The National Testing Agency (NTA) is set to release the official UGC NET 2026 Notification in mid-April 2026, marking the beginning of the application process for the June cycle. For candidates opting for History (Subject Code: 06), a thorough understanding of the vast syllabus—spanning from Ancient India to Post-Independence era—is crucial for success. The exam follows a rigorous pattern consisting of two papers conducted in a single three-hour session without any breaks. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the UGC NET History Syllabus 2026, the latest exam pattern, and the marking scheme to help you strategize your preparation effectively.
The UGC NET History Syllabus 2026 is categorized into ten extensive units that cover the entire spectrum of Indian History, including Historical Method, Research, and Methodology. It requires candidates to have a deep grasp of archaeological sources, socio-economic transitions, and the political landscape from the Stone Age through the British Raj and up to the year 1990. Mastery over these units is essential for those aiming to secure a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) or the role of Assistant Professor in prestigious universities across India.
| UGC NET History Syllabus 2026 Overview | |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Name | UGC NET Histrory Exam 2026 |
| Post Category | UGC NET History Syllabus 2026 |
| Posts | Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) |
| Exam Level | National |
| Exam Frequency | Twice a year (June and June) |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (Online) |
| Language/Medium of Exam | English and Hindi |
| Number of Papers and Total Marks |
|
| Negative Marking | No Negative Marking |
| Exam Helpdesk No. | 0120-6895200 |
| Official Website | ugcnet.nta.nic.in |
The UGC NET History Exam consists of two papers — both conducted on the same day.
| Paper | Subject | Marks | No. of Questions | Duration |
| Paper | General Teaching & Research Aptitude | 100 | 50 | 3 hours (combined) |
| Paper 2 | History (Subject Specific) | 200 | 100 |
Paper 1 focuses on general teaching and reasoning aptitude, while Paper 2 covers detailed History topics such as Ancient, Medieval, Modern, and World History, along with historiography and research methodology.
| UGC NET History Syllabus 2026 Unit Wise | ||
| Units | Topics | Subtopics |
| Unit 1 | Negotiating the Sources | Archaeological sources, Indus/Harappa Civilization, Expansion of State system, Vedic and later Vedic periods, Pastoralism and Food production. |
| Unit 2 | From State to Empire | Dissolution of Empire and Emergence of Regional Powers, Salankayanas and Visnukundins in Andhra Desa, Harsha and his Times, Gupta Vakataka age, From State to Empire |
| Unit 3 | The Emergence of Regional Kingdoms | Kingdoms in Deccan, South India, Eastern India, Western India, North India, Characteristics of Early Medieval India, Trade and urbanization, Growth of Brahmanical religions, Debates of state formation in Early Medieval India |
| Unit 4 | Source of Medieval Indian History | Rise of the Marathas & the foundation of Swaraj by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Source of Medieval Indian History, The Vijayanagara and the Bahmanis, Foundation of Mughal Empire, Later Mughals and Disintegration of the Mughal Empire |
| Unit 5 | Administration & Economy | Administration & Economy, Sher Shah’s Administrative Reforms, Administrative System in the Deccan, Frontier Policies under Delhi Sultanate and Mughals, Inter-State Relations during the Sultanate and the Mughals |
| Unit 6 | Society and Culture | The Saints of the Medieval Period, The Sufis, The Sikh Movement, Bhakti Movement, Development of Education, Fine Arts |
| Unit 7 | Sources of Modern Indian History | Sources of Modern Indian History, Rise of British Power, Establishment and Expansion of British Dominion in India, British Relations with the Principal Indian States, Revolt of 1857 |
| Unit 8 | Colonial Economy | Colonial Economy, Expansion and Commercialization of Agriculture, British Industrial Policy, Modernization of Indian Languages and Literary Forms, Indian Society in Transition |
| Unit 9 | Rise of Indian Nationalism | Swadeshi and Swaraj, Birth of the Indian National Congress, B.R. Ambedkar, Gandhian Mass Movement, India after Independence |
| Unit 10 | Historical Method, Research, Methodology, and Historiography | Scope and Importance, Objectivity and Bias in History, Recent Trends in Indian History, Beginnings of Historical Writings – Greek, Roman, and Church, Renaissance and its Impact on History Writing, Post–Modernism in History |
The UGC NET History Syllabus in Hindi (यूजीसी नेट इतिहास पाठ्यक्रम 2026) helps bilingual aspirants prepare in their preferred language. Both Paper 1 and Paper 2 syllabus PDFs are available below:
| UGC NET History Exam Pattern 2026 | ||
| UGC NET Paper | No. of Questions | No. of Marks |
| Paper I | 50 MCQs | 100 |
| Paper II | 100 MCQs | 200 |