The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the UGC NET (University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test) to determine eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Assistant Professor roles in Indian universities and colleges. The December 2024 session is an opportunity for aspirants to achieve their academic and research goals. This blog provides a detailed guide to the syllabus, exam pattern, and preparation strategies to help you excel in the exam.
Table of Contents
Overview of UGC NET December 2024
UGC NET is a national-level exam that ensures a standardized benchmark for recruiting assistant professors and awarding junior research fellowships. It is one of India’s most competitive exams, conducted in various disciplines aligned with the academic and research requirements of Indian universities.
| Detail | Information |
| Organizer | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Date | December 2024 (Exact dates TBD) |
| Application Period | October/November 2024 |
| Eligibility | Master’s degree with at least 55% marks (50% for reserved categories) |
| Age Limit | JRF: 30 years (Relaxation for reserved categories)Assistant Professor: No age limit |
| Official Website | NTA UGC NET |
Exam Pattern
The UGC NET December 2024 comprises two papers, conducted in a single session, with no breaks. Both papers feature objective-type questions.
Exam Pattern Overview
| Paper | Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration | Nature |
| Paper I | General Teaching & Research Aptitude | 50 | 100 | 1 hour | Common for all candidates |
| Paper II | Subject-specific | 100 | 200 | 2 hours | Based on the chosen subject |
Key Features:
- Marking Scheme: 2 marks for each correct answer. No negative marking.
- Nature of Questions: Multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
Detailed Syllabus for Paper I and Paper II
Paper I Overview
Paper I of the UGC-NET exam is designed to test the teaching and research aptitude of candidates. It is a general paper common to all subjects and assesses a candidate’s reasoning ability, comprehension, divergent thinking, and general awareness.
| Core Area | Key Topics | Examples |
| Teaching Aptitude | 1. Teaching methods, learner characteristics, evaluating teaching effectiveness | 1. Example: Identify the best teaching method for a diverse classroom using case studies. |
| Teaching Aptitude | 2. Understanding barriers to effective learning | 2. Example: Analyze a scenario where language barriers impact student understanding. |
| Research Aptitude | 1. Research methods, types, and ethics | 1. Example: Classify a research study as qualitative or quantitative based on its description. |
| Research Aptitude | 2. Hypotheses, sampling, and data interpretation | 2. Example: Given a dataset, calculate the mean and interpret its relevance in a hypothesis test. |
| Comprehension | Reading comprehension of a passage | Example: Read a paragraph about education reforms and answer questions based on it. |
| Communication | Effective communication, verbal/non-verbal skills, barriers | Example: Identify the most effective feedback technique for a student struggling with confidence. |
| Mathematical Reasoning & Aptitude | Numerical abilities (ratios, percentages, series) | Example: Solve: What is 25% of 200? or Complete the series: 2, 4, 8, 16, … |
| Logical Reasoning | Deductive/inductive reasoning, analogies, syllogisms | Example: If all cats are animals and some animals are mammals, conclude valid statements. |
| Data Interpretation | Analyzing graphs, tables, charts | Example: Analyze a bar chart showing literacy rates and answer related questions. |
| Information and Communication Technology (ICT) | Basics of computers, digital initiatives in education | Example: Identify how MOOCs can enhance the online learning experience for students. |
| People, Development & Environment | Environmental issues, sustainable development, societal impact | Example: Discuss the impact of climate change on local agriculture. |
| Higher Education System | Governance, policies, and institutional roles in teaching/research | Example: Explain the role of NAAC accreditation in higher education quality assurance. |
Click below to download the syllabus for UGC NET Paper I
Download paper I syllabus PDF 2024 (in English)
Download paper I syllabus PDF 2024 (in Hindi)
Paper-II Overview:
Paper II is subject-specific and tests the candidate’s in-depth knowledge of the chosen subject. It consists of 100 objective-type multiple-choice questions (MCQs) carrying 200 marks. The syllabus is designed to assess a candidate’s expertise in the core concepts, theoretical frameworks, research methodologies, and recent developments in the field.
- Each question carries 2 marks, with no negative marking for incorrect answers.
- The syllabus varies for each subject and is detailed under specific subject codes (e.g., Economics, Political Science, English, etc.).
- Topics include core theoretical concepts, practical applications, interdisciplinary linkages, and emerging trends relevant to the subject.
