UGC NET Pali Syllabus, Download PDF, Exam Pattern, Marking Scheme
UGC NET Pali Syllabus 2025 by NTA divides the examination into two papers: Paper I and Paper II, applicable for Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) positions. Refer to the UGC NET Pali topics, exam pattern, marking scheme, and download the official UGC NET Pali Syllabus PDF for comprehensive and detailed preparation.
Priyanka Agarwal24 Nov, 2025
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UGC NET Pali Syllabus is published by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and meant for aspirants who wish to join the posts of Assistant Professor or attain a Junior Research Fellowship in Pali language and literature. It contains questions based on the Pali language, Grammar, Literature, Buddhist scriptures, and philosophy.
There are two papers in this examination: Paper I covers teaching and research aptitude, while Paper II tests the candidate's in-depth knowledge of the Pali language and its literature. The PDF of the UGC NET Pali syllabus can be downloaded by students to plan their study and revision effectively before the examination.
UGC NET Pali Syllabus Overview
UGC NET Pali syllabus is designed for students who wish to pursue research or teaching in the Pali language and literature. This syllabus covers a wide range of topics from the life of the Buddha to Pali grammar. Students preparing for the UGC NET 2025 exam in Pali must understand various units, including ancient texts, grammar, and philosophical concepts.
The syllabus combines language skills, literature, and cultural understanding, providing a complete guide to the Pali language.
| UGC NET Pali Syllabus Overview | |
| Particular | Details |
| Exam Name | UGC NET Pali 2025 |
| Exam Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Mode | Online (Computer Based Test - CBT) |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours (180 minutes) |
| Total Questions | 150 (Paper 1: 50 questions, Paper 2: 100 questions) |
| Total Marks | 300 (Paper 1: 100 marks, Paper 2: 200 marks) |
| Covered Topics | Teaching & Research Aptitude, Pali Language, Literature, Buddhism, Grammar, Philosophy |
| Language | Questions asked in English or Hindi |
| Marking Scheme | +2 marks for each correct answer; no negative marking |
UGC NET Pali Syllabus PDF Download
Candidates can download the official UGC NET Pali syllabus PDF to study the detailed topics and structure. This downloadable PDF includes all units and subtopics relevant to the exam. Having the syllabus PDF helps candidates plan their study schedule effectively and cover all important areas for success in the exam.
| Direct Link To Download UGC NET Pali Syllabus PDF | |
| UGC NET Pali Syllabus PDF Hindi | Click Here |
| UGC NET Pali Syllabus PDF English | Click Here |
Unit Wise UGC NET Pali Syllabus
The UGC NET Pali syllabus contains ten major units. These units cover biography, grammar, scriptures, philosophy, and literature. Below is a details syllabus divided by units to give a clear understanding of the topics involved.
The following displays the complete unit-wise UGC NET Pali syllabus exactly as given in the official syllabus PDF:
| Unit Wise UGC NET Pali Syllabus | |
| Unit No | Unit Title and Content Description |
| Unit I | Biography of the Buddha based on Pāli sources: Ariyapariyesanasutta / Pāsarāsisutta (Majjhimanikāya), Mahāparinibbānasutta (Dīghanikāya), Jātakanidānakathā and Jinacarita. Introduction to First, Second and Third Buddhist Councils: Based on Cullavagga (Pañcasatikā-khandhaka, Sattasatikā-khandhaka), Samantapāsādikā (Bāhirakathā) and Mahāvaṁsa. |
| Unit II | Tradition and Characteristics of Pāli grammar. Derivation of the word ‘Pāli’ and Homeland of Pāli language. Pāli Alphabets, Sandhi, Kāraka, Samāsa, Taddhita, Ākhyāta and Kṛdanta (based on the Bālāvatara). |
| Unit III | Mahāvagga: Mahākhandhaka. Cullavagga: Kammakhandhaka. Pātimokkha. General Introduction to Vinayapiṭaka. |
| Unit IV | Dīghanikāya: Brahmajālasutta and Kūṭadantasutta. Majjhimanikāya: Satipaṭṭhānasutta. Saṁyuttanikāya: Buddhavagga of Nidānavagga’s Nidānasaṁyutta. Aṅguttaranikāya: Nīvaraṇappahāṇavagga and Akammanīyavagga of Ekakanipāta. General Introduction to Suttapiṭaka. |
| Unit V | Dhammapada: Yamakavagga, Appamādavagga and Cittavagga. Suttanipāta: Kasibhāradvājasutta, Vāseṭṭhasutta. Therīgāthā: Mahāpajāpati-gotamītherī and Ambapālitherī. Jātaka: Vānarindajātaka, Sasajātaka and Javasakuṇajātaka. General Introduction to Khuddakanikāya. |
| Unit VI | Dhammasaṅgaṇī: Dukamātikā and Tikamātikā. Abhidhammatthasaṅgaha: Citta, Cetasika, Rūpa and Nibbāna. Introduction to Abhidhamma Literature. |
| Unit VII | Milindapañha: Bāhirakathā, Lakkhaṇapañha. General Introduction to Milindapañha. |
| Unit VIII | Visuddhimagga: Sīlaniddesa. General Introduction to Visuddhimagga. General Introduction to Aṭṭhakathā Literature and contribution of Buddhadatta, Buddhaghosa and Dhammapāla. |
| Unit IX | General Introduction to Vaṁsa Literature. General Introduction to Pāli Kāvya Literature. |
| Unit X | Buddhist Philosophical Concepts: Arahata, Bodhisatta, Paccekabuddha, Sammāsambuddha, Sīla, Samādhi, Paññā, Brahmavihāra, Ariyasacca, Ariya-aṭṭhaṅgika-magga, Tilakkhaṇa, Paṭiccasamuppāda, Kammavāda, Bodhipakkhiyadhamma, Nibbāna, Nīvaraṇa, Saṁyojana, Hetu and Āsava. |
UGC NET Pali Exam Pattern
Understanding the UGC NET Pali exam pattern helps aspirants manage time and focus on important parts of the exam. The exam typically consists of multiple-choice questions based on the syllabus. It is divided into two papers: Paper 1 assessing teaching and research aptitude, and Paper 2 focusing on the Pali syllabus itself.
The exam pattern details for UGC NET 2025 are as follows:
| UGC NET Pali Exam Pattern | |||
| Paper | Number of Questions | Total Marks | Duration |
| Paper 1 | 50 | 100 | 1 hour |
| Paper 2 | 100 | 200 | 2 hours |
Paper 2 covers the UGC NET Pali syllabus in detail, so candidates should allocate more time to prepare for it.
UGC NET Pali Marking Scheme
The marking scheme ensures fair evaluation of candidates. Each correct answer carries a fixed mark, while wrong answers do not have negative marking. The marking scheme encourages accuracy and careful answering.
| UGC NET Pali Marking Scheme | ||
| Type of Question | Marks per Question | Negative Marking |
| Objective | 2 marks | No |
Preparation Tips to Cover UGC NET Pali Syllabus
To prepare well for the UGC NET Pali syllabus, candidates should create a study plan covering all units systematically. Focus on understanding key topics like the biography of Buddha, Pali grammar, and Buddhist texts. Regular revision and practice tests are important to improve knowledge and speed.
Here are some tips to prepare effectively:
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Break down the syllabus into topics and study them weekly.
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Make notes for each unit to remember important points.
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Practice previous years' question papers and sample tests.
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Focus on Paper 2 topics as it carries more marks.
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Read recommended books and official syllabus PDF for clarity.
With good planning and regular study, candidates can cover the syllabus confidently.