How to Prepare for UGC NET 2024:: Preparation Tips & Strategy, 3/ 6/ 12-Month Study Plan

Updated By Bipasha Ray on 14 Feb, 2024 14:23

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How to Prepare for UGC NET 2024

UGC NET 2024 Preparation Tips: UGC NET is regarded as one of the toughest exams, and it needs extensive preparation. In order to qualify for the UGC NET exam, one should prefer a long-term preparation strategy. As UGC declares only the top 6% of 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 to Paper I and Paper 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.

Also Check: UGC Full Form

As UGC NET is conducted twice a year by the 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 on the first go with long-term preparation. To start the UGC NET exam preparation, candidates must go through the UGC NET syllabus, exam pattern, previous years' question papers, sample papers, etc. to ensure maximum marks in the exam. The previous year's questions will help understand the exam better like sections, repeated questions, marks weightage, etc.

Taking mock tests is another crucial aspect of UGC NET 2024 exam preparation. By solving mock tests regularly, candidates can check their performance and get familiar with the exam pattern and the types of questions asked in the exam. Candidates need to give their best and work hard to crack the UGC NET 2024 exam and become eligible to secure a job in universities and colleges in India. If you are preparing for the UGC NET 2024 exam, then check out the best preparation tips and 3/ 6/ 12-month study plan provided on this page.

UGC NET 3-Month Preparation Strategy & Study Plan

Usually, short-term preparation for the 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.

UGC NET 3 Month Preparation Timetable

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 a short span. We hope that the below examples will help you to prepare for UGC NET in a better way in three months.

Division of Syllabus for UGC NET Paper I

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

Division of Syllabus for UGC NET Paper II

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 Months

Mock Test Practice on Sunday

At least 2-3 Mock Tests

Day-wise Plan for UGC NET 3-Month Preparation

Study Plan 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)

Study Plan 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)

UGC NET 1-Year & 6-Month Strategy

Usually, the syllabus of the UGC NET exam is based on the Master’s degree syllabus. For instance, if a student completed M.A. in Political Science, he/she can appear for UGC NET exam in Political Science. The syllabus of the exam is mostly based on the M.A. Political Science syllabus, and major emphasis should be given to the same.

The question comes to your mind is How to Prepare for an Exam in One Year? Can I crack UGC NET on the first attempt? The answer is yes. You can crack the UGC NET on 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.

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 the UGC NET exam, i.e., students who have completed a Master’s degree and students who are pursuing a 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 the Master’s degree course. Before starting the preparation for the UGC NET exam, refer to the UGC NET Syllabus and divide the topics accordingly. For example, when you are checking the syllabus, you may find similar topics that you studied in the first or second-year Master’s degree course. Divide the topics accordingly and start your preparation.

Division of Syllabus for UGC NET Preparation

It is always better to start preparation for UGC NET Paper-II first. The syllabus of a subject in the UGC NET exam is divided in the form of topics and subtopics. The syllabus can be divided as follows -

Study Plan 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

Study Plan 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 the UGC NET exam is, you will have a chance to obtain a 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.

Similar Exams :

Month-Wise Preparation Timetable & Study Plan for UGC NET

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

UGC NET Last Minute Preparation Tips

We have curated here the best NTA UGC NET 2024 last-minute preparation tips to help boost candidates’ preparation levels.

Revise your notes

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.

Analyse the solved UGC NET mock tests & question papers

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.

Read the complete question first

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.

Maintain your Speed & Accuracy

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.

Do not forget to carry UGC NET admit card & documents

Candidates need to carry the UGC NET admit card 2024 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.

How Many Hours to Spend Per Day for UGC NET Preparation?

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.

UGC NET Coaching V/s UGC NET Self-Study

What should you choose for better UGC NET 2024 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:

Best Books for UGC NET Preparation

UGC NET Previous Year Question Papers

Want to know more about UGC NET

FAQs about UGC NET Preparation Tips

How do I prepare for UGC NET 2024?

To be well prepared for UGC NET 2024, 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.

What is the best strategy to prepare for UGC NET 2024 Paper I?

To prepare for UGC NET 2024 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.

How much time I need to prepare for UGC NET Exam?

The preparation time for the UGC NET Exam varies depending on individual circumstances such as prior knowledge, study routine, and dedication. However, it is generally recommended to allocate 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. Several months of focused and consistent preparation to increases chances of success.

Do I need to study for 10 hours everyday to prepare for UGC NET exam?

The amount of time required to prepare for the UGC NET exam varies for each individual. While studying for 10 hours a day can be beneficial, it is important to create a study plan that suits your learning style and allows for regular and focused preparation. Focus on quality of your preparation, not quantity.

Do I need timetable for UGC NET preparation?

Yes, you need a timetable for UGC NET preparation, as it can be extremely helpful providing structure, managing time effectively, and ensuring proper coverage of all subjects and topics within a specified timeframe.

View All Questions

Related Questions

I have completed my MBA and In my graduation (BA - Major in English). Please suggest, do I need to select the management paper for NET exam or I could have Option to choose another subject as well,Like as History.

-NISHITUpdated on May 25, 2023 02:32 PM
  • 3 Answers
Abhinav Chamoli, CollegeDekho Expert

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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If I choose History as an optional subject for my UPSC entrance exam and fail to clear the exam, can I apply for UGC NET with History?

-Ishiqa srivastavaUpdated on June 25, 2022 01:38 PM
  • 4 Answers
Abhik Das, Student / Alumni

Dear student, it seems that you are mixing up two very different things completely. In order to be eligible to apply for the UPSC civil services examination, you at least need to have a graduation degree from any recognised University. For UGC NET, the minimum qualification required to apply is a postgraduate degree. Thus, only if you have completed your Master’s degree study in History or any related subject, you are eligible to apply for UGC NET with History as your main paper. We suggest you take a look at the following links for a better understanding regarding both UPSC …

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Where can I find the detailed syllabus and exam pattern for UGC NET Mathematics exam 2020?

-SssUpdated on September 07, 2020 02:01 PM
  • 1 Answer
Abhik Das, Student / Alumni

Dear student, as per the latest information available on the official website of the University Grants Commission (UGC), there are no details regarding the conduct of the UGC NET mathematics exam. There is no syllabus and exam pattern for the UGC NET mathematics exam available on the official website. However, you can apply for CSIR UGC NET 2020 exam in which there is a subject called - Mathematical Sciences. The CSIR UGC NET 2020 mathematical sciences exam is expected to be conducted in the second week of November and you can find out all the details regarding the same from …

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