

UGC NET Exam Pattern 2025: National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the UGC NET Exam Pattern 2025 for candidates preparing for the December session exam. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially released the UGC NET Notification for the December session on 7th October 2025. The online application process started on October 7, 2025, and ran until 11:50 p.m. on November 7, 2025. The exam will have two papers, Paper 1 and Paper 2, conducted in a single session of 3 hours.
Paper 1 will have 50 questions for 100 marks to test teaching and reasoning skills. Paper 2 will have 100 subject-based questions for 200 marks. All questions are multiple-choice and there is no negative marking. Candidates must understand the exam pattern to prepare better and score well in the UGC NET 2025 exam.
The UGC NET Exam Pattern 2025, as prescribed by the National Testing Agency (NTA), comprises two papers conducted in a single session of three hours. Paper I consists of 50 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) carrying 100 marks, focusing on teaching aptitude, reasoning ability, and general awareness. Paper II includes 100 subject-specific MCQs for a total of 200 marks, based on the subject selected by the candidate. There is no negative marking for incorrect answers in either paper. Understanding the exam pattern is essential for candidates to develop an effective preparation strategy and perform confidently in the UGC NET December 2025 examination.
National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the UGC NET Exam Pattern 2025 for Paper I and Paper II for the December session exam. Both papers are conducted in a single session and include only multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Candidates can check the overview of the UGC NET Exam Pattern 2025 in the table below:
| UGC NET Exam Pattern 2025 Overview | |
| Category | Details |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Name | UGC NET 2025 |
| Post Category | UGC NET Exam Pattern 2025 |
| Exam Level | National |
| Exam Duration | 3 Hours |
| Number of Papers | 2 |
| Total Marks |
|
| Total Questions |
|
| Types of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) |
| Helpline Number | 011-40759000 |
| Official Website | ugcnet.nta.nic.in |
The UGC NET Exam Pattern 2025 PDF provides candidates with a structured overview of the examination format, helping them prepare effectively for both Paper I and Paper II. This document outlines the total marks, number of questions, duration, and the nature of questions for each paper. Paper I is designed to assess general aptitude, while Paper II evaluates subject-specific knowledge. The examination is conducted in a single session of three hours in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. The UGC NET Exam Pattern PDF serves as a reliable reference for understanding the latest pattern and is essential for all aspirants preparing for the UGC NET 2025.
UGC NET 2025 Paper I is a compulsory general aptitude test aimed at evaluating candidates' teaching and research aptitude, reasoning ability, comprehension, analytical skills, and overall general awareness.
| UGC NET Paper 1 Exam Pattern 2025 | |
| Particulars | Details |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Number of Questions | 50 |
| Duration | 3 Hours (Combined with Paper II; No separate time) |
| Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Purpose | To assess general teaching and research aptitude, as well as comprehension, reasoning ability, data interpretation, divergent thinking, and general awareness. |
| Mandatory for All | Yes |
UGC NET 2025 Paper II is a subject-specific examination designed to assess the candidate's comprehensive knowledge and expertise in the discipline chosen during the application process.
| UGC NET Paper 2 Exam Pattern 2025 | |
| Particulars | Details |
| Total Marks | 200 |
| Number of Questions | 100 |
| Duration | 3 Hours (Combined with Paper I; No separate time) |
| Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Subject | Based on the subject selected by the candidate from the list of UGC NET subjects |
| Purpose | To evaluate in-depth knowledge and understanding of the chosen subject domain |
| Mandatory for All | Yes (Subject-specific) |
Candidates who are preparing for the UGC NET December 2025 exam must check the UGC NET Marking Scheme 2025 to understand how their answers will be evaluated. Candidates can check the given below table for UGC NET Marking Scheme 2025.
| UGC NET 2025 Marking Scheme | |
| Criteria | Details |
| Marks for each correct answer | +2 Marks |
| Negative marking | No negative marking |
| Unanswered/Unattempted questions | No marks given |
| Multiple correct answers (if applicable) | +2 marks to those who chose a correct option |
| Dropped/Incorrect question | +2 marks to those who attempted the question |
UGC NET Reservation Policy 2025 follows the rules set by the Government of India. These rules are applied in Central Universities and Institutions deemed to be Universities. Candidates belonging to reserved categories can check the seat reservation details below: