Updated By Deepansh Sharma on 15 Nov, 2022 14:52
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UGC NET is regarded as one of the toughest exams, and it needs extensive preparation. In order to fare well in the UGC NET exam, one should prefer a long-term preparation strategy. As UGC declares only the top 6% candidates eligible for Lectureship or Junior Research Fellow (JRF), securing a higher score in both Paper I and Paper II of the exam is mandatory. Each aspirant must balance the time and give equal importance for Paper I and II. UGC NET Paper I is common for all, while Paper II is subject-specific. One can choose a subject relevant to his/ her Master’s degree.
As UGC NET is being conducted twice a year by National Testing Agency (NTA), one can aspire for the second session of UGC NET if he/ she fails to clear the first session of UGC NET. However, one can crack UGC NET in the first go with a long term preparation.
As UGC NET 2023 Exam is just one month away, it is time to start the revision of syllabus. As you have already covered or had knowledge of most of the topics, it is better to practice as many mock tests or practise tests possible. Continuous revision and practice tests will lead to ultimate success in the examination.
All the Best!!
Also Check out: UGC NET Admit Card 2023
Usually, short-term preparation for UGC NET exam is preferred by those students who are either pursuing a final-year Master’s degree or jobholders. For such candidates, short-term preparation is the only option to fare well in the examination. In order to help the candidates to prepare a good strategy for short-term preparation, we have created some model timetables through which short-term UGC NET preparation can be practically possible.
Also Read:Check the Eligibility Criteria
Compared to one year or six-month preparation strategy, the three-month strategy for the UGC NET exam is completely different. Aspirants need to spend more time on exam preparation per day, as the syllabus of the exam is vast. On the other hand, the aspirants must prepare for both Paper I & II simultaneously in the short span. We hope that the below examples will help you to prepare for UGC NET in a better way in three months.
Total No. Of Units in Paper I (Specified by NTA) | 10 Units |
No. Of Sub Topics in Each Unit | 6-8 (Let us Assume 8) |
Total No. Of Sub- Topics | 80 |
Total No. Of Sub Topics to be covered in a Day | At least Four |
Total No. Of Sub Topics to be covered in a Week (Monday to Saturday) | 6X4 = 24 |
All Sub Topics to be covered in | One Month |
Mock Test Practice on Sunday | At least 2-3 Mock Tests |
Total No. Of Units in Paper II (any subject) | Let us assume 10 |
No. Of Sub Topics in Each Unit | Let us assume 14 |
Total No. Of Sub- Topics | 140 |
Total No. Of Sub Topics to be covered in a Day | At least Five |
Total No. Of Sub Topics to be covered in a Week (Monday to Saturday) | 6X5 = 30 |
All Sub Topics to be covered in | One and Half Month |
Mock Test Practice on Sunday | At least 2-3 Mock Tests |
Day Wise Plan for UGC NET Three-Month Preparation
Example 1
Total No. Of Hours to be Spent for Exam Preparation (Per Day) | 10 Hours |
Morning Session (5:00 AM to 8:00 AM) | Paper II (Subject Specific) - Pick Up at least two sub-topics |
10:00 AM to 1:00 PM | Paper II (Subject Specific) - Pick Up at least Two Topics |
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM | Paper II (Subject Specific) - Pick Up at least one subtopic and revise already covered topics |
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM | Paper I (Pick up at least 3-4 Sub Topics) |
Example 2
Total No. Of Hours to be Spent for Exam Preparation (Per Day) | 10 Hours |
Morning Session (10 AM to 1:00 PM) | Paper II (Subject Specific) - Pick Up at least two sub-topics |
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM | Paper II (Subject Specific) - Pick Up at least Two Topics |
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM | Paper II (Subject Specific) - Pick Up at least one subtopic and revise already covered topics |
8:00 PM to 12:00 PM | Paper I (Pick up at least 3-4 Sub Topics) |
Usually, the syllabus of the UGC NET exam is based on Master’s degree syllabus. For instance, if a student completed M.A. Political Science, he/she can appear for UGC NET exam in Political Science. The syllabus of the exam is mostly based on M.A. Political Science syllabus, and major emphasis should be given to the same.
The question comes into your mind is How to Prepare for Exam in One Year? Can I crack UGC NET in the first attempt? The answer is yes. You can crack the UGC NET in the first attempt if you rely on long term preparation. However, there are some exceptions here, which will be discussed in the latter part. Firstly, let us focus on preparing a long term preparation strategy for the UGC NET exam.
