Introduction
The UGC NET December 2026 exam starts on 14 December, which gives you about 60 days. That is enough time to prepare well, but only if you follow a clear plan and do not waste days on random study.
This guide gives you a simple 60-day plan, the exam pattern, the Paper 1 units and the habits that help you score more.
Apply before 28 October, spend the first 25 days on concepts, the next 20 days on revision and previous year questions, and the last 15 days on mock tests and final revision. Attempt all 150 questions, because there is no negative marking.
UGC NET December 2026: Overview
|
Particulars |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Conducting Body |
National Testing Agency (NTA) |
|
Exam Mode |
Computer-based test (CBT) |
|
Exam Window |
14 to 19 December 2026 |
|
Last Date to Apply |
28 October 2026 (till 11:50 PM) |
|
Papers |
Paper 1 (common) and Paper 2 (your subject) |
|
Negative Marking |
None |
Exam Pattern You Must Know
|
Particulars |
Paper 1 |
Paper 2 |
|---|---|---|
|
Content |
Teaching and research aptitude, reasoning, comprehension and more |
Your chosen subject |
|
Questions |
50 |
100 |
|
Marks |
100 |
200 |
|
Marks per Question |
2 |
2 |
Key points:
- Both papers come in one session of 180 minutes, with no break.
- All questions are compulsory and objective type.
- There is no negative marking.
- Paper 2 carries two-thirds of the marks, so subject depth matters most.
- Your qualification depends on your combined score in both papers.
Know Your Target Score
Cutoffs are set by subject and category, so there is no single target. As an example, the June 2026 re-exam cutoffs out of 300 marks for the Unreserved category were:
|
Subject |
JRF |
Assistant Professor |
PhD Only |
|---|---|---|---|
|
English |
226 |
198 |
172 |
|
Commerce |
210 |
182 |
160 |
|
Sociology |
232 |
206 |
174 |
These are only examples from one session. Aim for the highest score you can, and check the previous cutoffs of your own subject and category.
60-Day Preparation Plan
|
Phase |
Days |
What to Do |
|---|---|---|
|
Phase 1: Start |
Days 1 to 3 |
Complete your application, read the official syllabus, collect previous year papers and make your timetable |
|
Phase 2: Concepts |
Days 4 to 25 |
Cover the full Paper 2 syllabus and all 10 Paper 1 units. Make short notes |
|
Phase 3: Revision and PYQs |
Days 26 to 45 |
Revise your notes and solve topic-wise previous year questions |
|
Phase 4: Mocks |
Days 46 to 55 |
Take full-length mock tests in CBT format and analyse every mistake |
|
Phase 5: Final Revision |
Days 56 to 60 |
Revise only short notes, weak topics and formulas. Rest well and check your admit card and exam city |
Paper 1 Units and How to Study Them
Paper 1 has 10 units, and each unit carries about 5 questions. It is the same for every candidate.
|
Unit |
Topic |
Quick Tip |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Teaching Aptitude |
Learn concepts, methods and teaching terms |
|
2 |
Research Aptitude |
Focus on research types, steps and terms |
|
3 |
Comprehension |
Practise passages daily for accuracy |
|
4 |
Communication |
Study types, barriers and media |
|
5 |
Mathematical Reasoning and Aptitude |
Practise series, ratio and basic maths |
|
6 |
Logical Reasoning |
Practise reasoning and argument questions |
|
7 |
Data Interpretation |
Solve tables and charts quickly |
|
8 |
ICT |
Learn terms, full forms and basics |
|
9 |
People, Development and Environment |
Read acts, treaties and key terms |
|
10 |
Higher Education System |
Study governance, polity and administration |
Also Check: UGC NET December 2026
Sample Daily Routine
|
Time Block |
Activity |
|---|---|
|
3 to 4 hours |
Paper 2 subject study |
|
1.5 to 2 hours |
Paper 1 unit study |
|
1 hour |
Previous year questions |
|
1 hour |
Revision of the day's notes |
|
30 minutes |
Current affairs or weak topic practice |
Adjust this routine to your own schedule, and add breaks. Consistency matters more than long hours.
Mock Test and PYQ Strategy
- Solve previous year questions. They show the question style and the topics that repeat.
- Take one mock test every week in Phase 3, and more in Phase 4.
- Use the CBT format. Practise on a computer, because the real exam is online.
- Analyse every test. Note why each mistake happened and fix that topic.
- Track your score. Watch your progress against your target.
Time Management in the Exam
A simple plan for the 180 minutes:
- Paper 1: about 50 to 55 minutes
- Paper 2, first round: about 90 minutes, answering what you know directly
- Paper 2, second round: about 25 minutes, going back to marked questions
Since there is no negative marking, do not leave any question blank. Make an informed guess if you must.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting to apply until the last day.
- Studying only Paper 2 and ignoring Paper 1.
- Using too many books and resources.
- Skipping mock tests until the end.
- Not revising your short notes.
- Starting new topics in the last week.
Also check: 10 Mistakes to Avoid
Conclusion
A 60-day plan can work if you stay consistent. Apply on time, finish your concepts early, practise previous year questions and take regular mock tests. Keep Paper 1 and Paper 2 both in your daily routine.
Since the exam details may change, always confirm dates and rules in the official notification.
College Forum Tip: Start today. Apply for the exam, make a timetable and finish your first mock test within the first three weeks.