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About UGC

The University Grants Commission – National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) is a national-level examination that determines the eligibility of Indian citizens for academic and research positions in higher education. Conducted twice a year, UGC NET is your gateway to roles like Assistant Professor, Junior Research Fellow (JRF), and even Ph.D. admissions.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know — from history to eligibility, exam structure, and category-wise qualification.

National Testing Agency (NTA)

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is an autonomous body established by the Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India under the Societies Registration Act (1860). Its core responsibility is to conduct transparent, efficient, and internationally bench marked tests to evaluate candidates for admissions and recruitment in higher education.Since December 2018, NTA has been conducting UGC NET on behalf of the University Grants Commission (UGC).

Key Features of NTA:

• Independent and self-sustained organization.
• Ensures fairness, reliability, and standardization in national-level tests.
• Uses modern technology for seamless assessment processes.

Conducting Body

• Current Authority: National Testing Agency (NTA)
• Supervision: University Grants Commission (UGC)
• Frequency: Conducted twice a year (typically June and December)
• Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)

Exam Pattern

UGC NET is conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.

• Total Time: 180 minutes (3 hours)
• All questions are multiple-choice.
• No negative marking.

Subject and Syllabus of Test

• The List of Subjects and their Codes for UGC – NET December 2024 are given at Appendix -II.
• Syllabus for all NET Subjects can be downloaded from the UGC website: https://www.ugcnetonline.in/syllabus-new.php.
• The National Testing Agency will not provide the copy of syllabus to any candidate

Age Limit

• JRF: Maximum 30 years (as of the exam date)
  • Relaxation up to 5 years for OBC/SC/ST/PwD/Female/Third Gender
• Assistant Professor: No upper age limit
• Admission to PhD: No Upper age limit

Recommended Books for UGC NET JRF (Psychology)

Preparing for the UGC NET JRF in Psychology requires a strategic blend of conceptual clarity, topic-wise practice, and exposure to previous year papers. Selecting the right study materials plays a vital role in your success.

For Paper 1 (Teaching & Research Aptitude):

• Teaching and Research Aptitude by KVS Madaan
• Pearson’s Guide to Paper 1
• Power Within Psychology offers Paper 1 Rapid Revision Notes (Available on PWP App & Website)

These books cover core concepts such as teaching aptitude, research methodology, logical reasoning, and ICT in a structured and beginner-friendly format.

For Paper 2 (Psychology):

The UGC NET JRF Paper 2 Psychology Book published by Power Within Psychology is highly recommended among aspirants. It is known for:

• Detailed coverage of the complete Psychology syllabus
• Unit-wise practice questions, Previous Year Papers, Preparation Booster sections are also included in the Book.
• Bonus features like “In-chapter Score Booster MCQs”, “Clarity Corner”, and “Did You Know?” section are useful to boost your concepts.

This book has become a popular choice across India due to its exam-aligned content and clarity of explanation. It is especially valued by those preparing without formal coaching.

REGISTRATION AND APPLICATION PROCESS

• Step 1: Register online using your own Email ID and Mobile Number.
• Step 2: Fill the application form and upload photo and signature .
• Step 3: Pay the fee via Debit/Credit Card, UPI, or Net Banking and save the receipt.

“All three steps can be completed together or separately. The application is considered successful only after the fee payment is confirmed.”

Instructions

• Apply online only at https://ugcnet.nta.ac.in/ or https://ugcnet.ntaonline.in
• No offline applications will be accepted
• Submit only one application; multiple applications will be rejected

Keep ready before applying:

• Scanned passport-size photograph
• Scanned signature
• Valid ID proof details
• Educational certificates and details
• Payment method for application fee (Debit/Credit card, Net Banking, UPI, etc.)

UGC NET Qualification Categories Table

Qualified For	Eligible for JRF	Eligible for Assistant Professor	Eligible for Ph.D. Admission
Category-1: Award of JRF and appointment as Assistant Professor	Yes	Yes	Yes
Category-2: Appointment as Assistant Professor and admission to Ph.D.	No	Yes	Yes
Category-3: Admission to Ph.D. only	No	No	Yes

Certificate Validity

• UGC NET Certificate for Assistant Professor is valid for a lifetime.
• JRF validity is 3 years from the award letter; fellowship starts from the NET result (in case Ph.D. has already begun) or Ph.D. joining date, whichever is later.
• Category 3 (Admission to Ph.D.) scores/qualification is valid for 1 year from the result declaration.
• For admission to PHD programs (Score Weightage : 70% based on Net marks & 30% based on University/HEI interview or Viva.)

Previous Year Paper can be accessed from the official university website.”https://www.ugcnetonline.in/previous_question_papers.php“