Constant Revision of Subject is the Key: If you are focusing on long-term preparation for the UGC NET exam, make sure that you revise the subject from time to time. Usually, two kinds of students appear for UGC NET exam, i.e., students who have completed a Masters’ degree and students who are pursuing final-year Master’s degree.
Students who have completed the Master’s degree and preparing for the UGC NET exam must first start with the first year syllabus of Master’s degree course. Before starting the preparation for the UGC NET exam, refer the UGC NET Syllabus and divide the topics accordingly. For example, when you are checking the syllabus, you may find the similar topics that you studied in the first or second year Master’s degree course. Divide the topics accordingly and start your preparation.
It is always better to start preparation for UGC NET Paper-II first. The syllabus of a subject in UGC NET exam is divided in the form of topics and subtopics. The syllabus can be divided as follows -
Example 1 -
Name of the Subject | Economics |
Number of Units (Topics) | 10 |
Number of Sub-Topics in Each Unit | 10 - 14 (Let us assume 14) |
Total Number of Sub-Topics to Prepare | 10 X 14 = 140 |
No. Of Sub-Topics that Can be Covered Per Day (Refer Day Wise Timetable Below) | Three |
No. Of Sub Topics that can be covered in a Week (Five Days - Monday to Friday) | 3X5 = 15 (Three Sub Topics Per Day Multiplied by Five. So, 15 sub-topics can be covered in a week). |
Sixth Day, i.e., Saturday | Practice Test for the One Complete Topic |
Example 2-
Name of the Subject | English Literature |
Number of Units (Topics) | 15 |
Number of Sub-Topics in Each Unit | 12 - 16 (Let us Assume 16) |
Total Number of Sub-Topics to Prepare | 15 X 16 = 240 |
No. Of Sub-Topics that Can be Covered Per Day (Refer Day Wise Timetable Below) | Three |
No. Of Sub Topics that can be covered in a Week (Five Days - Monday to Friday) | 3X5 = 15 (Three Sub-Topics Per Day Multiplied by Five. So, 15 sub-topics can be covered in a week). |
Sixth Day, i.e., Saturday | Practice Test for the One Complete Topic |
Note: - The above example is just to give an idea to students on the division of syllabus, and the same varies from one subject to another.
Deep Knowledge of the Subject Necessary: One of the major advantages of the long term preparation strategy for UGC NET exam is, you will have a chance to obtain the deep knowledge of the subject. This aspect is very important to crack the UGC NET exam in one go. The question paper of UGC NET, specifically Paper II consists of various subject-specific questions, and the difficulty level of the same will be high, as deeper aspects of the subjects are covered.
The below examples will help you in framing a monthly preparation plan for UGC NET exam preparation.
Example 1 -
Name of the Subject | English |
Total Number of Sub Topics to Cover | 240 |
Time Left for the Exam | One Year |
Total Number of Sub Topics Covered in a Week | 15 |
Total Number of Sub Topics Covered in a Month | 60 |
All Sub Topics Can be Covered in | Five Months |
Sixth, Seventh, Eighth and Ninth | Preparation for UGC NET Paper I |
10th, 11th and 12th Month | Revision |
Example 2 -
Name of the Subject | Public Administration |
Total Number of Sub Topics to Cover | 160 |
Time Left for the Exam | Six Months |
Total Number of Sub Topics Covered in a Week | 20 |
Total Number of Sub Topics Covered in a Month | 80 |
All Sub Topics Can be Covered in | Four Months |
Fifth and Sixth Month | Preparation for UGC NET Paper I and Revision |
Also Read: Check the Dates of Admit Card
We have curated here the best NTA UGC NET 2023 last-minute preparation tips to help boost candidates’ preparation levels.
The most important task to perform specifically during the last days of the preparation is revising the prepared notes. Be it for paper I or II, aspirants should revise all the important topics they have highlighted in the self-prepared notes. Devote a day for revising only the prepared notes because it consists all the important information of topics in simple language.
During the last phase of preparation, candidates can analyse the UGC NET mock tests and previous years’ question papers already solved by them. By going through the solved mock tests and question papers, candidates get to know their weak areas and strong areas. This will help candidates in improvising their weak areas.
Candidates are required to avoid the mistake of reading incomplete questions and arriving at incorrect answers eventually. Read the questions carefully and check what is being asked.
Remember that there are no sectional cut-offs and no negative markings. So your job is to simply maximize your score however you can. So, try to maintain your speed and accuracy while solving the paper during the examination.
Candidates need to carry the UGC NET admit card 2023 and a valid and original photo ID proof to the exam centre. Those who forget to carry these documents will not be allowed to appear for the NTA UGC NET examination.
