UGC NET exam is a national-level exam conducted to test the eligibility of Indian nationals for Assistant Professors’ jobs only or for Junior Research Fellowship and eligibility for Assistant Professors’ jobs in Indian Universities and colleges. This article is for all those individuals looking for detailed and updated information on UGC NET, the admission process, eligibility, and more.
An Important update: UGC National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) – June 2020 will be conducted from 16th-18th September 2020 and 21st-25th September 2020, as per Public Notice dated 20-08-2020.
Some facts you must know:
- The candidate’s performance in both the papers of NET exam determines his/her entitlement of JRF award and Eligibility for Assistant Professor both.
- Candidates qualifying exclusively for Assistant Professor will not be considered for the award of JRF.
- The recruitment of candidates qualifying the Test of eligibility for Assistant Professor will be governed and regulated by the concerned colleges/ states governments and universities.
Topics covered
What is UGC NET?
University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test or UGC NET is a college/university Teaching & Fellowship Exam. It is conducted to determine the eligibility of Indian Nationals for the position of Assistant Professor only or Junior Research Fellowship & Eligibility for Assistant Professor both in Indian Universities and colleges.
UGC NET is now conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA)and is usually conducted twice a year.
The candidates with at least 55% marks in Master’s degree or equivalent examination from university/ institution recognized by UGC are eligible to apply for UGC NET. To read about the UGC NET exam eligibility criteria in detail, jump on to the next section.
UGC NET Exam Eligibility
- A minimum of 55% marks (without rounding off) in Master’s Degree or equivalent examination from UGC recognized universities/ institutions in Humanities (including languages) and Social Science, Computer Science & Applications, Electronic Science, etc. are eligible to apply for UGC NET.
- Candidates belonging to the Other Backward Classes (OBC) non-creamy layer/ Scheduled Caste (SC)/ Scheduled Tribe (ST) or Persons with Disability, who have secured at least 50% marks in Master’s degree or equivalent exam are eligible to apply for UGC NET.
- Candidates whose results for Master’s degree final examinations are awaited or who are still pursuing their Master’s degree are also eligible for UGC NET provided they pass their respective degree with at least 55% marks and within two years from the date of the NET result.
- Candidates belonging to the third gender are also eligible to the qualification criteria for SC/ ST/ PwD categories i.e. relaxation in fee, age, and qualification criteria.
- For candidates whose Master’s level exam dated 19th September 1991 are also eligible for a relaxation of 5% aggregate in qualification marks.
- Candidates are required to appear for UGC NET in the subject of their Master’s Degree only. If the subject isn’t mentioned in the list, candidates can opt for the related subject for the exam.
Top 100 Universities in India Accepting UGC NET Score
As per the NIRF 2020 ranking, following is the list of top 100 Universities in India that accept the UGC NET score for admission to their various doctoral and postdoctoral courses:
- Indian Institute of Science
- Jawaharlal Nehru University
- Banaras Hindu University
- Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham
- Jadavpur University
- University of Hyderabad
- Calcutta University
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education
- Savitribai Phule Pune University
- Jamia Millia Islamia
- University of Delhi
- Anna University
- Bharathiar University
- Homi Bhabha National Institute
- Birla Institute of Technology & Science
- Vellore Institute of Technology
- Aligarh Muslim University
- Institute of Chemical Technology
- Andhra University
- Siksha `O` Anusandhan
- Jamia Hamdard
- University of Madras
- Kerala University
- Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology
- Shanmugha Arts Science Technology & Research Academy
- Panjab University
- Mysore University
- Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education And Research
- Osmania University
- Mahatma Gandhi University
- Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology
- King George`s Medical University
- JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research
- Tata Institute of Social Sciences
- S. R. M. Institute of Science and Technology
- Alagappa University
- Amity University Noida
- Sri Venkateswara University
- Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology
- Tezpur University
- KoneruLakshmaiah Education Foundation University
- Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences
- Symbiosis International
- Gujarat University
- Delhi Technological University
- Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth
- Gauhati University
- University of Kashmir
- North Eastern Hill University
- Visva Bharati
- Guru Nanak Dev University
- University of Jammu
- Bharathidasan University
- Calicut University
- Banasthali Vidyapith
- Shiv Nadar University
- SVKM`s Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies
- Pondicherry University
- Bharath Institute of Higher Education & Research
- Madurai Kamaraj University
- Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences
- Cochin University of Science and Technology
- Bharati Vidyapeeth
- Punjabi University
- Mumbai University
- Birla Institute of Technology
- Mizoram University
- Bangalore University
- Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University
- KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research
- Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management
- Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Higher Education
- Kuvempu University
- NITTE
- Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning
- Maharshi Dayanand University
- Padmashree Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth
- Lovely Professional University
- International Institute of Information Technology Hyderabad
- Visvesvaraya Technological University
- Goa University
- Dayalbagh Educational Institute
- Periyar University
- Dibrugarh University
- Jain University
- Yenepoya University
- Central University of Punjab
- Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth Mahatma Gandhi Medical College Campus
- Kalyani University
- Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences
- The Gandhigram Rural Institute
- The University of Burdwan
- Maharishi Markandeshwar
- Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology
- Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University
- Utkal University
- Graphic Era University
- Chettinad Academy of Research and Education
- Kurukshetra University
- Vignan’s Foundation for Science, Technology & Research
UGC NET Selection Criteria
To be eligible for awards of JRF or Assistant Professor or both, students need to qualify and clear the UGC NET Exam. The exam comprises of two papers: Paper I and Paper II. UGC NET exam is a Computer Based Test (CBT). Both the papers consist of objective type, multiple choice based questions.
Take a look at the info graphic to know more details about the NET exam:
- Paper I and Paper II have a cumulative time duration of a total of three hours. Usually, the first shift starts from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM and the Second Shift starts from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM.
- Paper I consists of a total of 50 questions of 100 marks. Two marks each for the correct answer and no negative marking for incorrect answer.
- Paper-II consists of a total of 100 questions comprising of 200 marks. Two marks each for the correct answer and no negative marking for incorrect answer.
- All the 150 questions are of objective type, multiple choice based questions.
NET Exam Application Form
Step 1- To fill the UGC NET Exam application form, visit the official website, and apply for UGC NET online. Fill up the registration form and download the information brochure. Once done students must read the brochure thoroughly and fill up the personal information on the web portal.
Step 2- After successfully filling the details, the next step is to fill the UGC NET Exam application form. Students must fill their personal details like name, father’s name, and important educational information.
Step 3- Includes uploading images and signature to the application form.
Step 4- Students are required to complete the application from by paying UGC NET application fee. For General category the application fee is Rs 1000; for General- EWS/ OBC- NCL- Rs 500 and; for SC/ ST/ PwD / Transgender- Rs 250.
Step 5- On successful payment of application fee, students can download the confirmation page and keep a print out of the same for future references.
UGC NET Syllabus
- UGC NET Paper 1 evaluates a candidate’s teaching and research aptitude. The potential Candidates must possess possess and represent cognitive abilities, which include comprehension, analysis, evaluation, understanding the structure of arguments, deductive and inductive reasoning. Canidates must also hold fundamental understanding of teaching and learning processes in higher education system.
- UGC NET Paper 2 is based on the subject chosen by the candidate. This paper evaluates the candidate’s in-depth knowledge and expertise in the respective subject.
- NTA UGC NET is conducted for a total of 81 subjects.
UGC NET exam comprises of two papers as we discussed above. So let us now understand the NET Syllabus for both of these papers one by one.
UGC NET Paper- I
| Unit- I- Teaching Aptitude |
|---|
| Teaching: Concept, Objectives, Levels of teaching (Memory, Understanding, and Reflective), Characteristics, and basic requirements. |
| Learner’s characteristics: Characteristics of adolescent and adult learners (Academic, Social, Emotional and Cognitive), Individual differences. |
| Factors affecting teaching related to Teacher, Learner, Support material, Instructional facilities, Learning environment, and Institution. |
| Methods of teaching in Institutions of higher learning: Teacher centered vs. Learner-centered methods; Off-line vs. On-line methods (Swayam, Swayamprabha, MOOCs, etc.). |
| Teaching Support System: Traditional, Modern, and ICT based. |
| Evaluation Systems: Elements and Types of evaluation, Evaluation in Choice Based Credit System in Higher education, Computer-based testing, Innovations in evaluation systems. |
| Unit-II Research Aptitude |
|---|
| Research: Meaning, Types, and Characteristics, Positivism, and Postpositivistic approach to research. |
| Methods of Research: Experimental, Descriptive, Historical, Qualitative, and Quantitative methods. |
| Steps of Research |
| Thesis and Article writing: Format and styles of referencing. |
| Application of ICT in research |
| Research ethics |
| Unit-III Comprehension |
|---|
| A passage of text is given. Questions are asked from the passage to be answered |
| Unit-IV Communication |
|---|
| Communication: Meaning, types, and characteristics of communication. |
| Effective communication: Verbal and Non-verbal, Inter-Cultural and group communications, Classroom communication. |
| Barriers to effective communication |
| Mass-Media and Society |
| Unit-V Mathematical Reasoning and Aptitude |
|---|
| Types of reasoning |
| Number series, Letter series, Codes, and Relationships |
| Mathematical Aptitude (Fraction, Time & Distance, Ratio, Proportion and Percentage, Profit and Loss, Interest and Discounting, Averages, etc.). |
