To score well in the UGC NET Examination, you must have a proper preparation plan. To have the best strategy for the exam, you must know the UGC NET Exam Pattern, sectional weightage, type of questions, time Duration and the marking scheme.
The exam is held twice a year and is conducted in online mode (Computer-Based Test - CBT). The question paper consists of two papers Paper 1 and Paper 2, both of which are conducted on the same day without any breaks in between.
In this article, you will get complete information related to UGC NET Exam Pattern for all the sections in an easy-to-understand format with With an updated and Latest structured exam format.
Here in this article, you will find: -
UGC NET Syllabus 2025 - All Subjects
NTA UGC NET Exam Pattern - Key Highlights
The first step towards the preparation of any exam is understanding its structure. The NTA conducts the UGC NET Exam twice a year in two papers – Paper 1 and 2. Paper 1 is based on General Paper while Paper 2 is a subject-specific exam. both of which are compulsory and conducted in a single session without any break.
The Key Highlights for both General Paper 1 and Paper 2 is given below –
| Paper Pattern | Paper 1 | Paper 2 |
| Type of Papers |
General Paper |
Subject-based paper (85 Subjects) |
| Total Number of Questions | 50 | 100 |
| Total Marks | 100 | 200 |
| Marking scheme | +2 for Correct answer & 0 for wrong answer | +2 for Correct answer & 0 for wrong answer |
| Questions Based on Topics | General Paper on Teaching & Research Aptitude | Subject related topics |
| Type of Questions | MCQ (Multiple choices Questions) | |
| Exam Mode | Online Mode (CBT) | |
| Negative Marking | No negative marking | |
| Paper Language | English & Hindi | |
| Total Time | 3 Hours | |
Below, you can check Shift wise Exam Timing and Duration.
| UGC NET Exam Timing |
Shift-1 | Shift-2 |
| Exam Time |
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM | 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM |
| Total Time Duration |
3 hours | |
| Entry Time |
30 minutes before the exam | |
| Documents Checking Before Entering |
30 minutes before the exam | |
| Instructions by the Invigilators |
8:45 AM to 8:55 AM | 2:45 PM to 2:55 PM |
| Paper Starting Time |
9:00 AM | 3:00 PM |
| End of the Exam |
12:00 PM | 6:00 PM |
Note – The NTA will be released soon information bulletin regarding UGC NET 2025. You can check all the updates and news here - UGC NET Notification 2025.
Below, we have explained the NTA UGC NET Exam Pattern 2025 in detail. You can check it for a better understanding of the exam scheme.
UGC NET Exam Pattern 2025 – Know the Latest Structure
The UGC NET 2025 Paper Pattern is prescribed by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The exam consists of two papers, both of which are compulsory and conducted in a single session of 3 hours (180 minute).
The structure of both papers is designed to test a candidate’s general aptitude and subject-specific. According to latest paper pattern, a total of 150 questions are asked in exam for 300 marks. There is no negative marking for the for wrong answers.
If you are preparing for UGC NET June 2025 Cycle, you must know about it, below, we have mentioned Latest New UGC NET Paper 1 and Paper 2 Exam Pattern:
UGC NET Paper Pattern for Paper 1
The UGC NET Paper 1 is a general aptitude test that is compulsory for all candidates. The questions in Paper 1 will be based on teaching and research aptitude that measure your interpretation skills.
It consists of Reasoning Ability, Reading Comprehension, Mental Ability, General Awareness, etc. In Paper 1, No negative marking for wrong answers. The medium of Question Paper wil be in English & Hindi.
Below, you can check the complete study kit for UGC NET Paper 1.
Download Free Study Kit & Start Preparing Now
UGC NET Exam Pattern for Paper 2
For UGC NET Paper 2, it will be based on subject-specific chosen by the candidate that consists of 100 MCQ-type questions (multiple choices with a single correct answer), each consisting of two marks and all the questions will be compulsory. Candidates can choose from 85 different subjects.
The NTA UGC NET Paper-II covers the entire syllabus of the master’s degree subject selected by the candidates. And to qualify for the exam, you must have deep knowledge of your chosen subject.
