UGC NET: Exam, Admission, Eligibility criteria, Detailed Syllabus; List of Top #100 Universities for NET Score and more

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.

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.

Also, read CSIR UGC NET Exam 2023-24

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:

1. Indian Institute of Science
2. Jawaharlal Nehru University
3. Banaras Hindu University
4. Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham
5. Jadavpur University
6. University of Hyderabad
7. Calcutta University
8. Manipal Academy of Higher Education
9. Savitribai Phule Pune University
10. Jamia Millia Islamia
11. University of Delhi
12. Anna University
13. Bharathiar University
14. Homi Bhabha National Institute
15. Birla Institute of Technology & Science
16. Vellore Institute of Technology
17. Aligarh Muslim University
18. Institute of Chemical Technology
19. Andhra University
20. Siksha `O` Anusandhan
21. Jamia Hamdard
22. University of Madras
23. Kerala University
24. Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology
25. Shanmugha Arts Science Technology & Research Academy
26. Panjab University
27. Mysore University
28. Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education And Research
29. Osmania University
30. Mahatma Gandhi University
31. Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology
32. King George`s Medical University
33. JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research
34. Tata Institute of Social Sciences
35. S. R. M. Institute of Science and Technology
36. Alagappa University
37. Amity University Noida
38. Sri Venkateswara University
39. Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology
40. Tezpur University
41. KoneruLakshmaiah Education Foundation University
42. Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences
43. Symbiosis International
44. Gujarat University
45. Delhi Technological University
46. Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth
47. Gauhati University
48. University of Kashmir
49. North Eastern Hill University
50. Visva Bharati
51. Guru Nanak Dev University
52. University of Jammu
53. Bharathidasan University
54. Calicut University
55. Banasthali Vidyapith
56. Shiv Nadar University
57. SVKM`s Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies
58. Pondicherry University
59. Bharath Institute of Higher Education & Research
60. Madurai Kamaraj University
61. Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences
62. Cochin University of Science and Technology
63. Bharati Vidyapeeth
64. Punjabi University
65. Mumbai University
66. Birla Institute of Technology
67. Mizoram University
68. Bangalore University
69. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University
70. KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research
71. Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management
72. Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Higher Education
73. Kuvempu University
74. NITTE
75. Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning
76. Maharshi Dayanand University
77. Padmashree Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth
78. Lovely Professional University
79. International Institute of Information Technology Hyderabad
80. Visvesvaraya Technological University
81. Goa University
82. Dayalbagh Educational Institute
83. Periyar University
84. Dibrugarh University
85. Jain University
86. Yenepoya University
87. Central University of Punjab
88. Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth Mahatma Gandhi Medical College Campus
89. Kalyani University
90. Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences
91. The Gandhigram Rural Institute
92. The University of Burdwan
93. Maharishi Markandeshwar
94. Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology
95. Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University
96. Utkal University
97. Graphic Era University
98. Chettinad Academy of Research and Education
99. Kurukshetra University
100. 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:

1. Economics / Rural Economics /Co-operation / Demography / Development Planning/ Development Studies / Econometrics/ Applied Economics/Development Eco./Business Economics
2. Political Science
3. Philosophy
4. Psychology
5. Sociology
6. History
7. Anthropology
8. Commerce
9. Education
10. Social Work
11. Defense and Strategic Studies
12. Home Science
13. Public Administration
14. Population Studies
15. Music
16. Management (including Business Admn. Mgt./ Marketing/ Marketing Mgt./ Industrial Relations and Personnel Mgt./ Personnel Mgt./ Financial Mgt./ Co-operative Management)
17. Maithili
18. Bengali
19. Hindi
20. Kannada
21. Malayalam
22. Oriya
23. Punjabi
24. Sanskrit
25. Tamil Telugu
26. Urdu
27. Arabic
28. English
29. Linguistics
30. Chinese
31. Dogri
32. Nepali
33. Manipuri
34. Assamese
35. Gujarati
36. Marathi
37. French (French Version)
38. Spanish
39. Russian
40. Persian
41. Rajasthani
42. German
43. Japanese
44. Adult Education/ Continuing Education/ Andragogy/Non-Formal Education
45. Physical Education
46. Arab Culture and Islamic Studies
47. Indian Culture
48. Labour Welfare/Personnel Management/Industrial Relations/ Labour and Social Welfare/Human Resource Management
49. Law Library and Information Science
50. Buddhist, Jaina, Gandhian and Peace Studies
51. Comparative Study of Religions
52. Mass Communication and Journalism
53. Performing Art – Dance/Drama/Theatre
54. Museology & Conservation
55. Archaeology
56. Criminology
57. Tribal and Regional Language/Literature
58. Folk Literature
59. Comparative Literature
60. 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)
61. Women Studies
62. Visual Art (including Drawing & Painting/Sculpture Graphics/Applied Art/History of Art)
63. Geography
64. Social Medicine & Community Health
65. Forensic Science
66. Pali
67. Kashmiri
68. Konkani
69. Computer Science and Applications
70. Electronic Science
71. Environmental Sciences
72. 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
73. Prakrit
74. Human Rights and Duties
75. Tourism
76. Administration and Management
77. Bodo
78. Santali
79. Yoga
80. 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:

• Career Counselling & Guidance
• Online Career Counselling
• Career Planning

Useful Links

• 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:

• Delhi University
• Calicut University
• Anna University
• Annamalai University