UGC NET History Exam Analysis 2026, Check Topic-Wise Difficulty Level
UGC NET History Exam Analysis 2026 presents a detailed review of the difficulty level of the History paper conducted on 5 January 2026, based on candidate feedback and expert faculty insights.
Share
UGC NET History Exam Analysis 2026: The UGC NET History examination under the December 2025 cycle was conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on 5 January 2026. The examination comprised two papersβPaper 1 (General Aptitude) and Paper 2 (History subject paper). According to student reactions and academic reviews, Paper 1 ranged from easy to moderate, while Paper 2 was assessed as moderate overall. This UGC NET History Exam Analysis 2026 provides a comprehensive overview of the exam pattern, question trends, topic-wise difficulty, and overall performance level to support future aspirants in refining their preparation strategies.
UGC NET History Exam Analysis 2026 Overview
The UGC NET History exam held on 5 January 2026 followed the standard structure prescribed by the National Testing Agency. The examination was conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. While Paper 1 tested general teaching and research aptitude, Paper 2 focused entirely on core History topics. Based on consolidated feedback from candidates and faculty members, Paper 1 was largely scoring, whereas Paper 2 required conceptual clarity and subject depth. This overview reflects the exam environment and difficulty trends observed during the UGC NET December 2025 session.
| UGC NET History Exam 2026 Overview Table | |
| Events | Details |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Name | UGC NET History Exam |
| Posts | Assistant Professor & Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) |
| Exam Level | National |
| Exam Frequency | Twice a year |
| Exam Date | 5 January 2026 |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Language/Medium | English and Hindi |
| Number of Papers & Marks | Paper 1: 100 MarksPaper 2: 200 Marks |
| Exam Duration | 3 Hours (180 Minutes) |
| Official Website | ugcnet.nta.nic.in |
UGC NET History Exam 2026 Shifts and Timings
The UGC NET History exam was conducted in a single shift on 5 January 2026, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The uniform timing ensured fairness and consistency across all examination centres. Candidates were advised to report well in advance, as punctuality and exam-day preparedness played a key role in managing time effectively during the examination.
| Shift Details | |
| Shift | Timing |
| Shift 1 | 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM |
UGC NET History Exam Analysis 2026: Paper 1 Difficulty Level
Based on candidate feedback, UGC NET Paper 1 on 5 January 2026 was assessed as easy to moderate. Sections such as Teaching Aptitude, People & Environment, and Mathematical Reasoning were reported to be scoring. The paper featured direct and familiar questions, allowing well-prepared candidates to attempt a good number of questions with accuracy.
| UGC NET 2026 β 5 January Paper 1 Difficulty Level | |
| Section | Difficulty Level |
| Teaching Aptitude | Easy |
| Research Aptitude | Moderate |
| Data Interpretation | Easy |
| Reading Comprehension | Moderate |
| Mathematical Reasoning | Easy |
| Logical Reasoning | Moderate |
| Communication | Moderate |
| Higher Education System, Governance, Polity & Administration | Easy |
| People & Environment | Easy |
| ICT | Easy to Moderate |
| Overall | Easy |
UGC NET History Exam Analysis 2026: Paper 2 Difficulty Level
The overall difficulty level of Paper 2 (History) was reported as moderate. Certain units, such as From State to Empire and Sources of Modern Indian History, were rated moderate to hard, while topics related to social and cultural history were comparatively easier. The paper maintained a balanced distribution of questions across units, testing both factual knowledge and analytical understanding.
| UGC NET History Paper 2 Topic-Wise Difficulty Level | |
| Unit Name | Difficulty Level |
| Negotiating the Sources | Moderate |
| From State to Empire | Moderate to Hard |
| Emergence of Regional Kingdoms | Moderate |
| Sources of Medieval Indian History | Moderate |
| Administration & Economy | Moderate |
| Society and Culture | Easy |
| Sources of Modern Indian History | Moderate to Hard |
| Colonial Economy | Moderate |
| Rise of Indian Nationalism | Moderate |
| Historical Method, Research Methodology & Historiography | Easy |
| Overall | Moderate |
Benefits of UGC NET History Exam Analysis 2026
The UGC NET History Exam Analysis 2026 helps aspirants understand the actual difficulty level of the examination and identify high-weightage topics. It offers clarity on topic-wise trends, enabling candidates to prioritise important units effectively. The analysis also assists in estimating expected cut-offs, evaluating performance, and improving time management strategies. Additionally, it serves as a valuable reference for future candidates preparing for upcoming UGC NET History sessions.