The UGC NET 2024 December cycle is set to offer exciting opportunities for aspirants aiming for Assistant Professor roles or Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) across Indian universities. With new subjects introduced and other updates, it’s important to stay informed. This article delves into the latest updates, important dates, application process, syllabus, and tips to ace the exam.
UGC NET 2024 Exam:
The National Testing Agency (NTA) recently released the official notification for UGC NET December 2024 on 19th November 2024. Here’s what you need to know:
- Last Date to Apply
- The final date to submit the application form is 11th December 2024.
- If extended, an official notice will be released.
- New Subject Added
- From December 2024, Ayurveda Biology joins the list of subjects offered.
- Exam Schedule
- The UGC NET exam will be conducted between 1st and 19th January 2025.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Frequency | Twice a year |
| Purpose | Eligibility for Assistant Professor & JRF |
| Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 3 Hours |
| Total Papers | 2 (Paper 1: 100 Marks, Paper 2: 200 Marks) |
| Questions | 150 Multiple-Choice Questions |
| Marking Scheme | +2 for correct answers, No negative marking |
| Languages | English and Hindi |
| Official Website | ugcnet.nta.ac.in |
UGC NET 2024 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 19th November 2024 |
| Application Window | 19th November to 11th December 2024 |
| Correction Window | 12th to 13th December 2024 (up to 11:50 PM) |
| Admit Card Release | December 2024 |
| Exam Dates | 1st to 19th January 2025 |
How to Apply for UGC NET 2024?
Follow these steps to complete your application smoothly:
- Visit ugcnet.nta.ac.in.
- Click on the “Application Form” link on the homepage.
- For new candidates, select “New Registration”.
- Fill in the required details to create a profile.
- Complete the application form and upload:
- Passport-sized photograph (10–200 KB in JPEG).
- Signature (4–30 KB in JPEG).
- Pay the application fee:
- General: ₹1150
- OBC-NCL: ₹600
- SC/ST/PwD/Transgender: ₹325
- Submit the form and download the confirmation page.
UGC NET 2024 Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- A Master’s degree with at least 55% marks (50% for reserved categories).
- Final-year students of Four-Year Bachelor’s programs can apply for select Ph.D. disciplines.
Age Limit
- Junior Research Fellowship (JRF): Maximum 30 years.
- Assistant Professor: No upper age limit.
UGC NET Exam Pattern
| Paper | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | 50 | 100 | Combined 3 Hours for both papers |
| Paper 2 | 100 | 200 |
Key Features:
- No negative marking.
- Both papers are compulsory and held in a single session
UGC NET Syllabus
Paper 1: General Paper on Teaching & Research Aptitude
This section assesses the candidate’s teaching and research aptitude and general awareness. The topics are:
1. Teaching Aptitude
- Teaching: Concept, objectives, levels (memory, understanding, reflective), characteristics, and basic requirements.
- Learner’s characteristics: Adolescent and adult learners (academic, social, emotional, cognitive), individual differences.
- Factors affecting teaching: Related to teacher, learner, support material, instructional facilities, learning environment, and institution.
- Methods of teaching: Teacher-centered vs. learner-centered methods, offline vs. online methods (SWAYAM, MOOCs, etc.).
- Teaching support systems: Traditional, modern, and ICT-based.
- Evaluation systems: Types, elements, and evaluation in the Choice Based Credit System.
2. Research Aptitude
- Research: Meaning, characteristics, and types.
- Research methods: Experimental, descriptive, historical, qualitative, and quantitative.
- Steps of research: Problem-solving approaches, hypothesis, and data interpretation.
- Application of ICT in research and ethics in research.
- Thesis and article writing: Format, styles, and referencing.
3. Comprehension
- A short passage followed by questions testing the candidate’s ability to understand and analyze.
4. Communication
- Communication: Meaning, types, and characteristics.
- Effective communication: Verbal, non-verbal, intercultural, and classroom communication.
- Barriers to communication.
- Role of mass media and society.
5. Mathematical Reasoning and Aptitude
- Types of reasoning.
- Number series, letter series, codes, and relationships.
- Mathematical aptitude: Fractions, time & distance, ratio, percentage, profit & loss, and averages.
6. Logical Reasoning
- Structure of arguments, forms of arguments, and formal/informal fallacies.
- Venn diagrams, deductive reasoning, and Indian logic.
- Concepts like Pratyaksha (perception), Anumana (inference), and Shabda (verbal testimony).
7. Data Interpretation
- Data sources, acquisition, classification, and interpretation.
- Graphical representation: Bar chart, pie chart, histograms, and tables.
8. Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
- General ICT abbreviations, terminology, and basics of the internet.
- E-learning tools, video conferencing, and digital initiatives in higher education.
9. People, Development, and Environment
- Development and environment interaction: Sustainable goals, pollution types, and mitigation strategies.
- Environmental protection laws, global warming, and climate change.
10. Higher Education System
- Evolution of higher education in India.
- Policies, governance, skill-based education, and value education.
Paper 2: Subject-Specific Syllabus
Paper 2 focuses on the candidate’s core subject of post-graduation. The UGC NET provides over 83 subjects, including but not limited to:
Details pending from official notification.
Commerce
Business Environment, Financial Management, and Accounting.
Marketing, Human Resource Management, and Organizational Behavior.
English
Literary theory, criticism, and historical periods of English Literature.
American, British, and postcolonial literature.
Economics
Microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics.
International trade and public finance.
Political Science
Political theories, Indian Constitution, and public administration.
International relations and comparative politics.
Ayurveda Biology(Introduced in December 2024 Cycle)
Preparation Tips
- Understand the Syllabus: Focus on important topics for Paper 1 and in-depth knowledge for Paper 2.
- Mock Tests & Previous Papers: Regular practice improves speed and accuracy.
- Download Mock Tests.
- Previous Year Papers.
- Use Recommended Books: Select books that cover updated exam patterns and syllabus.
- Time Management: Allocate daily time slots for Paper 1 and Paper 2 preparation.
Ph.D. Admissions through UGC NET Scores
- Admissions are based on NET scores and interview/viva voce marks.
- Scores are valid for one year for admission purposes.
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Can I apply for UGC NET if I am in the final year of my Master’s degree?
final-year students are eligible to apply but must submit proof of qualification by the specified deadline.
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Is there an upper age limit for the Assistant Professor role?
No, there is no age restriction for Assistant Professor eligibility.
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What’s new in the UGC NET December 2024 cycle?
‘Ayurveda Biology’ has been added as a new subject.
Sushma Joshi is passionate about writing and is the editor-in-chief of various websites, Currently writes for Ind Alerts for Education and News Section. A nerd and sentimental pulse, she enjoys music and travelling. A big fan of Saina Nehwal . She is a great listener who loves observing people.