
UGC NET Sociology Exam Analysis 2026: The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducted the UGC NET Sociology Exam 2026 on 2 January in computer-based mode. Candidates appeared for both Paper 1 and Paper 2 in a single session. Based on student feedback and expert review, the overall difficulty level of the Sociology paper ranged from easy to moderate. Paper 1 was largely scoring, while Paper 2 tested conceptual clarity, theoretical understanding, and application-based knowledge. Questions were aligned with the official syllabus and previous exam trends. This detailed UGC NET Sociology Exam Analysis 2026 covers shift timing, difficulty level, topic-wise review, and key insights helpful for future aspirants.
UGC NET Sociology Exam Analysis 2026 provides a clear summary of the exam structure, difficulty level, and overall trend based on student reactions and expert inputs. The exam was conducted on 2 January 2026 in a single shift. It assessed candidates on teaching aptitude, research skills, and core sociology concepts through objective-type questions.
| Events | Details |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Name | UGC NET Sociology Exam 2026 |
| Posts | Assistant Professor & Junior Research Fellowship |
| Exam Level | National |
| Exam Frequency | Twice a year |
| Exam Date | 2 January 2026 |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test |
| Medium of Exam | English and Hindi |
| Number of Papers & Marks | Paper 1: 100 Marks, Paper 2: 200 Marks |
| Exam Duration | 3 Hours (180 Minutes) |
| Official Website | ugcnet.nta.nic.in |
The UGC NET Sociology exam was conducted in Shift 2 on 2 January 2026, combining both Paper 1 and Paper 2 in a single session. The exam was conducted smoothly across centres, giving candidates sufficient time to attempt both papers. The shift structure supported effective time management, especially for analytical sections in Paper 2.
|
Shift |
Timing |
|
Shift 2 |
3:00 PM – 6:00 PM |
In Paper 1, the overall difficulty level was easy to moderate. Most questions were direct and concept-based. Sections such as Teaching Aptitude and People & Environment were comparatively easier, while Logical Reasoning and ICT required moderate analytical effort. Candidates with regular preparation were able to attempt a high number of questions accurately.
Shift 2 Paper 1 consisted of familiar question patterns, helping candidates manage time effectively. The balance between theoretical and application-based questions made the paper scoring overall.
|
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 |
As per the UGC NET Sociology Exam Analysis 2026, Paper 2 was moderate in difficulty, with a balanced mix of direct, conceptual, and analytical questions. Core areas such as sociological theory, research methodology, and Indian society were given importance. Questions on contemporary social issues, globalization, gender, and development required conceptual clarity and interpretation skills.
|
Unit Name |
Difficulty Level |
|
Sociological Theory |
Easy |
|
Research Methodology and Methods |
Easy |
|
Basic Concepts and Institutions |
Moderate |
|
Rural and Urban Transformations |
Moderate |
|
State, Politics and Development |
Easy |
|
Economy and Society |
Easy to Moderate |
|
Environment and Society |
Easy to Moderate |
|
Family, Marriage and Kinship |
Moderate |
|
Science, Technology and Society |
Easy |
|
Culture and Symbolic Transformations |
Easy to Moderate |
|
Overall |
Moderate |
The UGC NET Sociology Exam Analysis helps aspirants understand the real difficulty level and topic-wise weightage of the exam. It enables candidates to identify scoring areas and improve weaker sections. The analysis also helps in understanding current exam trends, expected cut-offs, and question patterns. Future aspirants can use this insight to plan smart preparation strategies, revise important topics, and improve accuracy and time management.