UGC NET Application Date:07 Oct' 25 - 07 Nov' 25
The National Testing Agency (NTA) prescribed the UGC NET syllabus 2025 for English for all those opting for the English subject. Candidates can choose English as their subject while filling the UGC NET 2025 application form among the 85 subject options. Candidates must go through the UGC NET English syllabus before starting off with their preparation. By going through the UGC NET 2025 syllabus for English, candidates can know the topics that will be asked in the UGC NET exam.
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However, as per the exam pattern of 2025 UGC NET, English is asked in paper 1, which is common for all candidates. Candidates opting for English as their main subject have to take Paper II in English containing questions from the topics mentioned in the UGC NET English syllabus. Ensuring to have completed all topics and subjects mentioned in the syllabus, candidates can easily crack the UGC NET exam 2025. To know more about the UGC NET syllabus for English, go through the article below.
The UGC NET 2025 test is held for two papers – paper I and II wherein paper I is common for all while paper II is based on the subjects opted by the candidates. The exam is conducted to determine the eligibility of the candidates for assistant professors and award junior research fellowship positions.
UGC NET English Syllabus 2025 Overview
Name of exam | UGC NET |
Conducting authority | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
Mode of exam | Online |
Papers | Two papers: Paper I Paper II |
Subjects | 101 subjects |
Total Marks | Paper I - 100 marks Paper II - 200 marks |
The UGC NET paper 1 is common for all the candidates appearing for the exam of UGC NET. Candidates can check the UGC NET English syllabus paper 1 given below:
As per the syllabus of UGC NET for English, there are a total of 10 units from where questions will be asked. The first four units will be tested through comprehension passages. As per the UGC NET English syllabus paper 2, candidates will be tested for the following:
Critical Reading
Critical Thinking
Writing Skills
Along with it, the first four units also cover the UGC NET English Literature syllabus.
Units | Topics |
Unit I | Drama |
Unit II | Poetry |
Unit III | Fiction, short story |
Unit IV | Non-Fictional Prose |
UGC NET English Syllabus 2025
Units | Topics |
Unit V | Language: Basic concepts, theories and pedagogy. English in Use |
Unit VI | English in India: history, evolution and futures |
Unit VII | Cultural Studies |
Unit VIII | Literary Criticism |
Unit IX | Literary Theory post World War II |
Unit X | Research Methods and Materials in English |
Read More:
Candidates must go through the exam pattern along with the UGC NET syllabus. The exam pattern contains the sections from where the questions are asked in the exam, the total number of questions, marking schemes, duration, etc. The table below contains the exam pattern of NTA UGC NET for both paper I and II.
UGC NET Exam Pattern 2025
Papers | Paper I | Paper II |
Subject | Generic | Subject selected by candidate |
No. of Questions | 50 | 100 |
Marks | 100 | 200 |
Duration | Consolidated 3 hours | |
Mode of Exam | Online | |
Negative Marks | No negative marks for wrong answers |
To crack the exam, candidates must go through the list of UGC NET 2025 best books to pick the best one for themselves. The table below contains the list of books for paper I as per UGC NET English syllabus.
Book Name | Author/Publisher Name |
NTA UGC NET/SET/JRF - Paper 1: Teaching and Research Aptitude | KVS Madaan /Pearson Education |
NTA UGC NET / SET / JRF - Paper 1 Teaching and Research Aptitude | Harpreet Kaur /Oxford University Press |
Trueman's UGC NET/SET General Paper I - Teaching & Research Aptitude | Sajit Kumar, M. Gagan |
UGC NET Best Books For English
English | UGC NET/SET (JRF & LS) English Literature by Arihant Experts |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Candidates can download the UGC NET syllabus 2025 from the official brochure available on the website – ugcnetonline.in.
As per the UGC NET eligibility criteria 2025, a candidate for JRF needs to be within the age of 30 years. However, no age limit is prescribed for assistant professors. In order to be eligible for UGC NET 2025, an aspirant must have scored at least 55% marks in post graduation from a recognised university. There certainly exists some relaxation for the reserved sections.
No, marks are not cut for any wrong answers marked in UGC NET paper I and paper II.
Candidates can refer books on NTA UGC NET/SET/JRF - Paper 1: Teaching and Research Aptitude by authors like KVS Madaan, Harpreet Kaur, Sajit Kumar, Arihant Experts etc.
On Question asked by student community
Hello,
Not clearing UGC NET is not a big problem unless you want to become an Assistant Professor or apply for a PhD with fellowship.
You can still apply for PhD without NET in many universities, but you may need to clear their entrance test. For teaching jobs in colleges and universities, NET is usually compulsory.
So, it depends on your career goals. If you plan for research or teaching, you should try to clear it.
Hope it helps !
Visit the
official UGC NET Syllabus page
on the NTA portal. Look for the "Updated Syllabi of UGC-NET" section.
(https://www.ugcnetonline.in/syllabus-new.php)
Download the Paper 1 PDF , which covers topics like teaching and research aptitude, communication, reasoning, ICT, higher education system, and more.
Also download the Paper 2 PDF for your chosen subject—choose from 85+ disciplines listed.
If your MBA (Finance) is from an accredited university and you have at least 55% of the possible points (or 50% for reserved categories), you can take the UGC NET in Commerce.
Your MBA in finance is relevant because UGC NET Commerce covers business, accounting, finance, economics, and management topics.
If you are well-versed in the fundamentals of commerce, pick commerce.
As an alternative, you can choose UGC NET Management, which is closely related to MBA courses.
Your subject-matter expertise and career objectives should guide your decision.
Hello,
Here are some links where you can access UGC NET study materials :
Hope it helps !
Hii,
Yes, you can still appear for the UGC NET in Geography, but there's a small change. UGC prefers candidates to write NET in the subject of their post-graduation. However, if your Rural Development MA had strong overlaps with geography topics like environment, population studies, etc., and you feel confident with Geography concepts, you can go for it. Just be ready to justify your choice if asked during verification. Otherwise, another option is to appear for UGC NET in Rural Development if that’s more aligned with your MA.
Thank you for reaching out and all the best for your exam !
Apply for Online M.Com from Manipal University