The University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test is a national-level exam conducted by the National Testing Agency. The exam takes place through two phases- Paper I and Paper II. Candidates appearing for UGC NET must be aware of the exam pattern, as it helps them in preparing better for the exam.
The details regarding the exam pattern are given below-

  • The exam will take place in the online or Computer Based Test mode only
  • Both the papers will have an objective type, multiple choice questions
  • The question paper will be set in English and Hindi only
  • While filling out the online Application Form, the Candidate should carefully select the medium of the Question Paper
  • The choice of medium cannot be changed after form submission
  • Candidates who select Hindi as their medium of instruction on the application form will receive a bilingual paper; however, candidates who select English as their medium of instruction will receive only an English version
  • Candidates must respond in the medium of their choice as indicated on the Application Form 
  • In the event of any discrepancy in the translation/construction of a question in the test, the English version will be considered final, and the NTA’s decision will be final

UGC NET Exam Pattern 2023: Highlights

ParticularsUGC NET Paper 1UGC NET Paper 2
Exam modeOnlineOnline
Exam duration3 hours3 hours
UGC NET June Cycle Dates13th Jun 2023 to 22nd Jun 202313th Jun 2023 to 22nd Jun 2023
Type of paperCommon for all candidatesSubject-specific questions (82 Subjects)
Total questions50100
Type of questionsMCQs; 4 options with only 1 correct optionMCQs; 4 options with only 1 correct option
Total marks100200
Marking scheme

+2 for correct answer

0 for incorrect answer

+2 for correct answer

0 for incorrect answer

Language of paperEnglish, HindiEnglish, Hindi

UGC NET Exam Pattern 2023: Marking scheme

  • Each question is of 2 marks
  • There is no negative marking
  • No marks will be given for unanswered or unattempted question
  • To respond to a question, the applicant must select one of the proper options
  • During the Key Challenge if a question is deemed to be incorrect or ambiguous, only those applicants who tried the question and chose one of the right answers will be recognised
  • However, scores will be awarded to all candidates for dropped question(s), if any
  • If a question is dropped owing to a technical issue, all candidates who attempted it will receive full credit

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