Frequently Asked Questions – UGC NET

When you begin preparation for UGC NET Examination, definitely you have some doubts. But now knowyourtutor.com has brought to you a compilation of most frequently asked questions about the exam and things related to it. We believe this post will be useful to all the aspirants of UGC NET.

What is UGC NET?

NET is the full form for National Eligibility Test conducted by University Grants Commission (UGC). It is an entrance test in India to start a career as Assistant Professors or Lecturers in Colleges, Universities or various Educational Institutions.

How to apply for UGC NET?

The candidates can obtain the application form online and all other information and instruction from the official website and apply by three modes.

• By hand – Visit the branch where the form can be submitted in their city and submit the forms with the fees.
• By post – Send the form and a crossed DD of fees asked to the specific bank branch as asked on the website.
• Online – Students can apply online through the official website and transact the fees online as well.

What is the maximum age for appearing in UGC NET Exam?

The age limit for applying for research fellowship is 28 years, which is relaxed up to 5 years for candidates belonging to SC/ST, Women, PH and OBCs. However, there is no age limit for the candidates applying for Lectureship.

What is the qualification needed for UGC NET?

Candidates have to secure 55% and above marks in post graduation OR equivalent examination from universities/institutions recognized by UGC. OBC, SC/ST, and PWD candidates need 50% and above marks in post graduation or equivalent examination to appear in this entrance exam.

What are the subjects for which entrance exam is conducted?

The following are the broad category of subjects on which entrance exam is conducted:

• Chemical Sciences
• Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences
• Life Sciences
• Mathematical Sciences
• Physical Sciences
• Engineering Sciences
• Arts

How many papers are there in UGC NET exam?

The Test has three papers. All the three papers consist of only objective type questions.

• Paper-I: 100 Marks (50 questions all are compulsory) [Duration: 1 hour 15 mins]
• Paper-II: 100 Marks (50 questions all are compulsory) [Duration: 1 hour 15 mins]
• Paper-III: 150 Marks (75 questions all are compulsory) [Duration: 2 hours 30 mins]
• Paper-I shall be of general nature, intended to assess the teaching/research aptitude of the candidate.
• It will primarily be designed to test reasoning ability, comprehension, divergent thinking and general awareness of the candidate. The paper shall consist of 50 objective type compulsory questions and each question will carry 2 marks.
• Paper-II shall consist of 50 objective type compulsory questions based on the subject selected by the candidate. Each question will carry 2 marks. Paper-III will consist of 75 objective type compulsory questions from the subject selected by the candidate. Each question will carry 2 marks.
• Paper – III will be compulsory, covering entire syllabus (including all electives, without options).
  The candidate will have to mark the responses for questions of Paper-I, Paper-II and Paper-III on the Optical Mark Reader (OMR) Sheet provided along with the test booklet.

What is the tentative schedule of the NET exam?

UGC conducts NET twice a year, i.e., in the months of June and December. The notifications announcing the June and December examinations are published in the months of March and September respectively in the weekly journal of nation-wide circulation, through Employment News.

What is the tentative schedule of NET Results Declaration?

The result of June, UGC-NET is declared generally in the month of October. Similarly December, UGC-NET result is usually declared in the month of April. The UGC-NET results published in the Employment News are also available on UGC website.

Can a candidate having only bachelor degree apply for UGC NET?

No, a student must have a master degree in the subject he/she wants to apply in UGC NET and sit for the entrance examination. Candidates are advised to appear in the subject they had in their post-graduation only.

Can Engineering Graduates appear for UGC NET?

Yes, candidates having graduation in engineering and not having a master degree are allowed to take the UGC NET entrance exam.

Can UGC NET be cracked in the first attempt?

Yes, of course. If candidates have a comprehensive knowledge of their subject and have prepared well, they can surely crack the NET in their first attempt.

What is Validity of UGC NET?

UGC NET eCertificate has lifetime validity; however, JRF Letter of Award is valid for only Two Years from date of results.

Is there any provision of relaxation for the candidates having prior research experience?

Yes, a relaxation of 5 years is offered to the candidates having research experience in the relevant subject of their postgraduate degree. LLM degree holders also get the age relaxation of 3 years. Remember that the total age relaxation shall not exceed five years under any circumstances.

Is there a provision of stipend for those who qualify for Junior Research Fellowship?

The stipend of a JRF selected through UGC NET is now 16000 per month for the first two years. After the end of two years, if the student is registered for Ph.D., the fellowship is upgraded to SRF (NET) and the stipend will be increased to Rs. 18000 per month for the last three years.

What is the maximum term for JRF?

The total term as JRF plus SRF (NET) would not cross five years. This can have the term of Fellowship awarded by UGC.

Is Ph.D. essential after clearing UGC NET?

Absolutely not, Ph.D. is another degree which you need to pursue if you want to work as a professor in a college. Without Ph.D. candidates will be posted as a lecturer or assistant professor. Nonetheless, there are many reputed colleges which ask for Ph.D. even for the post of assistant professor.

Preparation Tips – Take Coaching

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List of Best UGC NET Coaching Institutes in Chandigarh – Click Here

List of Best UGC NET Coaching Institutes in Mohali – Click Here

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List of Best UGC NET Coaching Institutes in Delhi – Click Here