Introduction
UGC NET December 2026 starts on 14 December, so you have about 60 days. This guide shows how to prepare for Paper 1 and Paper 2 together, with a simple time split, a daily routine and a mock test plan.
Study both papers every day. Give about two thirds of your study time to Paper 2 and one third to Paper 1, because the marks are in the same ratio. Practise Paper 1 aptitude units in short daily sessions, and take full mock tests that cover both papers.
UGC NET December 2026: Overview
|
Particulars |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Conducting Body |
National Testing Agency (NTA) |
|
Exam Mode |
Computer-based test |
|
Exam Window |
14 to 19 December 2026 |
|
Paper 1 |
50 questions, 100 marks (common for all) |
|
Paper 2 |
100 questions, 200 marks (your subject) |
|
Total |
150 questions, 300 marks |
|
Duration |
180 minutes, both papers in one session |
|
Negative Marking |
None |
Why You Need to Prepare Both Papers Together
- Your result depends on the combined score. Marks from both papers are added, so a weak Paper 1 can pull down a strong Paper 2.
- Paper 1 gives quick marks. It tests aptitude, so a few weeks of regular practice can improve your score.
- Paper 2 needs depth. It carries 200 marks and needs steady study of your full subject syllabus.
- Both papers come in one sitting. You need stamina and a plan for 180 minutes.
Also Check: How to Prepare for the Exam in 60 Days
How to Split Your Study Time
A simple rule is to divide your time in the same ratio as the marks.
|
Paper |
Marks |
Share of Study Time |
Suggested Daily Time (6 to 8 hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Paper 2 |
200 |
About 65 to 70% |
4 to 5 hours |
|
Paper 1 |
100 |
About 30 to 35% |
2 hours |
Daily Routine for Paper 1 and Paper 2
Choose the routine that fits your day.
|
Time Block |
Full-Time Student (6 to 8 hours) |
Working Candidate (3 to 4 hours) |
|---|---|---|
|
Paper 2 new topics |
3 hours |
1.5 to 2 hours |
|
Paper 1 unit study |
1 hour |
45 minutes |
|
Paper 1 practice (maths, reasoning, DI, comprehension) |
45 minutes |
30 minutes |
|
Previous year questions |
1 hour |
30 minutes |
|
Revision of the day's notes |
45 minutes |
20 minutes |
Weekly Plan
|
Day |
Plan |
|---|---|
|
Monday to Saturday |
Follow the daily routine. Cover one Paper 2 topic group and one Paper 1 unit step by step |
|
Sunday |
Revise the week's notes, solve previous year questions and take a short test |
60-Day Phase Plan
|
Phase |
Days |
Paper 2 |
Paper 1 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Phase 1 |
Days 1 to 25 |
Cover the complete syllabus and make short notes |
Finish all 10 units, theory units first |
|
Phase 2 |
Days 26 to 45 |
Revise notes and solve topic-wise previous year questions |
Revise units and practise maths, reasoning and DI daily |
|
Phase 3 |
Days 46 to 55 |
Full mock tests and weak topic work |
Full mock tests and timed practice |
|
Phase 4 |
Days 56 to 60 |
Short notes and weak topics only |
Short notes and quick practice only |
Remember to complete your application before 28 October 2026.
Tips to Balance Both Papers
- Start with the harder paper. Do your toughest Paper 2 topic first, when your mind is fresh.
- Use Paper 1 as a reset. Switch to Paper 1 practice in the second half of the study block to refresh your mind.
- Practise aptitude in short bursts. Maths, reasoning and data interpretation improve with daily practice, not with cramming.
- Read one comprehension passage daily. It builds speed and accuracy.
- Look for overlap. In many subjects, research methodology topics in Paper 2 connect with Research Aptitude in Paper 1, so one study session can help both.
- Keep your notes short. One notebook for Paper 1 and one for Paper 2 makes revision easy.
Mock Tests: Track Both Papers
- Take full mock tests of 150 questions in CBT format, in one sitting of 180 minutes.
- Record two scores for every mock: Paper 1 out of 100 and Paper 2 out of 200.
- Find the weak side. If one paper is behind, adjust your daily time split.
- Review every mistake. Note whether it was a concept gap, a silly error or a time problem.
- Compare with your subject's earlier cutoffs to set a realistic target.
Exam-Day Time Plan
This is a simple suggestion for the 180 minutes.
|
Part |
Suggested Time |
|---|---|
|
Paper 1 |
About 50 to 55 minutes |
|
Paper 2, first round |
About 90 minutes |
|
Paper 2, review round |
About 25 minutes |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Studying only Paper 2 and ignoring Paper 1 until the end.
- Putting all Paper 1 practice into the last week.
- Taking mock tests for only one paper.
- Using too many books and notes.
- Skipping revision in the last 10 days.
- Delaying the application until the last date.
Also Check: 10 Mistakes to Avoid
Conclusion
Preparing for Paper 1 and Paper 2 together is the safest way to improve your UGC NET score. Split your time by marks, practise aptitude daily and take full mock tests that track both papers.
Since exam details can change, always confirm dates and rules in the official notification.
College Forum Tip: Keep a simple tracker with your Paper 1 and Paper 2 mock scores side by side. It shows exactly where to spend tomorrow's study time.