The UGC NET (University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test) is a prestigious examination in India aimed at evaluating the eligibility of candidates for roles such as Assistant Professor and for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Assistant Professor positions in Indian universities and colleges. Since December 2018, the exam has been conducted online in a Computer Based Test (CBT) format. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), this examination plays a crucial role in the higher education system, ensuring that candidates possess the requisite knowledge and skills for academic and research positions.

The UGC-NET is held twice a year i.e. in June and December and to be eligible for the JRF and/or Assistant Professorship, you need to perform well in both Paper-I and Paper-II of the UGC-NET. If you only qualify for Assistant Professorship, you won't be considered for the JRF. Your qualification for Assistant Professorship will then depend on the specific rules and regulations of the universities, colleges, or state governments where you apply.

Exam Highlights

The eligibility criteria for the UGC NET exam are based on age limits, educational qualifications, and nationality. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

UGC NET Age Limit

UGC NET Nationality

Candidates must be Indian nationals. Acceptable documents to prove nationality include:

• Birth Certificate
• Aadhar Card
• PAN Card
• School Leaving Certificate

UGC NET Educational Qualifications

Candidates must meet specific educational requirements for different subjects to be eligible:

UGC NET Number of Attempts

There is no limit on the number of attempts. Candidates can appear as long as they meet the eligibility criteria.

UGC NET Eligibility Exemption

Assistant Professor Exemption:

• Candidates with SET qualifications (UGC/CSIR) from 1st June 2002 onwards can apply for Assistant Professor positions only in the universities/colleges where they cleared their state exams.
• Those who passed the UGC/CSIR JRF examination before 1989 are exempt from the NET.

Candidates applying for JRF or Assistant Professor positions should review the specific exemptions and requirements detailed above

The UGC NET exam comprises two papers: Paper 1 and Paper 2. Paper 1 is designed to assess general teaching and research aptitude, while Paper 2 focuses on subject-specific knowledge. 

The National Testing Agency (NTA) successfully conducted the UGC NET June 2024 examination on 18th June 2024 across 83 subjects but due to suspected potential breaches of exam integrity, the exam was declared cancelled on 19th June. UGC NET exam was held in OMR (Pen and Paper) mode in two shifts—09:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 03:00 PM to 06:00 PM—at 1205 exam centres spread across 317 cities, accommodating 11,21,225 candidates. 

August 21 to September 4, 2024 are the new dates for re-test of the examination for the June 2024 session and the admit cards are expected to be released a few days prior to the exam dates. Now, the exam will be conducted in online mode i.e. on computers.

For the December 2024 session, the UGC NET exam will be conducted in a similar format and will be scheduled to cover a range of subjects and locations. Specific dates and details for the December session will be announced soon.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced that the UGC NET December 2024 session will be conducted in a Computer-Based Test (CBT) format. The official notification, expected to be released soon on the NTA’s official website, will provide detailed information regarding important dates, application procedures, exam patterns, and eligibility criteria for the upcoming examination. The UGC NET December 2024 will be held across various cities in India, offering candidates an opportunity to qualify for the award of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and/or eligibility for Assistant Professorship in Indian universities and colleges. Aspirants are advised to regularly check the official website, https://ugcnet.nta.ac.in/, for updates and to ensure they meet all the eligibility requirements before applying.

To apply for the UGC NET December 2024 examination, follow these detailed steps:

Step 1: Visit the official website

Step 2: Complete the UGC NET Application Form

1. Login: Use the application number and chosen password to log in.
2. Fill in the Form: Click the "Complete Application Form" button and fill in the required details.
3. Click the Submit button and review the entered details. Click the "Final Submit" button.

Step 3: Upload Images and Signature

1. Upload Requirements: Upload scanned images and signatures in JPEG format as per the specifications below:
   Upload: Ensure the uploaded images meet the size requirements and format guidelines.

Step 4: Pay UGC NET Application Fee

1. Fee Payment: Pay the application fee online through the SBI/HDFC/Syndicate/ICICI/Paytm payment gateway (using debit card/credit card/net banking/UPI).

Step 5: Download the Confirmation Page

1. Confirmation: After successfully paying the application fee, a confirmation page will be generated.
2. Print and Save: Take a printout of the confirmation page and keep it for future reference.

Understanding the syllabus is crucial for effective preparation for the UGC NET June 2024 exam. Paper 1 is designed to test the teaching/research aptitude of candidates. It is a general paper, aiming to assess reasoning ability, comprehension, divergent thinking, and general awareness. While, Paper 2 is subject-specific, and candidates must choose their subject based on their post-graduation specialization. The syllabus for Paper 2 varies according to the subject chosen. The list of subjects or topics for both papers can be checked here

The National Testing Agency (NTA) will soon release the UGC NET June 2024 admit card for the re-exam. Candidates can download their hall tickets from the official website using their application number and date of birth. Here's a simple guide to help you download your UGC NET admit card:

1. Visit the Official Website: Go to ugcnet.nta.ac.in.
2. Find the Admit Card Link: Click on the link for the UGC NET 2024 admit card.
3. Enter Login Details: On the login page, input your application number, date of birth, and security pin.
4. Submit Information: Click the submit button.
5. Download Admit Card: Your admit card will appear on the screen. Download and save it for future use.