UGC NET Exam Pattern Explained: Paper 1 & Paper 2 Structure, Marks, Negative Marking Rules
UGC NET Exam Pattern: The UGC NET examination is conducted by the National Testing Agency to assess eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), Assistant Professor, and PhD admission in Indian universities and colleges.
With the exam conducted in CBT mode, understanding the UGC NET exam pattern, marking scheme, and negative marking rules is extremely important to avoid last-minute confusion and optimise your score.
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Below is a complete, exam-ready breakdown written in a fresh, NaukriBee-style format — clear, structured, and practical.
Why Understanding the UGC NET Exam Pattern Is Crucial
Many candidates prepare well but lose marks due to poor exam-day strategy. Knowing the pattern helps you:
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Allocate time smartly between Paper 1 and Paper 2
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Attempt maximum questions without fear of negative marking
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Plan revision based on weightage
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Avoid unnecessary stress during the CBT exam
UGC NET Exam Pattern: Key Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | UGC NET |
| Conducting Authority | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Question Type | Objective (MCQs) |
| Total Papers | 2 (Paper 1 & Paper 2) |
| Total Questions | 150 |
| Total Marks | 300 |
| Exam Duration | 3 Hours (180 Minutes) |
| Medium of Paper | English & Hindi (Except Language Subjects) |
| Negative Marking | ❌ No |
UGC NET Paper-Wise Exam Pattern (Paper 1 & Paper 2)
🔹 Paper 1: Teaching & Research Aptitude
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Questions | 50 |
| Marks | 100 |
| Marks per Question | 2 |
| Nature | Qualifying + Scoring |
| Focus Areas | Teaching Aptitude, Research Aptitude, Reasoning, Comprehension, Data Interpretation, General Awareness |
Paper 1 tests your analytical thinking, not subject knowledge. High accuracy here can significantly boost your overall score.
Paper 2: Subject-Specific Knowledge
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Questions | 100 |
| Marks | 200 |
| Marks per Question | 2 |
| Nature | Core Scoring Paper |
| Focus | Subject chosen by the candidate |
📌 NaukriBee Insight: Paper 2 carries double weightage, so deep conceptual clarity and smart question selection are key.
Exam Duration & Attempt Strategy
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Total Time: 180 minutes (single continuous session)
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No sectional time limit
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No break between Paper 1 & Paper 2
💡 Smart Tip:
Attempt Paper 1 confidently and quickly, then devote maximum time to Paper 2.
UGC NET Marking Scheme (Very Important)
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Correct Answer: +2 Marks
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Wrong Answer: 0 Marks (No Negative Marking)
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Unattempted Question: 0 Marks
👉 This means you can attempt all questions without penalty, but random guessing is still not advisable.
Special Rules for Incorrect or Dropped Questions
As per official guidelines:
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If more than one option is correct, full marks are awarded if any correct option is marked
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If all options are correct, full marks are given to all who attempted
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If a question is wrong or dropped, marks are awarded only to those who attempted it
Medium of Question Paper
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Papers are available in English & Hindi
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Language subject papers are in their respective languages only
How to Prepare According to the UGC NET Exam Pattern
Final-Phase Strategy
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Revise Paper 1 formulas, reasoning types & comprehension formats
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Focus on high-weightage units in Paper 2
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Attempt light mock tests, not heavy full-length tests
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Practise question selection — don’t get stuck on one question
Exam-Day Approach
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Start with strong areas
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Avoid overthinking (no negative marking advantage)
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Keep 15–20 minutes for revision before submission
NaukriBee Insight
UGC NET is not about attempting everything blindly — it’s about attempting confidently and accurately. Candidates who understand the exam pattern thoroughly always outperform equally prepared aspirants who ignore strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ Is there negative marking in UGC NET?
No. There is no negative marking for incorrect answers.
❓ Are Paper 1 and Paper 2 conducted separately?
No. Both papers are conducted in one continuous CBT session.
❓ Can I choose which paper to attempt first?
Yes. You can attempt Paper 1 or Paper 2 in any order.
❓ How many marks is Paper 2?
Paper 2 carries 200 marks, making it the most important section.
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