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.
Contents
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 (https://ugcnet.nta.ac.in/) for updates.
| 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).
- 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
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General/Unreserved | ₹1100 |
| General-EWS/OBC-NCL | ₹600 |
| SC/ST/PwD | ₹325 |
Fees can be paid online through debit/credit card or net banking.
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
Both papers consist of objective-type multiple-choice questions. There is no negative marking for incorrect answers.
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: Thoroughly review the syllabus for both papers to identify key topics.
- Create a Study Plan: Allocate time to each subject area and adhere to a consistent study schedule.
- Practice Previous Papers: Solve past question papers to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and question types.
- Take Mock Tests: Regular mock tests can help improve time management and identify areas needing improvement.
- Stay Updated: Keep abreast of any changes in the exam pattern or syllabus by regularly visiting the official website.
When will the UGC NET 2025 application form be released?
The application form is expected to be available in March 2025.
Is there an age limit for applying as an Assistant Professor through UGC NET?
No, there is no upper age limit for Assistant Professor positions.
Can final-year postgraduate students apply for UGC NET 2025?
Yes, candidates in the final year of their master’s degree are eligible to apply.
