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Step-by-Step Strategy to Crack UGC-NET

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Cracking the UGC NET (University Grants Commission – National Eligibility Test) requires a strategic blend of smart study, consistent practice and exam awareness. Let us draw a complete roadmap to help you crack the UGC NET, whether you are targeting Assistant Professor eligibility or PhD entry or JRF (Junior Research Fellowship):

Step-by-Step Strategy to Crack UGC-NET:

1. Know the Exam Pattern & Syllabus

UGC NET consists of 2 papers (both are objective):

Paper I – General Paper on Teaching & Research Aptitude (50 questions, 100 marks)

Paper II – Subject-specific (100 questions, 200 marks)

UGC NET Syllabus PDF – NTA Official Site

2. Choose Your Subject Wisely

Choose a subject you have post-graduation in. If you are confused between two subjects, go with the one you are more confident about academically and conceptually.

3. Get the Right Study Materials

Paper I: Books to read
Trueman’s UGC NET/SET Paper 1 

KVS Madaan

Arihant UGC NET Paper 1

Also check Previous years’ question papers

Paper II: (based on your subject)

  • Go for standard textbooks of your PG syllabus

  • Use UGC NET-specific guides like Arihant, Trueman, etc.

  • Check IGNOU notes (they are free and very helpful)

4. Make a Study Plan

  • Dedicate 3-5 hours daily

  • Split time between Paper I and Paper II

  • Include time for revision + practice questions

Example Study Split (daily):

  • 1 hour – Paper I (practice + concepts)

  • 2 hours – Paper II concepts

  • 1 hour – PYQs + mock test

5. Focus on High-Weightage Topics

Paper I must-focus topics:

  • Teaching Aptitude

  • Research Aptitude

  • Communication

  • Comprehension

  • Logical Reasoning

  • Data Interpretation

  • Higher Education

  • ICT (Computer basics)

Paper II: Focus on previous year trends for your subject.

6. Solve Previous Year Papers (PYQs) 

  • Minimum last 5–10 years
  • They help you:
    • Understand question patterns
    • Identify repeated concepts
    • Improve time management

7. Take Mock Tests Weekly

  • Use online platforms like VOESNET
  • Analyze your mistakes after each test
  • Time yourself strictly

8. Revise Regularly

  • Make short notes (handwritten or digital)
  • Use flashcards for definitions, theories, formulas
  • Revise at least once a week all topics covered so far

9. Stay Updated (Paper I – Higher Education & Current Affairs)

  • Read newspapers or use apps like In shorts
  • Note down important schemes, policies, and higher education updates in India

10. Mindset and Consistency

  • Stay calm and confident. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
  • Even 3 months of consistent prep can do wonders.
  • Believe that you can crack it in the first attempt.

Make use of YouTube lectures (many free channels for both papers).

Join a Telegram group or study circle for motivation and resources

Don’t ignore Paper I – it’s equally scoring and manageable

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