UGC NET Paper II Full Syllabus 2024 Download PDF
The UGC NET Paper II syllabus for 2024 is tailored to test in-depth knowledge in the candidate’s chosen subject. Covering a wide range of topics specific to each discipline, this paper evaluates subject expertise, critical thinking, and research acumen. Candidates can download the complete syllabus in PDF format to prepare systematically for the exam.
The syllabus includes core topics, subtopics, and important focus areas relevant to the subject’s domain. From management and education to sciences, languages, and humanities, the syllabus is detailed and comprehensive, helping candidates align their preparation with the latest UGC guidelines.
Click the link below to access the UGC NET Paper II Syllabus 2024 PDF in English and Hindi and start your preparation today.
| Code | Subject | Code | Subject | ||
| 00 | General Paper on Teaching & Research Aptitude (Paper -I) | English/Hindi | 01 | Economics / Rural Economics /Co-operation / Demography / Development Planning/ Development Studies / Econometrics/ Applied Economics/Development Eco./Business Economics | English/Hindi |
| 02 | Political Science | English/Hindi | 03 | Philosophy | English/Hindi |
| 04 | Psychology | English/Hindi | 05 | Sociology | English/Hindi |
| 06 | History | English/Hindi | 07 | Anthropology | English/Hindi |
| 08 | Commerce | English/Hindi | 09 | Education | English/Hindi |
| 10 | Social Work | English/Hindi | 11 | Defence and Strategic Studies | English/Hindi |
| 12 | Home Science | English/Hindi | 14 | Public Administration | English/Hindi |
| 15 | Population Studies | English/Hindi | 16 | Music | English/Hindi |
| 17 | Management (including Business Admin. Mgt./Marketing/ Marketing Mgt./Industrial Relations and Personnel Mgt./ Personnel Mgt./Financial Mgt./Co-operative Management) | English/Hindi | 18 | Maithili | English/Hindi |
| 19 | Bengali | English/Hindi | 20 | Hindi | Hindi |
| 21 | Kannada | English/Hindi | 22 | Malayalam | English/Hindi |
| 23 | Oriya | English/Hindi | 24 | Punjabi | English/Hindi |
| 25 | Sanskrit | English/Hindi | 26 | Tamil | English/Hindi |
| 27 | Telugu | English/Hindi | 28 | Urdu | English/Hindi |
| 29 | Arabic | English/Hindi | 30 | English | English/Hindi |
| 31 | Linguistics | English/Hindi | 32 | Chinese | English/Hindi |
| 33 | Dogri | English/Hindi | 34 | Nepali | English/Hindi |
| 35 | Manipuri | English/Hindi | 36 | Assamese | English/Hindi |
| 37 | Gujarati | English/Hindi | 38 | Marathi | English/Hindi |
| 39 | French (French Version) | English/Hindi | 40 | Spanish | English/Hindi |
| 41 | Russian | English/Hindi | 42 | Persian | English/Hindi |
| 43 | Rajasthani | English/Hindi | 44 | German | English/Hindi |
| 45 | Japanese | English/Hindi | 46 | Adult Education/ Continuing Education/ Andragogy/ Non-Formal Education | English/Hindi |
| 47 | Physical Education | English/Hindi | 49 | Arab Culture and Islamic Studies | English/Hindi |
| 50 | Indian Culture | English/Hindi | 55 | Labour Welfare/Personnel Management/Industrial Relations/ Labour and Social Welfare/Human Resource Management | English/Hindi |
| 58 | Law | English/Hindi | 59 | Library and Information Science | English/Hindi |
| 60 | Buddhist, Jaina, Gandhian, and Peace Studies | English/Hindi | 62 | Comparative Study of Religions | English/Hindi |
| 63 | Mass Communication and Journalism | English/Hindi | 65 | Performing Art – Dance/Drama/Theatre | English/Hindi |
| 66 | Museology & Conservation | English/Hindi | 67 | Archaeology | English/Hindi |
| 68 | Criminology | English/Hindi | 70 | Tribal and Regional Language/Literature | English/Hindi |
| 71 | Folk Literature | English/Hindi | 72 | Comparative Literature | English/Hindi |
| 73 | Sanskrit traditional subjects (including) Jyotisha/Sidhanta Jyotish/ Navya Vyakarna/ Vyakarna/ Mimansa/ Navya Nyaya/ Sankhya Yoga/ Tulanatmaka Darsan/ Shukla Yajurveda/ Madhav Vedant/ Dharmasasta/ Sahitya/ Puranotihasa /Agama). | Hindi | 74 | Women Studies | English/Hindi |
| 79 | Visual Art (including Drawing & Painting/Sculpture Graphics/Applied Art/History of Art) | English/Hindi | 80 | Geography | English/Hindi |
