The University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) December 2026 is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. The examination determines eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), Assistant Professor appointments and PhD admission under the applicable qualification categories.

The test consists of two compulsory sections, Paper I and Paper II. Both contain objective-type multiple-choice questions and are completed in a single three-hour session without a break.

UGC NET 2026 Exam Pattern: Highlights

UGC NET December 2026 Section-Wise Question Distribution

Paper I: General Teaching and Research Aptitude

Paper I assesses candidates' general aptitude for teaching and research. It evaluates reasoning ability, reading comprehension, divergent thinking and general awareness through questions drawn from the prescribed Paper I syllabus.

The paper contains 50 questions carrying 2 marks each, for a total of 100 marks. Paper I is compulsory for every UGC NET candidate, regardless of the subject selected for Paper II.

Paper II: Subject-Specific Knowledge

Paper II evaluates a candidate's knowledge of the subject selected during application. It contains 100 compulsory questions carrying 2 marks each, contributing 200 marks to the total score.

Candidates should choose the subject according to the prescribed UGC NET subject-selection rules and prepare from the official syllabus for that subject. The topics differ according to the subject code selected.

UGC NET 2026 Marking Scheme

The official marking scheme is as follows:

There is no negative marking for incorrect answers. Each question carries 2 marks, and candidates should attempt questions strategically while managing their time carefully.

If NTA identifies a question with more than one correct answer, no correct answer, or an error requiring the question to be dropped, the scoring rules specified in the Information Bulletin will apply. Candidates should refer to the official bulletin for these special cases.

UGC NET 2026 Exam Duration and Time Management

Candidates receive 180 minutes to complete both papers. There is no break between Paper I and Paper II.

A balanced preparation strategy should allocate sufficient time to both sections. Paper I requires practice in general aptitude areas, while Paper II demands an in-depth understanding of the selected academic subject.

Candidates should practise full-length mock tests under timed conditions, review incorrect responses and identify topics that consume too much time. Since there is no negative marking, unanswered questions do not offer any scoring advantage over a correctly attempted question.

UGC NET 2026 Question Paper Medium

The question paper is generally available in English and Hindi, except for language-specific papers as specified by NTA. Candidates must select their preferred medium during the application process.

The chosen medium cannot be changed after exercising the option in the application form. The official bulletin also states that where an ambiguity arises between the English and Hindi versions of a question, the English version will be treated as final.

UGC NET 2026 Examination Mode and Schedule

UGC NET December 2026 will be held in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode between December 14 and December 19, 2026. The exact subject-wise examination date, shift and timing will be communicated separately by NTA.

Candidates should check their admit card for the allotted examination centre, date, shift and reporting time. They should not assume that all subjects will be examined on the same date.

Important Instructions for UGC NET Candidates

• Both Paper I and Paper II are compulsory.

• All 150 questions must be completed within the three-hour session.

• Each question carries 2 marks, with no negative marking.

• Paper I is common to all candidates, while Paper II depends on the selected subject.

• The question-paper medium should be selected carefully during registration.

• Candidates should rely on the official NTA Information Bulletin for the final examination rules.

Official Website for UGC NET 2026 Exam Pattern

For the confirmed exam pattern, marking scheme and examination instructions, consult:

• UGC NET official website

• December 2026 Information Bulletin

• Official NTA documents

Need Guidance for UGC NET Preparation?

Eduspray India can help students understand examination requirements, explore academic pathways and organise their higher-education applications.

Website: https://www.eduspray.in
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