UGC NET Requirements & Prerequisites
Everything you need to know before registering for the UGC NET, eligibility, cost, format, and what to expect on exam day.
Cost
~$15 (INR 1,100)
Provider
National Testing Agency
Validity
Twice yearly
Available
India
Education
Check official exam requirements
Experience
1-3 years of hands-on experience recommended
Specific Requirements
- A Master's degree or equivalent from a UGC-recognised university with at least 55 percent marks without rounding off for General, Unreserved and General-EWS candidates, or at least 50 percent for OBC non-creamy layer, SC, ST, PwD, PwBD and Third gender candidates.
- Candidates still pursuing a Master's degree, or awaiting their final year result, may apply and are admitted provisionally. They must complete the degree with the required percentage within two years of the NET result, or within one year if they qualify for admission to PhD only, or they are treated as disqualified.
- Candidates with a four-year or eight-semester bachelor's degree need at least 75 percent aggregate or equivalent grade, with a 5 percent relaxation for SC, ST, OBC non-creamy layer, differently-abled and EWS candidates. Those qualifying on this basis are eligible for JRF and PhD admission but not for Assistant Professor appointment.
- For JRF only, an age limit of not more than 30 years as on the first day of the month in which the examination concludes. Relaxation of up to five years applies to OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD, PwBD, Third gender and women candidates, up to five years for documented research experience, and three years for an LLM degree, with total relaxation capped at five years.
- There is no upper age limit for Assistant Professor eligibility or for PhD admission.
- PhD degree holders whose Master's level examination was completed by 19 September 1991 get a relaxation of 5 percent in aggregate marks, from 55 percent to 50 percent.
- No documents are sent to NTA at application stage. Candidature is provisional and NTA does not verify the information provided, so any ineligibility detected later results in cancellation.
Number of Questions
150 questions in total: 50 in Paper 1 worth 100 marks, and 100 in Paper 2 worth 200 marks. All questions are compulsory.
Duration
180 minutes (3 hours) in a single sitting, with no break between Paper 1 and Paper 2.
Question Format
Objective multiple-choice questions in both papers, Comprehension passage with questions drawn from the passage in Paper 1 Unit III, Graphical and pictorial data interpretation questions, replaced by a passage with an equal number of questions and equal weightage for visually impaired candidates, Mathematical reasoning and aptitude items covering fractions, ratio, percentage, profit and loss and averages, Logical reasoning items on argument structure, categorical propositions, Venn diagrams and the Indian pramanas
Passing Requirement
There is no fixed passing mark. A candidate must appear in both papers and secure at least 40 percent aggregate marks across the two papers taken together, relaxed to 35 percent for SC, ST, OBC non-creamy layer, PwD, PwBD and Third gender candidates, merely to be considered. NTA then qualifies a number equal to 6 percent of candidates who appeared, allocated across categories and subjects, so the actual cut-off is subject-specific and varies every cycle.
How It Is Delivered
Computer Based Test mode only, at NTA-designated centres in cities across India. Candidates report two hours before the examination begins, and the registration desk closes 30 minutes before the start time. All calculation and rough work is done on the rough sheets provided at the centre, which must be handed back on completion.
Languages Offered
English, Hindi, Language papers are set in the relevant language rather than in English and Hindi. Where a translation is ambiguous, NTA treats the English version as final.
Visit the official National Testing Agency certification page
Create an account and select your exam
Choose a test center or online proctoring option
Pay the exam fee and schedule your date
- Two forms of valid ID (one government-issued with photo)
- Appointment confirmation email
- For online proctoring: webcam, microphone, clean desk, stable internet
What are the prerequisites for the UGC NET?
A Master's degree or equivalent from a UGC-recognised university with at least 55 percent marks without rounding off for General, Unreserved and General-EWS candidates, or at least 50 percent for OBC non-creamy layer, SC, ST, PwD, PwBD and Third gender candidates.. Candidates still pursuing a Master's degree, or awaiting their final year result, may apply and are admitted provisionally. They must complete the degree with the required percentage within two years of the NET result, or within one year if they qualify for admission to PhD only, or they are treated as disqualified.. Candidates with a four-year or eight-semester bachelor's degree need at least 75 percent aggregate or equivalent grade, with a 5 percent relaxation for SC, ST, OBC non-creamy layer, differently-abled and EWS candidates. Those qualifying on this basis are eligible for JRF and PhD admission but not for Assistant Professor appointment.. For JRF only, an age limit of not more than 30 years as on the first day of the month in which the examination concludes. Relaxation of up to five years applies to OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD, PwBD, Third gender and women candidates, up to five years for documented research experience, and three years for an LLM degree, with total relaxation capped at five years.. There is no upper age limit for Assistant Professor eligibility or for PhD admission.. PhD degree holders whose Master's level examination was completed by 19 September 1991 get a relaxation of 5 percent in aggregate marks, from 55 percent to 50 percent.. No documents are sent to NTA at application stage. Candidature is provisional and NTA does not verify the information provided, so any ineligibility detected later results in cancellation..
How much does the UGC NET cost?
The UGC NET exam costs ~$15 (INR 1,100). This includes the exam fee only, study materials are additional.
How do I register for the UGC NET?
Visit the official National Testing Agency certification page → Create an account and select your exam → Choose a test center or online proctoring option → Pay the exam fee and schedule your date
What should I bring to the UGC NET?
Two forms of valid ID (one government-issued with photo). Appointment confirmation email. For online proctoring: webcam, microphone, clean desk, stable internet.
Ready to prepare for UGC NET?
Get the complete exam guide with study plan, tips, and practice questions.
View UGC NET Guide