UGC NET exam pattern
UGC NET is one computer-based test of 180 minutes with two papers as its sections: Paper I, common to every candidate, and Paper II in the subject you choose. There’s no break between them and no negative marking.
The pattern and marking here are from NTA’s Information Bulletin for UGC NET December 2026. Check it for the current cycle before exam day: ugcnet.nta.nic.in
Papers and marks
| Paper | Questions | Marks | Covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | 50 | 100 | Teaching and research aptitude |
| Paper II | 100 | 200 | The subject you choose |
| One 180-minute test | 150 | 300 |
- Paper I
- Questions50
- Marks100
- CoversTeaching and research aptitude
- Paper II
- Questions100
- Marks200
- CoversThe subject you choose
- One 180-minute test
- Questions150
- Marks300
Marking
| Paper | Correct | Wrong | Left blank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | +2 | No negative | 0 |
| Paper II | +2 | No negative | 0 |
- Paper I
- Correct+2
- WrongNo negative
- Left blank0
- Paper II
- Correct+2
- WrongNo negative
- Left blank0
Rules worth knowing
- Both papers share one 180-minute clock, with no separate time for each. You can move between them at any time, and every question is compulsory.
- Each question is multiple choice with one answer. A correct answer earns 2 marks, and a wrong or blank answer earns nothing.
- An answer saved and marked for review is evaluated. A question you don’t answer isn’t.
- Paper I covers teaching and research aptitude: reasoning ability, reading comprehension, divergent thinking and general awareness.
- The exam has 87 subjects, and Paper I is compulsory for all of them. Papers are in English and Hindi, except language papers, which are set in their own language.
Common questions
- How many questions are in UGC NET?
- 150 in one 180-minute test: 50 in Paper I and 100 in Paper II, the subject you choose.
- Is there negative marking in UGC NET?
- No. Each correct answer earns 2 marks, and a wrong or blank answer scores zero.
- Is there separate time for Paper I and Paper II?
- No. Both papers are sections of one 180-minute test, with no break, and you can move between them at any time.
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