UGC NET Exam Analysis 2nd Jan 2026, Check Shift-wise Difficulty Level
UGC NET Exam was conducted in two shifts on 2nd Jan 2026. Shift 1 was overall moderate, with Paper 1 being easy to moderate and scoring. Shift 2 was slightly easier, especially in Paper 1. Paper 2 difficulty varied by subject and was mostly easy to moderate.
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UGC NET Exam Analysis 2nd Jan 2026: The National Testing Agency (NTA) successfully conducted the UGC NET Exam on 2 January 2026 in two shifts across various examination centres. Candidates appeared for Paper 1 and Paper 2 as per their chosen subjects. Based on initial student reactions and expert feedback, the overall difficulty level of the exam ranged from easy to moderate. Paper 1 was largely considered scoring, while the difficulty of Paper 2 depended on the subject opted by candidates. Below is a detailed shift-wise UGC NET Exam Analysis 2nd Jan 2026, including section-wise difficulty levels and subject-wise reviews.
UGC NET Exam Analysis 2nd Jan 2026 Paper 1 – Shift 1
Paper 1 in Shift 1 focused more on conceptual understanding rather than tricky or unexpected questions. Most sections were well balanced, allowing well-prepared candidates to attempt a good number of questions with accuracy
| UGC NET 2026 – 2 January Shift 1 Paper 1 Difficulty Level | |
|
UGC NET Paper 1 Sections |
Difficulty Level |
|
Teaching Aptitude |
Easy |
|
Research Aptitude |
Easy |
|
Data Interpretation |
Moderate |
|
Reading Comprehension |
Moderate |
|
Maths |
Easy to Moderate |
|
Logical Reasoning |
Moderate |
|
Communication |
Moderate |
|
Higher Education System, Governance, Polity & Admin |
Easy to Moderate |
|
People & Environment |
Moderate |
|
ICT |
Easy |
|
Overall |
Easy to Moderate |
UGC NET Exam Analysis 2nd Jan 2026 Paper 2 – Shift 1
Paper 2 in Shift 1 showed variation depending on the subject. Most subjects were reported as easy to moderate, with questions directly based on the prescribed syllabus. Language subjects were comparatively easier, while analytical and theory-based subjects required strong conceptual clarity.
| Paper 2 (Shift 1): Subject-wise Difficulty | |
|
Subject |
Difficulty Level |
|
Computer Science and Applications |
Moderate |
|
Library and Information Science |
Easy to Moderate |
|
Urdu |
Easy |
|
Forensic Science |
Easy to Moderate |
|
Bengali |
Moderate |
|
Arabic |
Moderate |
|
Bodo |
Easy |
|
Human Rights and Duties |
Moderate |
UGC NET Exam Analysis 2nd Jan 2026 Paper 1 – Shift 2
Shift 2 Paper 1 was considered easy to moderate overall, with many direct and familiar questions. Candidates reported that Teaching Aptitude and People & Environment sections were comparatively easier, helping improve accuracy and overall attempts.
| UGC NET 2026 – 2 January Shift 2 Paper 1 Difficulty Level | |
|
UGC NET Paper 1 Sections |
Difficulty Level |
|
Teaching Aptitude |
Easy |
|
Research Aptitude |
Moderate |
|
Data Interpretation |
Moderate |
|
Reading Comprehension |
Moderate |
|
Maths |
Easy to Moderate |
|
Logical Reasoning |
Moderate |
|
Communication |
Easy to Moderate |
|
Higher Education System, Governance, Polity & Admin |
Moderate |
|
People & Environment |
Easy |
|
ICT |
Easy to Moderate |
|
Overall |
Easy to Moderate |
UGC NET Exam Analysis 2nd Jan 2026 Paper 2 – Shift 2
Paper 2 in Shift 2 was largely reported as easy to moderate. Most questions were syllabus-oriented and concept-based, enabling candidates with consistent preparation to attempt the paper confidently.
| Paper 2 (Shift 2): Subject-wise Difficulty | |
|
Subject |
Difficulty Level |
|
Sociology |
Easy |
|
Psychology |
Easy to Moderate |
|
Philosophy |
Moderate |
|
Oriya |
Easy to Moderate |
|
Yoga |
Moderate |
|
Punjabi |
Easy |
|
Social Medicine & Community Health |
Easy |
|
Women Studies |
Moderate |
Benefits of UGC NET Exam Analysis 2nd Jan 2026
The UGC NET Exam Analysis helps candidates understand the actual difficulty level of the paper and identify high-weightage or scoring areas. It provides clarity on section-wise trends and subject-wise toughness, helping future aspirants refine their preparation strategy. Candidates can also use the analysis to estimate expected cut-offs, evaluate their performance, and plan revisions more effectively. Additionally, it supports better time management and topic prioritisation for upcoming sessions.