| Unit-VI Logical Reasoning |
|---|
| Understanding the structure of arguments: argument forms, the structure of categorical propositions, Mood and Figure, Formal and Informal fallacies, Uses of language, Connotations, and denotations of terms, Classical square of opposition |
| Evaluating and distinguishing deductive and inductive reasoning |
| Analogies |
| Venn diagram: Simple and multiple uses for establishing the validity of arguments |
| Indian Logic: Means of knowledge |
| Pramanas: Pratyaksha (Perception), Anumana (Inference), Upamana (Comparison), Shabda (Verbal testimony), Arthapatti (Implication), and Anupalabddhi (Non-apprehension). |
| Structure and kinds of Anumana (inference), Vyapti (invariable relation), Hetvabhasas (fallacies of inference). |
| Unit-VII Data Interpretation |
|---|
| Sources, acquisition, and classification of Data |
| Quantitative and Qualitative Data |
| Graphical representation (Bar-chart, Histograms, Pie-chart, Table-chart, and Line-chart) and mapping of Data. |
| Data Interpretation |
| Data and Governance |
| Unit-VIII Information and Communication Technology (ICT) |
|---|
| ICT: General abbreviations and terminology |
| ICT: General abbreviations and terminology |
| Digital initiatives in higher education |
| ICT and Governance |
| Unit-IX People, Development and Environment |
|---|
| Development and environment: Millennium development and Sustainable development goals |
| Human and environment interaction: Anthropogenic activities and their impacts on the environment. |
| Environmental issues: Local, Regional and Global; Air pollution, Water pollution, Soil pollution, Noise pollution, Waste (solid, liquid, biomedical, hazardous, electronic), Climate change and its Socio-Economic and Political dimensions |
| Impacts of pollutants on human health |
| Natural and energy resources: Solar, Wind, Soil, Hydro, Geothermal, Biomass, Nuclear, and Forests |
| Natural hazards and disasters: Mitigation strategies |
| Environmental Protection Act (1986), National Action Plan on Climate Change, International agreements/ efforts- Montreal Protocol, Rio Summit, Convention on Biodiversity, Kyoto Protocol, Paris Agreement, International Solar Alliance |
| Unit-X Higher Education System |
|---|
| Institutions of higher learning and education in ancient India |
| Evolution of higher learning and research in Post Independence India |
| Oriental, Conventional and Non-conventional learning programs in India |
| Value education and environmental education |
| Professional, Technical and Skill-Based education |
| Policies, Governance, and Administration |
UGC NET Paper-II
List of subject options in Paper-II:
- Economics / Rural Economics /Co-operation / Demography / Development Planning/ Development Studies / Econometrics/ Applied Economics/Development Eco./Business Economics
- Political Science
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Sociology
- History
- Anthropology
- Commerce
- Education
- Social Work
- Defense and Strategic Studies
- Home Science
- Public Administration
- Population Studies
- Music
- Management (including Business Admn. Mgt./ Marketing/ Marketing Mgt./ Industrial Relations and Personnel Mgt./ Personnel Mgt./ Financial Mgt./ Co-operative Management)
- Maithili
- Bengali
- Hindi
- Kannada
- Malayalam
- Oriya
- Punjabi
- Sanskrit
- Tamil Telugu
- Urdu
- Arabic
- English
- Linguistics
- Chinese
- Dogri
- Nepali
- Manipuri
- Assamese
- Gujarati
- Marathi
- French (French Version)
- Spanish
- Russian
- Persian
- Rajasthani
- German
- Japanese
- Adult Education/ Continuing Education/ Andragogy/Non-Formal Education
- Physical Education
- Arab Culture and Islamic Studies
- Indian Culture
- Labour Welfare/Personnel Management/Industrial Relations/ Labour and Social Welfare/Human Resource Management
- Law Library and Information Science
- Buddhist, Jaina, Gandhian and Peace Studies
- Comparative Study of Religions
- Mass Communication and Journalism
- Performing Art – Dance/Drama/Theatre
- Museology & Conservation
- Archaeology
- Criminology
- Tribal and Regional Language/Literature
- Folk Literature
- Comparative Literature
- Sanskrit traditional subjects (including) Jyotisha/Sidhanta Jyotish/ Navya Vyakarna/ Vyakarna/ Mimansa/ Navya Nyaya/ Sankhya Yoga/ Tulanatmaka Darsan/ Shukla Yajurveda/ Madhav Vedant/ Dharmasasta/ Sahitya/ Puranotihasa /Agama)
- Women Studies