| 81 | Social Medicine & Community Health | English/Hindi | 82 | Forensic Science | English/Hindi |
| 83 | Pali | English/Hindi | 84 | Kashmiri | English/Hindi |
| 85 | Konkani | English/Hindi | 87 | Computer Science and Applications | English/Hindi |
| 88 | Electronic Science | English | 89 | Environmental Sciences | English |
| 90 | Politics including International Relations/International Studies including Defence/Strategic Studies, West Asian Studies, South East Asian Studies, African Studies, South Asian Studies, Soviet Studies, American Studies | English/Hindi | 91 | Prakrit | English/Hindi |
| 92 | Human Rights and Duties | English/Hindi | 93 | Tourism Administration and Management | English/Hindi |
| 94 | Bodo | Hindi | 95 | Santali | Hindi |
| 100 | Yoga | English/Hindi | 101 | Sindhi | English/Hindi |
| 102 | Hindu Studies | English/Hindi | 103 | Indian Knowledge System | English/Hindi |
| 104 | Disaster Management | English/Hindi | 105 | Ayurveda Biology | English/Hindi |
Download Previous Year’s Question papers
Prepare effectively for your exams with access to UGC NET’s previous year’s question papers. Download now to boost your preparation!
| S. No. | Exam Session | Download Link |
| 1 | Question Papers of NET June 2014 (New) | Download PDF |
| 2 | Question Papers of NET Dec. 2013 | Download PDF |
| 3 | Question Papers of NET June 2013 (Re-conducted on 08th Sept. 2013) | Download PDF |
| 4 | Question Papers of NET June 2013 (Conducted on 30th June, 2013) | Download PDF |
| 5 | Question Papers of NET Dec. 2012 | Download PDF |
| 6 | Question Papers of NET June 2012 | Download PDF |
| 7 | Question Papers of NET Dec. 2011 | Download PDF |
| 8 | Question Papers of NET June 2011 | Download PDF |
| 9 | Question Papers of NET Dec. 2010 | Download PDF |
| 10 | Question Papers of NET June 2010 | Download PDF |
| 11 | Question Papers of NET Dec. 2009 | Download PDF |
| 12 | Question Papers of NET June 2009 | Download PDF |
How to Prepare: Strategies and Resources
Recommended Books
| Subject | Book Title | Author |
| General Paper I | Teaching and Research Aptitude | KVS Madaan |
| Commerce | UGC NET Commerce | Trueman’s Series |
| English | A Glossary of Literary Terms | M.H. Abrams |
Preparation Tips
- Focus on high-weightage topics for Paper II.
- Allocate time for daily practice in reasoning and comprehension for Paper I.
- Regularly revise key concepts and take notes for better retention.
- Solve previous year’s question papers to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern.
Importance of Mock Tests and Practice Questions
Mock tests help you:
- Improve time management.
- Identify weak areas for focused improvement.
- Build exam-day confidence.
Recommended Platforms: Unacademy, Testbook, BYJU’S.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Suggestion |
| Ignoring the syllabus | Stick to the prescribed syllabus for focused preparation. |
| Skipping revisions | Dedicate weekly time to revisiting covered topics. |
| Overlooking mock tests | Simulate exam conditions for better preparedness. |
Important Links
| Resource | Link |
| Previous Year Question Papers | Click Here |
| UGC NET Results | Click Here |
| Full Syllabus | Download Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
| Join Our WhatsApp Channel | Channel Link |
Conclusion
The NTA UGC NET December 2024 exam is a critical opportunity for candidates aiming to pursue a career in teaching or research. By understanding the syllabus, creating a structured study plan, and practicing consistently, aspirants can achieve their goals.
Stay updated with official announcements and syllabus revisions by regularly visiting the NTA UGC NET website.
FAQs
What is the eligibility for UGC NET December 2024?
Master’s degree with 55% marks (50% for reserved categories).
Is there a negative mark on the exam?
No, there is no negative marking.
Where can I access the syllabus?
The syllabus is available on the official NTA UGC NET website.
What are the minimum qualifying marks?
– General/EWS: At least 40% aggregate in both papers combined.
– Reserved categories: At least 35% aggregate in both papers combined.