UGC NET 2025 Notification?
The National Testing Agency (NTA) is expected to begin the UGC NET 2025 application process in the early months of the year, providing aspirants with an important opportunity to pursue eligibility for the post of Assistant Professor and for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in Indian universities and colleges.
Candidates will need to complete the online registration form through the official NTA portal within the prescribed dates by filling in their personal details, academic qualifications, and exam preferences. The process usually involves registering with a valid email ID and mobile number, uploading scanned copies of photographs and signatures, and paying the required examination fee through online payment modes such as net banking, UPI, or debit/credit card. Applicants are advised to carefully check the eligibility criteria, which generally demand a Master’s degree or equivalent with at least 55% marks for the general category and relaxation of marks for reserved categories.
UGC NET 2025 Application Form
The application window is followed by an option for correction to allow candidates to rectify mistakes, making accuracy at the first step essential. Once the form is submitted successfully, an application number is generated, which should be preserved for all future references.
The admit card for UGC NET 2025 will later be released online, accessible by logging in with the registration details. Aspiring candidates are encouraged to apply early, avoid last-minute rush, and thoroughly read the official notification for exam dates, guidelines, and updated rules. This structured application process ensures a smooth gateway for lakhs of aspirants into the world of higher education and research careers.
| NTA UGC NET Official Website | Click Here |
Application Dates
For the December 2025 cycle, the UGC NET application form is expected to be released in September 2025. The exact dates will be announced on the official website. Typically, the schedule is as follows:
- Application Start Date: September 2025 (Expected)
- Application End Date: To be announced in official notification
- Fee Payment Deadline: Generally 1 day after application closing
- Correction Window: 1-2 days post application deadline
- Exam Dates: December 2025 or January 2026
Candidates should regularly check the official portal for updates and adhere to announced deadlines to avoid disqualification.
UGC NET 2025 Eligibility Criteria
- Nationality: Only Indian citizens are eligible to apply; valid documentation is required for those living abroad.
- Educational Qualification: Must have a Master’s degree or its equivalent from a UGC-recognized university.
- General Category: Minimum 55% aggregate marks in postgraduation.
- Reserved Categories (SC/ST/OBC/PwD/Third Gender): Minimum 50% aggregate marks.
- Final Year Students: Can apply, but must complete their PG degree within 2 years of the result.
- 4-Year UG Degree Holders: Eligible for JRF & Ph.D. if securing 75% (as per NEP 2020 update).
- Age Limit:
Application Fees
Below is the latest fee structure, which candidates should confirm in the official notification when released:
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / Unreserved | ₹ 1150/- |
| OBC-NCL / EWS | ₹ 600/- |
| SC / ST / PwD / Third Gender | ₹ 325/- |
All payments are to be made online; offline or cash payments are not accepted.
How to Apply
- Visit the official website:
- Click on “Apply for UGC NET December 2025” and select “New Registration.”
- Register with basic details to create an Application Number and Password.
- Log in using these credentials and access the detailed application form.
- Fill in personal and academic details, select exam preferences.
- Upload documents: recent passport-size photo, scanned signature, category certificate (if applicable), as per specifications.
- Pay the application fee using Net Banking, Card, or UPI.
- Download and save the confirmation page and application summary. Keep the application number for future reference.
| NTA UGC NET Official Website | Click Here |
Exam Pattern
The UGC NET exam comprises two objective-type papers, held in a single 3-hour sitting. Both papers are compulsory, with all questions being MCQs.
- Type of Questions: Objective multiple-choice questions only.
- Marking Scheme: Each correct answer carries 2 marks; there is no negative marking for wrong answers.
- Total Duration: 3 hours (180 minutes) for both Paper 1 and Paper 2 together.
- Mode: Online Computer Based Test (CBT).
- Total Questions: 150 questions (50 in Paper 1 + 100 in Paper 2).
- Maximum Marks: 300.
- Language Options: Candidates can opt for English, Hindi, or bilingual instructions for both papers.
Paper 1: Teaching and Research Aptitude (Common for all candidates)
- Number of Questions: 50 multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
- Total Marks: 100 marks
- Duration: 1 hour
- Purpose: To assess general teaching aptitude, research aptitude, reasoning ability, comprehension, communication skills, mathematical and logical reasoning, data interpretation, information and communication technology (ICT), environmental awareness, and knowledge of the higher education system.
- Medium: English or Hindi (candidate’s choice during application)
Paper 2: Subject-Specific Paper
- Number of Questions: 100 MCQs
- Total Marks: 200 marks
- Duration: 2 hours
- Purpose: To test the candidate’s in-depth knowledge in the chosen subject from the list of 85 UGC-approved subjects.
- Medium: English or Hindi (candidate’s choice)
| Paper | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | 50 | 100 | 01 hour |
| Paper 2 | 100 | 200 | 02 Hours |
| Total | 150 | 300 | 03 Hours |
UGC NET 205 Syllabus
Paper 1 (Common)
- Teaching and Research Aptitude
- Reasoning Ability
- Comprehension
- Communication
- Mathematical Reasoning & Aptitude
- Logical Reasoning
- Data Interpretation
- ICT
- People, Development & Environment
- Higher Education System: Governance, Policy, Administration
Paper 2 (Subject-Specific)
- Covers 85 UGC-approved subjects, including Commerce, Management, Political Science, Sociology, Computer Science, and more.
- Ayurveda Biology is a new addition since December 2024.
The syllabus for each subject is available for download in both English and Hindi on the official NTA website, and will be updated based on NEP 2020 when notified.
| NTA UGC NET Official Website | Click Here |
