national level as a Computer Based Test (CBT), twice a year – in the month of June and December.

The test comprises of two papers – Paper I – Teaching & Research Aptitude (compulsory for all) and Paper-II – Subject Specific (81 subjects). Candidates are recommended to appear in the subject of their post-graduation only. The candidates, whose post-graduation subject is not covered in the list of subjects, may appear in a related subject. Both the papers will consist of objective type, multiple-choice questions. There will be no break between papers.

Broad category for eligibility includes (but not restricted to):

1) General/Unreserved/General-EWS candidates who have secured at least 55% marks and the Other Backward Classes (OBC) belonging to Non-Creamy Layer/Scheduled Caste (SC)/Scheduled Tribe (ST)/Persons with Disability (PwD)/Transgender category candidates who have secured at least 50% marks.

2) Candidates who are pursuing their Master’s degree or equivalent course or candidates who have appeared for their qualifying Master’s degree (final year) examination and whose result is still awaited or candidates whose qualifying examinations have been delayed may also apply for this test. However, such candidates will be admitted provisionally and shall be considered eligible for award of JRF/eligibility for Assistant Professor only after they have passed their Master’s Degree or equivalent examination with at least 55% marks (50% marks in case of OBC-NCL /SC/ST/PwD/Transgender category candidates).

3) A candidate should not be more than 30 years in age in order to apply for JRF. However, there is no age limit to apply for the post of Assistant Professor.

1) Candidates who qualify for the post of an Assistant Professor through UGC-NET can pursue a career in teaching.

2) They apply for the post of an Assistant Professor with their valid NET scorecard.

3) Those qualifying for the Junior Research Fellowship candidates can pursue research in their respective postgraduate disciplines. They may choose universities/colleges from NET Coordinating Institutes and enroll themselves for pursuing PhD at different universities/institutes and IIMs.

4) NET-JRF qualified candidate can also work as researchers in various firms. They are recruited by many organizations to carry out research work for the benefit of the company. Alternatively, such candidates can also establish their own laboratories for research too.

UGC-NET – 10 step action plan

1. Focus on enhancing fact-based and conceptual knowledge - Aim at learning each topic thoroughly

2. Read through the syllabus and understand the subject coverage before starting your preparation

3. Try to allot equal preparation time for Paper-I and II

4. Analyze weak points and devote more time on the same. Also keep track of your strengths and areas that need more practice or learning

5. Follow a proper timetable - with a day-wise schedule and build a study plan. Manage your time to cover maximum topics, so that the vast syllabus of paper 2 can be covered. Focus 3-4 hours daily on preparing for Paper I

6. Solve MCQs after studying each topic/subject

7. Attempt a series of practice/ mock tests – this in turn will increase the speed and accuracy of solving questions and help you manage your time efficiently to complete the exam paper in required time period

8. Create your own notes from the books containing facts – These will help you in learning faster and easier to revise in short span of time.

9. Solve previous years’ UGC-NET question papers for both Paper I and II – This will help you in understanding the exam pattern

10. Read bibliography to enhance information about research sources

The key focus is -
1. Knowing your subject’s syllabus
2. Preparing your notes for your study material
3. Solve Previous Year Papers
4. Time Management