The University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) is a national-level examination in India conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the University Grants Commission (UGC). Its primary objective is to determine the eligibility of Indian nationals for Assistant Professor roles and for the award of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in Indian universities and colleges.
UGC NET is conducted twice a year in various subjects, covering disciplines in the Humanities, Social Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Computer Science and Applications, Electronic Science, and more. The exam is held in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode across multiple shifts.
Key features of UGC NET include:
- Eligibility: Candidates who have completed or are pursuing a Master’s degree or its equivalent with at least 55% aggregate marks (50% for reserved categories) from a recognized university are eligible to apply. There is no upper age limit for Assistant Professorship, while for JRF, candidates must be below 30 years of age (relaxation provided for reserved categories).
- Exam Pattern: UGC NET consists of two papers – Paper I and Paper II. Paper I is common for all candidates and assesses teaching and research aptitude, while Paper II is subject-specific. Both papers are conducted in a single session.
- Qualifying Criteria: Candidates need to score minimum marks in each paper to qualify for Assistant Professorship or JRF. The cutoff marks vary based on factors such as the number of candidates, difficulty level of the exam, and available vacancies.
- Benefits: Qualifying UGC NET opens up opportunities for candidates to pursue careers in academia, research, and teaching. It validates their academic competence and may also make them eligible for various fellowships and scholarships.
- Application Process: Candidates need to apply online for UGC NET through the official website of NTA. They are required to fill out the application form, upload necessary documents, and pay the application fee within the specified deadline.
- Results and Certification: After the exam, NTA declares the results indicating whether the candidate has qualified for Assistant Professorship, JRF, or both. Qualified candidates receive a UGC NET certificate which remains valid for a certain period.
How to Apply ?
Visit the official website of the National Testing Agency (NTA) and navigate to the UGC NET section. Look for the link to apply for the exam. If you’re a first-time user, you’ll need to register by providing basic details such as your name, email address, mobile number, and date of birth. After registration, you’ll receive login credentials.
Where to Apply ?
Link – https://ugcnet.ntaonline.in/
When to Apply ?
The UGC NET exam is typically conducted twice a year, usually in the months of June and December. These are the main examination sessions, and the exam dates are determined by the National Testing Agency (NTA) well in advance.
Here’s a breakdown of the exam months for UGC NET:
- June Session: The June session of the UGC NET exam is usually conducted in the month of June. This session is considered the summer session and is an important opportunity for candidates aspiring to qualify for Assistant Professor roles or Junior Research Fellowship (JRF). Last Date for Apply – 20 Apr–10 May 2024
- December Session: The December session of the UGC NET exam is conducted in the month of December. This session is often referred to as the winter session and provides another opportunity for candidates to appear for the exam and improve their scores or qualifications.
Benefit of UGC NET/JRF
Qualifying the UGC NET/JRF exam offers several benefits for individuals aspiring to pursue careers in academia, research, or related fields. Some of the key benefits include:
- Eligibility for Assistant Professorship: One of the primary benefits of qualifying UGC NET is that it makes candidates eligible for the role of Assistant Professor in universities and colleges across India. NET qualification serves as proof of academic competence and expertise in the respective subject.
- Junior Research Fellowship (JRF): Qualifying for JRF opens up opportunities for candidates to pursue research in their chosen field. JRF recipients are eligible to receive financial assistance in the form of a stipend to support their research activities. This fellowship provides a platform for candidates to delve deeper into their areas of interest and contribute to the advancement of knowledge.
- Ph.D. Enrollment: Candidates who qualify UGC NET are exempted from appearing in the entrance examination for admission to Ph.D. programs in Indian universities and colleges. This simplifies the admission process for candidates aspiring to pursue doctoral studies and allows them to focus on their research goals.
- Fellowships and Scholarships: JRF-qualified candidates can access various fellowship grants offered by government agencies, research organizations, and academic institutions. These fellowships provide financial support for research activities, conference attendance, and other academic pursuits. Additionally, candidates may also be eligible for scholarships and financial aid programs based on their NET/JRF qualification.
- Career Advancement: UGC NET qualification enhances the career prospects of candidates in the field of academia and research. It opens up avenues for professional growth and development, including opportunities for teaching, research, consultancy, and administrative roles in educational institutions, research organizations, and government agencies.
- Recognition and Prestige: Qualifying UGC NET/JRF is widely recognized and respected within the academic community. It demonstrates a candidate’s commitment to excellence in their chosen field and enhances their credibility as a researcher, educator, or academician.
- Contribution to Society: Through research and teaching activities facilitated by UGC NET/JRF qualification, candidates can contribute to the generation and dissemination of knowledge, address societal challenges, and make meaningful contributions to the development of their respective fields and communities.
Any Stipends ?
The stipend amount for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) recipients is determined by the funding agency or organization sponsoring the fellowship. As of recent information, the stipend for JRF can be around ₹37,000/- per month approximately and for SRF ₹42,000/- per month. However, the exact amount may vary depending on the funding agency’s policies and the specific fellowship program.
Syllabus for Paper 1 and Paper 2
The syllabus for the UGC NET/JRF exam in Psychology is divided into two papers: Paper I and Paper II. Paper I is a general paper that assesses teaching and research aptitude, while Paper II is subject-specific and covers topics related to Psychology. Here’s an overview of the syllabus for both papers:
Paper I: General Paper on Teaching and Research Aptitude
- Teaching Aptitude
- Research Aptitude
- Comprehension
- Communication
- Mathematical Reasoning and Aptitude
- Logical Reasoning
- Data Interpretation
- Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
- People, Development and Environment
- Higher Education System
Paper II: Psychology
- Emergence of Psychology
- Psychological thought in some major Eastern Systems
- Western Systems
- Essential aspects of knowledge paradigms
- Research Methodology and Statistics
- Research: Meaning, Purpose, and Dimensions
- Paradigms of Research
- Statistics in Psychology
- Correlational Analysis
- Experimental Designs
- Psychological Testing
- Types of tests
- Areas of testing
- Applications of psychological testing in various settings
- Biological bases of behavior
- Learning, Memory, and Forgetting
- Thinking, Intelligence, and Creativity
- Theoretical perspectives on thought processes
- Concept formation
- Problem-solving
- Decision-making
- Metacognition
- Intelligence
- Creativity
- Personality, Motivation, Emotion, Stress Management
- Social Psychology
- Traditional theoretical perspectives
- Social perception
- Group and Social Influence
- Applied Social Psychology
- Human Development and Interventions
- Emerging Areas
- Issues of Gender, Poverty, Disability, and Migration
- Peace psychology
- Wellbeing and self-growth
- Health
- Psychology and technology interface
Last Year Cutoff
UGC NET DECEMBER 2023
