UGC NET Exam Pattern 2026: Detailed Paper 1 & Paper 2 Exam Scheme

The UGC NET (University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test) is conducted to determine candidate eligibility for Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) positions across Indian universities and colleges. The exam consists of two papers: Paper 1 and Paper 2. Paper 1 is a common aptitude test designed to evaluate teaching and research proficiency, while Paper 2 focuses on the specific subject expertise chosen by the candidate.

UGC NET Exam Pattern 2026

The UGC NET 2026 examination is conducted as a Computer-Based Test (CBT). To excel, candidates must be thoroughly familiar with the official exam pattern. Both papers comprise multiple-choice questions (MCQs), and all questions are mandatory. The entire examination is completed within a single, continuous three-hour window. Refer to the exam structure below for full details.

Papers	Pattern of Paper	Questions	Marks	Duration
Paper 1	The questions will be generic in nature,  intending to assess the teaching/research aptitude of the candidate.	50	100	3 hours (180 minutes)
Paper 2	This is based on the subject selected by the candidate  and will assess domain knowledge.	100	200
Total		150	300

Key Exam Highlights:

1. Each correct answer carries 2 marks in both Paper 1 and Paper 2.
2. There is no negative marking for incorrect responses in the UGC NET 2026 examination.
3. Unanswered or marked-for-review questions receive zero marks.
4. All questions are compulsory for all candidates.
5. In cases where a question is deemed ambiguous or incorrect during the challenge process, credit will be awarded to candidates who attempted it. If questions are dropped, compensatory marks are awarded to all participants.

UGC NET June 2026 Admit Card: Official Download Link (Active)

UGC NET Paper 1 Exam Pattern 2026

Paper 1 is designed to assess the teaching and research aptitude of aspirants. It consists of 50 compulsory MCQs, carrying a total of 100 marks. See the breakdown below.

UGC NET Paper 1 Exam Pattern 2026
Examination Mode	Computer Based Test (CBT)
Duration	1 Hour
Question Type	Multiple Choice Questions
Number of Questions	50
Total Marks	100
Subjects	Teaching Aptitude Research Aptitude Reading Comprehension Communication Mathematical Reasoning and Aptitude Logical Reasoning Data Interpretation Information and Communication Technology (ICT) People and Environment Higher Education System: Governance, Polity, and Administration
Marking Scheme	2 marks for each correct answer

UGC NET Paper 2 Exam Pattern 2026

Paper 2 evaluates a candidate's specialized subject knowledge. This paper features 100 questions for a total of 200 marks. Detailed specifications are provided below.

UGC NET Paper 2 Exam Pattern 2026
Examination Mode	Computer Based Test (CBT)
Duration	2 Hours
Question Type	Multiple Choice Questions
Number of Questions	100
Total Marks	200
Total Subject	83
Syllabus Coverage	In-depth coverage of topics within the candidate’s chosen subject domain
Marking Scheme	2 marks for each correct answer

UGC NET 2026 Syllabus 

The foundational step for effective UGC NET preparation is a comprehensive understanding of the syllabus. Familiarity with the curriculum allows candidates to create a structured and high-yield study plan. Below, we discuss the syllabus for both 2026 exam papers. 

Download the Complete UGC NET Syllabus 2026

View UGC NET Paper 1 Syllabus 2026