All About UGC NET Exam 2019 – Exam Pattern, Eligibility Criteria & No. of Exams

What is UGC NET ?

The National Eligibility Test (NET), also known as UGC NET, is a test to determine eligibility for college & university level lecturership & for the award of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) for Indian nationals. Its purpose is to ensure minimum standards for the entrants in teaching professions & research.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) came into existence on 28th December, 1953 & became a statutory Organization however, was formally established only in November 1956 as a statutory body of the Government of India through an Act of Parliament for the coordination.

The National Eligibility Test (NET) is conducted to select the eligible candidates for the post of Assistant Professor (AF) & the award of JRF (Junior Research Fellowship). As per a recent announcement by the HRD Ministry, the examination will now be conducted by the newly formed National Testing Agency (NTA). In fact, UGC NET 2019 December session would be the first exam of the agency.

UGC NET 2019 Exam Pattern :

UGC NET will consist of two different papers (Paper 1, 2) conducted in two sessions. Candidates will need to appear for these two papers in order to be eligible for JRF & Assistant Professor or Assistant Professor only.

Marking scheme : Two marks will be awarded for each correct answer. There is no negative marking in the exam.

The official website informs, “Paper 1 is designed to test reasoning ability, comprehension, divergent thinking & general awareness of the candidate.” The website also informs, “All the questions of Paper 2 will be compulsory.-

Educational Qualification :

A candidate should have a Master’s Degree from a recognised University or Institution of India.
He/ she should have a minimum aggregate of 55% marks. However, a candidate belonging to the Reserved category (SC/ST/OBC/PWD) should have a minimum score of 50% marks.
Relaxation of 5% marks is given to the candidates who have qualified their Masters by 19th September 1991.
Candidates who are appearing in their final year exams are also eligible to apply.

UGC NET Age Limit:

• For JRF (Junior Research Fellowship) –
  Age Limit – The candidate should not be more than 30 years of age.
• For Assistant Professor –
  No upper age limit to apply for the post of Assistant professor.
• Relaxation in the Upper Age Limit –
  Reserved category candidates (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PWD) will be given relaxation of 5 years in the upper age limit.
  The candidates with L.L.M degree will be given 3 years age relaxation in the JRF Exam.
  Candidates who have research experience will also be given proper relaxation in the age limit.