The University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) is a prestigious examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) to determine the eligibility of candidates for Assistant Professorship and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in Indian universities and colleges. As the 2025 cycle approaches, aspiring candidates must stay informed about the latest updates regarding the notification, application process, exam dates, eligibility criteria, and syllabus.
Overview Table 📋
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | UGC NET |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Mode | Online (Computer-Based Test) |
| Frequency | Twice a year (June and December) |
| Official Website | ugcnet.nta.ac.in |
| Eligibility | Master’s degree with required marks |
| Age Limit | JRF: Up to 30 years; Assistant Professor: No age limit |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Fee | Varies by category (see Application Fee section) |
| Exam Pattern | Two papers: Paper I (General), Paper II (Subject-specific) |
| Total Marks | 300 (Paper I: 100 marks; Paper II: 200 marks) |
| Duration | 3 hours (180 minutes) |
| Number of Questions | Paper I: 50 questions; Paper II: 100 questions |
| Subjects Available | 85 |
Notification and Application Process 📝
The official notification for UGC NET 2025 is anticipated to be released in March 2025, with the application process commencing shortly thereafter. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official UGC NET website for updates.
Tentative Schedule:
| Event | Date (Tentative) |
|---|---|
| Release of Notification | March 2025 |
| Start of Online Application | March 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | April 2025 |
| Application Correction Window | April/May 2025 |
| Availability of Admit Card | 1st Week of June 2025 |
| UGC NET Exam Dates | 2nd Week of June 2025 |
| Release of Answer Key | 4th Week of June 2025 |
| Announcement of Results | July 2025 |
Eligibility Criteria 🎓
Before applying, candidates must ensure they meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Educational Qualification: A master’s degree or equivalent from a recognized university with at least 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/PwD/OBC-NCL/Third Gender). Rjdchn
- Age Limit:
- Junior Research Fellowship (JRF): Maximum age of 30 years as of the first day of the exam month. A relaxation of 5 years is provided for reserved categories and women applicants.
- Assistant Professor: No upper age limit.
Application Fee 💰
The application fee varies by category. Fees can be paid online through debit/credit card or net banking.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General/Unreserved | ₹1100 |
| General-EWS/OBC-NCL | ₹600 |
| SC/ST/PwD | ₹325 |
What Is The UGC NET 2025 Reservation Policy?
As per the Government of India rule, the reservation policy is applicable to the UGC NET. According to this only, the seats are reserved in the central universities and institutes that are deemed to be universities. The reservation of seats is provided below:
| Category | Reservation of seats (In %) |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Castes (SC) | 15 |
| Scheduled Tribes (ST) | 7.5 |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) | 2.7 |
| General-Economically Weaker Sections (General- EWS) | 10 |
| Persons with Disability (PwD) with 40 per cent or more disability | 4 |
Exam Pattern 📝
The UGC NET 2025 examination will be conducted online in a Computer-Based Test (CBT) format, comprising two papers:
- Paper I: Assesses teaching and research aptitude, reasoning ability, comprehension, divergent thinking, and general awareness.
- Number of Questions: 50
- Total Marks: 100
- Duration: 1 hour
- Paper II: Focuses on the candidate’s chosen subject.
- Number of Questions: 100
- Total Marks: 200
- Duration: 2 hours
Syllabus 📚
The syllabus for UGC NET 2025 varies by subject. Paper I covers topics related to teaching and research aptitude, while Paper II is based on the specific subject chosen by the candidate. Detailed syllabi for all subjects are available on the official UGC NET website.
Preparation Tips 📖
- Understand the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the detailed syllabus for both papers.
- Create a Study Plan: Allocate time for each topic and adhere to a consistent study schedule.
- Practice Previous Papers: Solve past question papers to understand the exam pattern and question types.
- Take Mock Tests: Regular mock tests can help in time management and identifying weak areas.
- Stay Updated: Keep abreast of any changes in the exam pattern or syllabus by regularly visiting the official website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ❓
Q1: When will the UGC NET 2025 application form be released?
A1: The application form is expected to be available in March 2025.
Q2: Is there an age limit for applying as an Assistant Professor through UGC NET?
A2: No, there is no upper age limit for Assistant Professor positions.
Q3: Can final-year postgraduate students apply for UGC NET 2025?
A3: Yes, candidates in the final year of their master’s degree are eligible to apply.
Q4: How many times is the UGC NET conducted in a year?
A4: UGC NET is conducted twice a year, typically in June and December.
Q5: What is the mode of the UGC NET examination?
A5: The examination is conducted online as a Computer-Based Test (CBT).