How to Crack UGC NET in First Attempt Tips and Tricks

Author at PW
March 17, 2025
image

How to Crack UGC NET in First Attempt:- Are you aiming to appear for UGC NET 2025 and wondering how to crack UGC NET in first attempt? Conducted twice a year by the National Testing Agency (NTA), the University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) is a national-level examination that determines eligibility for the posts of Assistant Professor and for awarding the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF). Every year, thousands of candidates from different academic backgrounds compete for these prestigious positions, making the exam highly competitive. Therefore, knowing how to clear NET exam in first attempt becomes crucial for aspirants who want to secure their dream career in teaching or research.

To succeed, candidates must have a proper understanding of the UGC NET syllabus, exam pattern, and a smart preparation strategy. It is essential to focus on important topics, solve previous years' question papers, and take regular mock tests to improve speed and accuracy. Additionally, staying updated with the UGC NET 2025 notification, eligibility criteria, and application process is equally important. In this article, we will provide all the necessary details about UGC NET 2025, along with useful tips and strategies to help you crack the exam on your first attempt.

UGC NET 2025 Exam

The National Testing Agency (NTA) will soon release the UGC NET 2025 notification for the June session on its official website, ugcnet.nta.ac.in. The notification will be published in PDF format and will include important details such as registration dates, application process, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus, and more. Once released, candidates will be able to download the UGC NET 2025 notification for the June cycle directly from the official website and check all the necessary information related to the examination process.

Particulars

Details

Exam Name

University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET)

Conducting Body

National Testing Agency (NTA)

Purpose of Exam

Eligibility for Assistant Professor & Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)

Frequency of Exam

Twice a year (June and December)

Mode of Exam

Online (Computer-Based Test)

Exam Level

National Level

Eligibility

Master’s Degree with required marks (55% for General, 50% for reserved categories)

Application Mode

Online

Application Form Release

To be announced (Expected in early 2025)

Exam Duration

3 hours (No break between Papers I and II)

Total Papers

2 Papers (Paper I - General, Paper II - Subject-specific)

Marking Scheme

+2 marks for each correct answer, No negative marking

Language of Exam

English and Hindi

Official Website

ugcnet.nta.ac.in

Must Buy, 66 UGC NET Paper 1 Previous Year Solved Papers

UGC NET Exam Pattern 2025

The UGC NET 2025 exam will be conducted in online mode (Computer-Based Test). The exam consists of two papers, Paper I and Paper II, both conducted in a single session without any break. Below are the detailed exam pattern and marking scheme:

UGC NET Exam Pattern 2025

Particulars

Details

Exam Mode

Online (Computer-Based Test)

Number of Papers

2 (Paper I & Paper II)

Type of Questions

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Number of Questions

150 Questions (Total)

Total Marks

300 Marks (Total)

Duration of Exam

3 Hours (180 Minutes)

Negative Marking

No negative marking

Language of Exam

English and Hindi

UGC NET Syllabus 2025

The syllabus is divided into two papers, Paper I and Paper II. Paper I checks your general knowledge and teaching or research skills, while Paper II focuses on the subject you choose. By going through the updated UGC NET syllabus carefully, you can make a proper study plan and cover all the important topics on time. 

How to Crack UGC NET in First Attempt?

Preparing for UGC NET may seem tough, but with a proper plan, right resources, and consistency, you can definitely clear it in the first attempt. Many students ask how to crack UGC NET in first attempt or how to clear NET exam in first attempt, but the secret lies in understanding the syllabus, using the right UGC NET preparation material, and smart study. 

1. Understand the Syllabus and Exam Pattern Properly

Before starting your preparation, it is important to know what to study. Understanding the UGC NET syllabus is the first and most important step towards success. If you don’t know the syllabus, you may end up studying unnecessary topics.

  • Download the UGC NET syllabus for Paper 1 and Paper 2 from trusted websites like Physics Wallah or the official NTA website (ugcnet.nta.ac.in).

  • Study the UGC NET Paper 1 syllabus carefully to know what common subjects will be asked.

  • Check your subject-specific Paper 2 syllabus to see all the detailed topics you need to study.

  • Go through the exam pattern to know the number of questions, marks, and time limit.

2. Start with Basic Concepts and Build Strong Foundation

Once you know the syllabus, focus on building a strong base. Many students fail because they directly jump to mock tests without understanding concepts. If you want to know how to clear the NET exam in first attempt, this step is crucial.

  • Begin with easy topics and slowly move to tough ones.

