Will UGC NET 2025 Be Conducted Online or Offline?

Will UGC NET 2025 Be Conducted Online or Offline? This is the question on every aspirant’s mind as the exam approaches. With the National Testing Agency (NTA) responsible for conducting multiple entrance exams each year, concerns about exam security, infrastructure, and accessibility have once again brought the discussion of exam mode to the forefront. 

While previous UGC NET exams have been held online, recent issues with technical glitches, high fees, and occasional question paper leaks in offline exams have sparked a debate on the most reliable and fair way to conduct UGC NET Dec 2025.

Will UGC NET 2025 Be Conducted Online or Offline? 

The debate over the UGC NET 2025 Exam Mode is heating up once again. Aspirants and educators alike are questioning whether the exam should be conducted online or offline, following ongoing concerns over exam security, infrastructure, and accessibility.

According to a recent article in a leading national newspaper, the National Testing Agency (NTA), which is responsible for conducting 14 major entrance exams in 2025, is actively reviewing the format for the upcoming UGC NET Dec 2025 exam. This discussion comes after several issues with both online and offline exams in previous years

Issues With Previous Exams

In recent years, both online and offline exams have faced challenges. In 2024, some exams had to be canceled the very next day due to leaks and technical glitches, leading to widespread inconvenience for candidates. Online exams have also become increasingly expensive, making them difficult for many students to afford. Despite high fees, technical failures, and errors in question framing continue to affect the credibility of online exams.

Similarly, offline exams are not entirely free from issues. Past experiences have shown instances of question paper leaks, affecting the fairness of the assessment. These concerns have raised serious questions about the effectiveness of the current exam system.

Recommendations by Parliamentary Committee

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education has noted that the handling of entrance exams by NTA in 2024 has not inspired much confidence among aspirants. The committee has recommended a shift towards pen-and-paper-based tests, citing examples of UPSC and CBSE exams, which have been conducted offline for years without significant leak issues. 

The committee also emphasized that proper infrastructure and management are critical for both online and offline exams. Following the UPSC and CBSE model for offline exams ensures a more reliable and secure process.

What This Means for UGC NET Dec 2025

With the UGC NET 2025 Exam Mode still under discussion, candidates are advised to stay prepared for either scenario. If the exam is conducted offline, government colleges and institutes will likely be prioritized over private centers to minimize the risk of leaks. On the other hand, if the exam remains online, NTA will need to implement robust mechanisms similar to SBI and IBPS exams, which have successfully avoided major breaches in recent years.

UGC NET Exam Date 2025 and Schedule

As of now, the UGC NET Exam Date 2025 is tentatively set between 31st December 2025 and 7th January 2026. However, the UGC NET Dec 2025 Exam Schedule has not been officially released yet. Aspirants should keep monitoring official updates from NTA to stay informed about the exact timings and exam centers.

The discussion over online versus offline exams for UGC NET 2025 highlights the need for a secure, reliable, and accessible exam system. While both modes have their advantages and challenges, proper planning, infrastructure, and management can ensure a smooth experience for candidates.

Until the official announcement is made, aspirants should focus on self-study and exam preparation rather than worrying about the mode. Whether online or offline, dedication and proper preparation remain the keys to success in UGC NET Dec 2025.