Here is the marking scheme for Paper 2:
| Subject |
UGC NET Total Marks |
Number of Questions |
| Paper-II |
200 |
100 |
| No negative marking will be given for wrong answers |
||
Start your UGC NET 2025 Exam Preparation with Eduncle’s expert-quality content. You can download the sample study material free from the following table.
| Download Free UGC NET Material for All Subjects [Trusted & Recommended by 4600+ Selected Students] |
UGC NET Marking Scheme 2025
Understanding the scoring pattern helps candidates strategize their attempts efficiently and maximize their scores.. According to the latest Marking Scheme: -
For each correct Answer, you will get 2 marks in both Paper I & II.
There is no negative marking in UGC NET for incorrect answer. Therefore, you are advised to attempt all the UGC NET Previous Year Question Paper.
No marks will be given for questions ‘Unanswered/Marked for Review’.
All the questions are compulsory.
If a question is found to be incorrect/ambiguous during the key challenge, only those candidates who have attempted the question and chosen one of the correct answers will be given the credit.
Only for dropped question(s), if any, marks will be given to all the candidates.
| Answer Type |
Making Process |
| Each Incorrect Answer |
0 marks deducted |
| One Correct Answer |
2 marks added |
| No Answer |
0 marks deducted |
| Wrong Question |
Marks will be given to all aspirants |
Note – The above-mentioned details for UGC NET Exam Pattern 2025 is based on the Previous notification released by the NTA.
UGC NET Syllabus 2025
After checking the complete Exam Pattern of UGC NET 2025, you should also know the updated syllabus to plan your preparation effectively. Understanding the syllabus helps candidates focus on important topics and prepare strategically.
it will help you to know the important topics and sub-topics that can be asked in the exam. If you are preparing for the 2025 exam, you should check the Complete UGC NET Syllabus 2025 here.
UGC NET Exam Pattern Frequently Asked Questions
Below, we have mentioned some common questions that are generally asked by the aspirants who are preparing for the exam. Check them below -
Question - What is the latest UGC NET Exam pattern 2025?
Answer – You can check the NTA UGC NET Paper Pattern for 2025 from here.
Question - What is the total time duration of the UGC NET exam?
Answer - The total duration of the exam is 3 hours (180 minutes).
Question - will UGC NET paper 1 and 2 on the same day?
Answer - Yes, UGC NET Paper 1 and Paper 2 will be conducted on the same day in a single session.
Question - How many questions will be asked in UGC NET Paper 1 and Paper 2?
Answer - In the UGC NET 2025 exam, here will be a total of 50 questions for 100 marks in the Paper- I and 100 questions for 200 marks in the Paper- II.
Question - Will there be negative marking in UGC NET 2025?
Answer - No, there is no negative marking in both Paper-I and Paper-II. We would recommend you attempt all the questions in the National Eligibility Test.
Question - What is the marking scheme for the UGC NET exam?
Answer - For every correct answer, 2 marks are awarded. There is no deduction for incorrect or unattempted questions.
Question - What is the mode of UGC NET examination in 2025, is it online or offline?
Answer - The UGC NET 2025 Exam will be conducted in online mode (Computer-Based Test - CBT).
Question - Can I appear for UGC NET in any subject?
Answer - No, candidates must choose a subject for Paper 2 that aligns with their postgraduate degree. There are 85 subjects available for Paper 2.
Question - How many times is the UGC NET exam held in a year?
Answer - Every year, UGC NET Exam is conducted 2 times, in June & December.
Question - Is Paper 1 compulsory for all candidates?
Answer - Yes, Paper 1 is common and mandatory for all candidates. It tests general aptitude, reasoning ability, and research skills.
Question - Does the UGC NET Exam Pattern change every year?
Answer - No, Exam Pattern doesn’t change yearly.
We hope the above information will help you in understanding the UGC NET Exam Pattern 2025 in a better way. If you have any queries about the Paper Pattern, you can share them with us through the comment box below.
You can also join India’s No.1 Learning Community for UGC NET, where you will get doubt solutions for all your exam-related queries with the help of experts from all over India. To join the community, you can download the Eduncle app now.
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