  • Study from standard UGC NET books and UGC NET preparation material that explain concepts in a simple way.

  • For Paper 1, understand basics of Teaching Aptitude, Research Aptitude, ICT, and Reasoning.

  • For Paper 2, focus on theories, key thinkers, definitions, and subject-related important topics.

  • Watch beginner-friendly YouTube videos to clear any confusion.

3. Make a Realistic Study Plan and Timetable

If you are serious about how to crack NET exam, a good study plan is a must. A proper timetable will help you cover the syllabus in time and avoid last-minute stress.

  • Divide daily study time between Paper 1 and Paper 2.

  • Keep at least 4 to 6 hours for study, depending on your other responsibilities.

  • Set weekly goals, such as completing specific units or topics.

  • Make time for revision and practice every week.

  • Include breaks and relaxation to avoid burnout.

4. Select the UGC NET Preparation Material and Books

One of the important aspects of how to prepare for the NET exam is using good books and material. Wrong books can confuse you. Check out these books from the table below:- 

UGC NET Books

5. Make Notes and Revision Charts for Quick Revision

Making notes will save a lot of time during revision. It is a secret tip that will help if you want to know how to clear NET in one go.

  • Prepare short notes and summary sheets while studying each topic.

  • Highlight important points, formulas, thinkers, and dates.

  • Create flowcharts and diagrams to remember complex concepts.

  • Use colour coding to make notes attractive and easy to revise.

  • Keep separate notes for Paper 1 and Paper 2.

6. Solve Previous Years' Papers and Sample Papers

If you are wondering how to clear NET exam in first attempt, solving previous year question papers is a must.

  • Collect the last 5 to 10 years’ papers from trusted websites such as Physics Wallah.

  • Solve them in a time-bound manner, like a real exam.

  • Analyse which topics are asked frequently.

  • Focus more on high-weightage topics.

  • Check answers and understand the logic behind them.

Also Check, PW CTET Books

7. Attempt Regular Mock Tests and Analyse Results

Mock tests are the right way to prepare for real exam pressure. They also help in time management and improving accuracy.

  • Take full-length mock tests once a week.

  • Attempt section-wise and topic-wise tests for better practice.

  • Use online platforms like Physics Wallah for good mock tests.

  • After every test, review your mistakes and revise those topics.

  • Focus on improving speed and accuracy.

8. Work on Time Management and Smart Strategy

If you want to know how to crack UGC NET in first attempt, mastering time management is very important.

  • Practice solving 150 questions in 3 hours regularly.

  • Learn to skip difficult questions and return later.

  • Divide your time wisely between Paper 1 and Paper 2.

  • First attempt all easy and direct questions, then go for tricky ones.

  • Do not waste time on questions you are unsure of.

9. Revise Regularly – Revision is the Key

Without revision, it is difficult to recall everything on exam day. Hence, regular revision is a key part of how to crack NET exam.

  • Revise your notes, charts, and mind maps every week.

  • Keep last one month only for revision and mock tests.

  • Focus more on weak areas and difficult topics during revision.

  • Don’t study anything new during the final week.

Read More: UGC NET exam prep with Previous Year Question Papers

Crack UGC NET - FAQs

1. How to crack UGC NET in first attempt?

Ans. To crack UGC NET in the first attempt, it is important to understand the syllabus properly and follow a good study plan. Use simple study materials and focus on regular practice and revision. Solving previous years' question papers and attempting mock tests also help to improve speed and accuracy.

2. What is the right way to clear NET exam in first attempt?

Ans. To clear NET exam in first attempt, candidates should focus on clearing their basic concepts and following the complete syllabus of Paper 1 and Paper 2. Making notes while studying, practising questions regularly, and managing time well during the exam are essential parts of preparation.

3. Is Paper 1 compulsory for all candidates?

Ans. Yes, UGC NET Paper 1 is compulsory for everyone. It covers topics like teaching and research aptitude, reasoning, communication, ICT, and general awareness.

4. How many months are required to prepare for UGC NET?

Ans. Generally, 3 to 6 months of preparation is enough to crack UGC NET if candidates follow a proper timetable and study regularly.

5. Where to find UGC NET syllabus and updated exam pattern?

Ans. Candidates can find the updated UGC NET syllabus and exam pattern on the official website ugcnet.nta.ac.in. Apart from the official website, candidates can also check platforms like Physics Wallah.

This site uses cookies to improve your experience. By clicking, you agree to our Privacy Policy.