What is UGC NET Exam?

University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) is a national-level exam conducted to select candidates for Assistant Professor or both Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Assistant Professor in Indian universities and colleges. 

NET was conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on behalf of UGC until June 2018. However, the National Testing Agency (NTA) began to conduct the UGC NET exam from December 2018 onwards.

The notification for UGC NET 2021 has not yet been released. On December 1, the UGC NET Result 2020 was published. Total 47,157 candidates cleared the exam.

UGC NET Eligibility 2021

The primary conditions that candidates must meet in order to apply for UGC NET 2021 are:

• Candidates should secure at least 55% of aggregate marks in post-graduation.
• Applicants should be no more than 30 years of age in order to apply for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)
• There is no age limit for applying for the assistant professor job
• Reserved group candidates are granted a five percent relaxation of educational qualification
• For reserved category candidates, a relaxation of five years in age requirements is given
• Applicants who have passed the State Eligibility Test (SET) before 1 June 2002 are exempted from taking the UGC NET exam

UGC NET 2021 Highlights

UGC NET 2021 Notification & Application Form

It is expected that the National Testing Agency will shortly announce the 2021 UGC NET notification. If the notification is out, it will be available for download on the official exam website.

All relevant information about the exam, such as dates, eligibility requirements, paper pattern, syllabus, result declaration criteria, etc., will be included in the UGC NET notification. Before applying for the test, candidates are recommended to go through the full UGC NET 2021 notice.

UGC NET Registration Trends

UGC NET Selection Process

Here are the steps involved in UGC NET selection process. 

Step 1: Candidates should fill the online application form on the official website of the exam

Step 2: After registering successfully, candidates can download UGC NET Admit card by logging into their accounts

Step 3: Then, the candidates need to appear for the exam. UGC NET is an online exam that consists of 2 papers. Both the papers are MCQ-based and need to be completed in a duration of three hours. 

Step 4: NTA declares the UGC NET results on its official website on a pre-decided date. 

UGC NET Exam Day Guidelines 2021

For UGC NET aspirants, the National Testing Agency releases an advisory specifying certain guidelines. It is advised that all candidates carefully read the guidance and directions mentioned on the admit card. For better clarification, candidates may also go through the instructions given below.

What to carry on the day of the exam?

UGC NET 2021 is a computer-based exam, and a pen/pencil and blank sheets for rough work are offered to candidates. However, candidates are also recommended to take a pen/pencil to the test centre to prevent any last-minute inconvenience.

What NOT to carry on exam day?

UGC NET candidates are not authorised to bring any equipment, metallic objects or mobile devices to the examination hall. It should be noted that there will still be no provision for the safe storage of the candidates’ valuables.

Documents required for UGC NET exam

Documents that candidates need to bring to the 2021 UGC NET exam centre are:

1. Admit card: Candidates must have a clear print (preferably colour printed on A4 format paper) of the UGC NET admit card downloaded from the NTA website.
2. Passport size photograph: Candidates must hold one passport-sized photo (same as uploaded on the application form) pasted on the exam centre attendance sheet.
3. ID proof: Candidates must bring a valid and original photo ID proof to the test centre, such as PAN card/driving license/voter ID card/passport/Aadhaar Card (with photo)/e-Aadhaar/Ration Card. The official website states that “ID cards issued by schools/colleges/universities/coaching centres, receipt of Aadhar enrollment without Aadhar number and photocopies or images stored on mobile phones etc. are NOT accepted.”
4. PwD certificate: Candidates seeking to demand PwD relaxation must wear their PwD certificate issued by the competent authority.

Important FAQs Regarding UGC NET Exam

1. 1. When will UGC NET 2021 exam be conducted?

The exam dates for UGC NET 2021 exam has not been released yet. However, it is expected to be held in the month of July. 

1. 1. For how many subjects is UGC NET exam conducted?

There are 81 subjects in UGC NET exam. 

1. 1. What is the age limit to apply for UGC NET exam?

 To apply for JRF, candidates’ age should be less than 30 years. But, there is no age limit to apply for the Assistant Professor posts. 

1. 1. Who are exempted from taking the UGC NET exam?
      • PhD Degree holders
      • Candidates who have cleared SET exam 
      • Candidates who have passed UGC/CSIR JRF exam before 1989

1. 1. Is there any negative marking in UGC NET exam?

No, there is no negative marking in the UGC NET exam.