The number of hours you spend for UGC NET exam preparation per day completely depends on your daily routine. In long term preparation, one can spend at least 8-10 hours per day for the preparation. However, it advisable to not spend constant long hours for the exam preparation.This approach may dilute your overall performance. If you are preparing 10 hours per day, divide the number of hours accordingly.
Wake up early! It is a good approach in long term preparation. At least spend three hours in the morning for understanding the concept. Note down the important topics after reading a particular concept and scan all the important points. Depending on the nature of the topic, you can complete at least one or two topics in the morning session. Preparing for the exam in morning hours is highly beneficial, as you study with a fresh mind. The below examples will help you to divide the number of hours per day for exam preparation.
Example 1 (For Students who Wake Up Early in the Morning)
Total Number of Hours for Exam Preparation (Per Day) | 8 Hours |
Morning Session (5:00 AM to 8:00 AM) | Pick Up a Sub Topic from the main topic, Read and Understand it Completely, Note Down the Important Points and Scan all the Important Points. |
8:00 AM to 10:00 AM | Daily Routine Activities |
10:00 AM to 1:00 PM | Scan the Important Points Covered in Morning Session, Pick up another subtopic, note down the important points and scan all the important points. |
1:00 PM to 5:00 PM | Rest/ Daily Routine Activities Etc |
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM | Scan the Important Points covered at 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM session and Pick up a new subtopic, note down the important points and scan all the important points. |
10:00 PM | Sleep Early to Wake up Early in the Morning |
Example 2 (For Students who Spend Tend to Do Nightout for Exam Preparation)
Total Number of Hours for Exam Preparation (Per Day) | 8 Hours |
Morning Session (10:00 AM to 1:00 PM) | Pick Up a Sub Topic from the main topic, Read and Understand it Completely, Note Down the Important Points and Scan all the Important Points. |
1:00 PM to 5:00 PM | Daily Routine Activities |
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM | Scan the Important Points Covered in Morning Session, Pick up another subtopic, note down the important points and scan all the important points. |
8:00 PM to 9:00 PM | Dinner Break |
9:00 PM to 12:00 AM | Scan the Important Points Covered at 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM session and Pick up a new subtopic, note down the important points and scan all the important points. |
What should you choose for better UGC NET 2023 preparation?
UGC NET Coaching Institute | UGC NETSelf-Study |
Coaching institutes are one of the best options for the students who wish to seek guidance from the experts and mentors. | It is a known fact that for any entrance examination, self-study holds prime importance. Even if candidates do not opt for coaching institutes, they will have to study and prepare the topics of the syllabus themselves before appearing for the entrance examination. |
The coaching institutes keep constant vigilance on the student’s progress and help them to improve if they fall behind. | If candidates wish to self prepare for UGC NET, they need to understand first how to prepare for UGC NET exam at home with the help of books for UGC NET preparation, and other relevant UGC NET books and study material. |
The coaching institutes provide revalent study material created with the help of experts to wrap up the UGC NET syllabus well on time. | Through self-study, candidates can easily revise what they have studied for the entrance examination and practice questions on it. |
Candidates can rely on the top coaching centres or institutes of UGC NET to score well in the entrance examination. | Self-study will help the candidates dedicate proper time to your studies and also abide by the strict guidelines or timelines while studying for the entrance exam. |
Also Read:
Want to know more about UGC NET
Having a timetable for UGC NET preparation will help you organize your time so yes, it is helpful.
Candidates taking the UGC NET do not need to spend more than 4 to 5 hours every day on preparation. Focus on quality of your preparation, not quantity.
If you are serious about the study and ready to dedicate 6 to 7 hours daily for UGC NET, you may prepare the syllabus within 4 months. There are many students who got success within 4 months of preparation.
In order to prepare for UGC NET Paper 1, the students need to Understand the syllabus, Know the exam pattern, Plan thoroughly, Make notes while studying, Revise as many times as possible, Try different types of questions, Practice previous years' papers, and Appear for mock tests.
To be well prepared for UGC NET 2022, all that you need to do is become more organised and confident about taking the exam. You can create a time table and follow it religiously, you can take help from coaching institutes, practice mock tests and solve previous years' question papers. You can take reference material like books to get an in-depth understanding of the different topics in the syllabus.
Dear Student,
You can select any subject of your choice in UGC NET 2020 and there is no such limitation restricting you to choosing subjects related to your academics. However, it is recommended that you choose a subject related to your post-graduation or graduation as it helps a lot in the exam.
Check the eligibility criteria and syllabus of UGC NET for more details. Please feel free to write back if you have any queries.
Thank you.
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