Last Minute Preparation for UGC NET Exam 2026

The UGC NET Exam 2026 is a crucial exam for candidates who want to become Assistant Professors or qualify for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in India. As the exam approaches, many students feel nervous and confused about how to revise effectively in the last few weeks. Last-minute preparation is not about learning everything new, but about smart revision, practice, and confidence building. Check out a clear and practical last-minute strategy for UGC NET 2026.

Check Out: UGC-NET Books

UGC NET December 2025 Exam Date

The UGC NET December 2025 exam is scheduled to be conducted by NTA from 31 December 2025 to 7 January 2026 in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode. 

UGC NET Exam Pattern 

Before revising, it is important to clearly understand the UGC NET exam pattern.

UGC NET Paper 1 Exam Pattern

• Common for all students

• 50 questions

• 100 marks

• UGC NET Exam Topics include:

• Teaching Aptitude

• Research Aptitude

• Reading Comprehension

• Reasoning

• Data Interpretation

• ICT

• Higher Education System

• Environment

UGC NET Paper 2 Exam Pattern

• Subject-specific

• 100 questions

• 200 marks

• Based on your chosen subject

There is no negative marking, so attempt all questions.

Check Out: NTA 68 UGC NET Paper 1 Previous Year Papers

UGC NET Exam Revision Plan

In the last few weeks, do not make a heavy or strict UGC NET exam timetable. Instead:

• Divide your day into 3–4 study sessions

• Keep Paper 1 + Paper 2 revision daily

• Reserve time for:

• UGC NET Revision Notes

• UGC NET Previous Year Questions

• UGC NET Mock Tests

Focus More on UGC NET Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

UGC NET Previous Year Questions are the most important tool for last-minute preparation.

Why are UGC NET PYQ important?

• Many questions are repeated or similar

• You understand the exam trend

• Helps identify important topics

How to use UGC NET PYQ effectively?

• Solve PYQs of last 10–15 years

• Note down:

• Frequently asked topics

• Repeated concepts

Revise from UGC NET Short Notes 

This is not the time to read full books.

For UGC NET Paper 1:

• Use:

• Your own short notes

• Highlighted points

• One-page summaries

• Avoid starting:

• New reference books

• New coaching material

For UGC NET Paper 2:

• Revise:

• Definitions

• Theories

• Scholars

• Important years

• Diagrams and examples

Check Out: UGC-NET Commerce PYQ 11 Years

Smart Strategy for UGC NET Paper 1

Paper 1 is scoring if revised properly.

Key tips:

• Revise Teaching and Research Aptitude daily

• Practice:

• Reasoning questions

• DI sets

• Memorize:

• ICT terms

• Education commissions

• Important acts and policies

Make a formula and facts sheet for:

• Logical reasoning

• Data interpretation

Smart Strategy for UGC NET Paper 2

In the last phase, focus only on:

• High-weightage units

• Repeated PYQ units

Steps:

1. List units with maximum questions

2. Revise those units twice

3. Skip low-priority topics if time is limited

Remember:

It is better to revise 70% syllabus well than 100% syllabus poorly.

Check Out: PW UGC-NET Education PYQ 11 Years

Attempt Full-Length Mock Tests

Mock tests are extremely important for last-minute preparation.

Benefits:

• Improves time management

• Reduces exam fear

• Builds accuracy

Mock test strategy:

• Attempt 1 mock test every 2–3 days

• After each test:

• Analyze mistakes

• Note weak areas

• Revise only those topics

Do not take too many mocks in one day. Quality matters more than quantity.

One Day Before UGC NET Exam

What to do:

• Revise short notes

• Revise formulas and key facts

• Check exam center and documents

What NOT to do:

• Do not attempt a full mock test

• Do not study new topics

• Do not panic

Stay relaxed and confident.

Read More: UGC NET Previous Year Question Paper with Solution PDFs

Last Minute Preparation for UGC NET Exam 2026 FAQS

1. Is last-minute preparation enough to clear UGC NET 2026?

Yes, last-minute preparation can be effective if your basics are already clear. Focus on revision, PYQs, and mock tests instead of starting new topics.

2. What should I study in the last month of UGC NET preparation?

In the last month, focus on:

• Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

• Short notes and formulas

• High-weightage topics of Paper 2

• Teaching and Research Aptitude for Paper 1

Avoid new books and heavy theory.

3. How important are PYQs for UGC NET 2026?

PYQs are very important. Many questions are repeated or concept-based. Solving PYQs helps you understand the exam pattern and important topics.

4. How many mock tests should I attempt before UGC NET 2026?

You should attempt 10–15 full-length mock tests in the last phase. Always analyze your mistakes after each mock test for better improvement.

5. Can I skip some topics in last-minute preparation?

Yes. If time is limited, focus on high-scoring and frequently asked topics. It is better to revise important units well than cover the full syllabus poorly.