UGC NET 2025 Syllabus for Paper 1 and Paper 2

Are you planning to appear for UGC NET 2025 but feel lost about the syllabus? If so, you’re not alone. Many candidates struggle to understand what topics they need to focus on, leading to ineffective preparation. A syllabus helps you to create an effective study plan that helps you to ace the exam.

The UGC NET syllabus is deep, covering teaching and research aptitude, logical reasoning, data interpretation, and subject-specific knowledge. To crack the exam, you must have a clear roadmap of the topics in both Paper 1 and Paper 2.

UGC 2025 syllabus for Paper 1 and Paper 2 

UGC NET 2025 Syllabus for Paper 1

What is Paper 1?

Paper 1 is designed to assess teaching and research aptitude. It is common for all candidates, irrespective of their subject in Paper 2. Many candidates underestimate Paper 1, but it plays a key role in determining your overall score. A strong performance here boosts your final rank.

This paper aims to asses:

• Teaching aptitude

• Research aptitude

• Comprehension and reasoning skills

• General awareness about higher education and environment

UGC NET Syllabus Paper 1

Detailed UGC NET First Paper Syllabus

1. Teaching Aptitude

• Concept and Objectives of Teaching

• Levels of Teaching (Memory, Understanding, and Reflective)

• Learner Characteristics (Adolescents & Adults)

• Teaching Methods (Teacher-Centered vs. Learner-Centered, Online & Offline Methods)

• Evaluation Systems (Types of Evaluation, Credit-Based System, Computer-Based Testing)

2. Research Aptitude

• Meaning, Types, and Characteristics of Research

• Methods of Research (Experimental, Descriptive, Historical, Qualitative, Quantitative)

• Thesis and Article Writing (Formats and Referencing Styles)

• Research Ethics & ICT in Research

3. Comprehension

• Reading a passage and answering MCQs based on it.

4. Communication

• Types of Communication (Verbal, Non-Verbal, Interpersonal, Mass Communication)

• Barriers to Effective Communication

• Role of Mass Media in Society

5. Mathematical Reasoning and Aptitude

• Number Series, Letter Series, Coding-Decoding

• Mathematical Concepts (Fractions, Time & Distance, Ratio & Proportion, Profit & Loss)

6. Logical Reasoning

• Structure of Arguments and Deductive/Inductive Reasoning

• Venn Diagrams & Analogies

• Indian Logic and Pramanas (Perception, Inference, Comparison, Verbal Testimony, etc.)

7. Data Interpretation

• Sources & Classification of Data

• Graphical Representation (Bar Chart, Pie Chart, Line Chart, etc.)

• Data and Governance

8. Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

• Basics of Internet, Email, Audio & Video Conferencing

• Digital Initiatives in Higher Education

• ICT in Governance

9. People, Development, and Environment

• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• Environmental Issues (Air, Water, Soil, Noise Pollution, Waste Management)

• Natural and Energy Resources

• International Climate Agreements (Montreal Protocol, Paris Agreement, Kyoto Protocol, etc.)

10. Higher Education System

• Evolution of Higher Education in India

• Professional & Skill-Based Education

• Education Policies and Governance

Also Check, CTET Books

UGC NET 2025 Syllabus for Paper 2

What is Paper 2?

Paper 2 is a subject-specific exam, allowing candidates to choose from 85 subjects based on their academic background. It consists of 100 MCQs, carrying 200 marks. Paper 2 holds more weightage (200 marks) compared to Paper 1. A good score here determines your eligibility for JRF and Assistant Professor roles.

UGC NET Paper 2

The UGC NET syllabus Paper 2 covers 85 subjects, including:

1. Commerce

2. Management

3. Political Science

4. Economics

5. History

6. Sociology

7. Education

8. Library and Information Science

9. Environmental Science

10. Computer Science and Applications

For a detailed list of all 85 subjects, visit the official UGC NET website and download the syllabus PDFs provided by the NTA.

UGC NET Exam Pattern 2025: Quick Recap

How to Prepare for UGC NET Exam?

1. Understand the Exam Pattern & Syllabus

• Read the syllabus of UGC NET carefully and plan a study schedule.

2. Use the Right Study Materials

• Choose NCERT Books, Previous Year Papers, and Online Courses for preparation. Attempt UGC NET mock tests to get familiar with the exam pattern.

4. Improve Time Management

• Practice answering 150 MCQs in 3 hours to improve speed and accuracy.

5. Focus on Paper 1 and Paper 2 Equally

• Many candidates focus only on Paper 2, but Paper 1 is equally important.

To crack UGC NET 2025, you need strategic preparation and consistent practice. The first paper evaluates teaching and research aptitude, while the second paper assesses subject expertise. With the help of the above content, your preparation will be more confident, which will increase your chances of successfully qualifying for and securing an Assistant Professor or JRF role in  UGC NET 2025.

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

UGC NET 2025 Syllabus FAQs

1.What is the UGC NET 2025 syllabus?

The UGC NET syllabus 2025 consists of two papers: Paper 1, which is common for all candidates, and Paper 2, which is subject-specific. Paper 1 tests teaching and research aptitude, while Paper 2 assesses expertise in a chosen subject.

2. How many questions are there in UGC NET Paper 1 and Paper 2?

There will be  Paper 1: 50 questions (100 marks) and Paper 2: 100 questions (200 marks) which means total: 150 questions (300 marks)

3.What subjects are available for UGC NET Paper 2?

The UGC NET Paper 2 syllabus covers 85 subjects, including Commerce, Management, Political Science, History, Education, Computer Science, and more. Check above for the details.

4.What is the duration of the UGC NET exam?

The exam duration is 3 hours (180 minutes) for both Paper 1 and Paper 2 combined.