- Visual Art (including Drawing & Painting/Sculpture Graphics/Applied Art/History of Art)
- Geography
- Social Medicine & Community Health
- Forensic Science
- Pali
- Kashmiri
- Konkani
- Computer Science and Applications
- Electronic Science
- Environmental Sciences
- Politics including International Relations/International Studies including Defence/Strategic Studies, West Asian Studies, South East Asian Studies, African Studies, South Asian Studies, Soviet Studies, American Studies
- Prakrit
- Human Rights and Duties
- Tourism
- Administration and Management
- Bodo
- Santali
- Yoga
- Sindhi
Outlines of UGC NET Paper-II
Take a look at the syllabus of some of the subjects in UGC NET Paper II:
| Subject: English |
|---|
| Unit– I : Drama |
| Unit- II: Poetry |
| Unit- III: Fiction, short story |
| Unit– IV: Non-Fictional Prose |
| Unit– V: Language: Basic concepts, theories, and pedagogy. English in Use. |
| Unit– VI: English in India: history, evolution, and futures |
| Unit– VII: Cultural Studies |
| Unit– VIII: Literary Criticism |
| Unit– IX: Literary Theory post World War II |
| Unit– X: Research Methods and Materials in English |
| Subject: POLITICAL SCIENCE |
|---|
| Unit – 1: Political Theory |
| Unit – 2: Political Thought |
| Unit – 3: Indian Political Thought |
| Unit – 4: Comparative Political Analysis |
| Unit – 5: International Relations |
| Unit – 6: India’s Foreign Policy |
| Unit – 7: Political Institutions in India |
| Unit – 8: Political Processes in India |
| Unit – 9: Public Administration |
| Unit – 10: Governance and Public Policy in India |
| Subject: Commerce |
|---|
| Unit 1: Business Environment and International Business |
| Unit 2: Accounting and Auditing |
| Unit 3: Business Economics |
| Unit 4: Business Finance |
| Unit 5: Business Statistics and Research Methods |
| Unit 6: Business Management and Human Resource Management |
| Unit 7: Banking and Financial Institutions |
| Unit 8: Marketing Management |
| Unit 9: Legal Aspects of Business |
| Unit 10: Income-tax and Corporate Tax Planning |
| Subject: Psychology |
|---|
| Emergence of Psychology |
| Research Methodology and Statistics: Research: Meaning, Purpose, and Dimensions |
| Psychological testing |
| The biological basis of behavior: Sensory systems: General and specific sensations, receptors and processes |
| Attention, Perception, Learning, Memory, and Forgetting |
| Theoretical perspectives on thought processes |
| Determinants of personality: Biological and socio-cultural |
| Nature, scope, and history of social psychology |
| Issues of Gender, Poverty, Disability, and Migration: Cultural bias and discrimination |
| Subject: Computer Science and Applications |
|---|
| Unit – 1: Discrete Structures and Optimization |
| Unit – 2: Computer System Architecture |
| Unit – 3: Programming Languages and Computer Graphics |
| Unit – 4: Database Management Systems |
| Unit – 5: System Software and Operating System |
| Unit – 6: Software Engineering |
| Unit – 7: Data Structures and Algorithms |
| Unit – 8: Theory of Computation and Compilers |
| Unit – 9: Data Communication and Computer Networks |
| Unit – 10: Artificial Intelligence (AI) |
In Conclusion
In this article we discussed UGC NET Exam, admission procedure, eligibility criteria and a comprehensive list of top 100 universities accepting the UGC NET Score. We hope you got some clarity about what is UGC NET and are soon planning to sit for this exam.
Although preparing for NET in itself means you are already sure what you are going to do, in case you wish to take second opinion from some expert counsellors, you may avail iDreamCareer’s professional services.
For detailed guidance, you can take help of our professional services which include:
Useful Links
- Get all the detailed information about UGC NET Syllabus of Paper I (PDF)
- Check out the Updated Syllabi of UGC-NET
- Keep up to date on all information regarding NET JRF at the official website of NTA
- Find out more on NET JRF at the official webpage of NTA UGC
Some top universities you may want to know more details about:
Shruti Verma has an experience of around 2+ years in research and analysis of careers, jobs, and industries. She has a knowledge of diverse fields spanning from career counselling, management consulting, engineering, and technology to science, finance, and humanities.
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