UGC NET Selection Process 2025- Procedure, Passing Marks, Slots Allocation

Updated By Samia Miraj on 18 Jun, 2025 11:55

UGC NET 2025 selection process involves multiple stages, including taking the exam, meeting the required cutoff, and receiving the e-certificate. The NTA administers the UGC NET selection process to shortlist candidates for the positions of Assistant Professors and Junior Research Fellowships in various universities in India.

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UGC NET Selection Process 2025

UGC NET Selection Process 2025 has two stages: Paper 1 tests teaching and research aptitude, while Paper 2 focuses on the candidate's subject expertise. Candidates must score above the cut-off in both papers to be considered for the selection. After the exams, NTA releases category-wise and subject-wise cut-offs. Based on their scores and preferences, candidates meeting these cut-offs are declared NET qualified for lectureship, JRF (Junior Research Fellowship), or both.

The candidates who have cleared UGC NET as per the minimum qualifying marks, i.e., 40% for General and 35% for Reserved Category, shall be declared ‘Pass’ in the UGC NET 2025 exam. However, not all the candidates attaining the minimum qualifying marks shall be declared eligible for the award of an E-Certificate. The candidates can find out more about the UGC NET selection process 2025, along with other important information, right here!

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Detailed UGC NET Selection Process 2025

The UGC NET selection process involves several steps to identify and select candidates for lectureship positions and for awarding Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) in Indian universities and colleges. Here is the step-by-step UGC NET 2025 selection process:

  • Appearing for the Exam: The first thing candidates need to do is appear for the UGC NET exam. It comprises two papers: Paper 1 is a general paper on teaching/research aptitude, and Paper 2 is subject-specific based on the post-graduation syllabus of a candidate.
  • Declaration of the Result: NTA first releases the answer keys, based on which the result is formulated. The results show whether a candidate has qualified for the exam and met the eligibility for JRF and/or Assistant Professor.
  • Issuance of e-Certificate: Candidates who clear the NET exam are issued a certificate by UGC, validating their qualification for the posts of Assistant Professor or JRF in Indian universities and colleges.
  • Applying for the post of AP of JRF: Based on your UGC NET score, you can apply for the post of Assistant Professor or pursue a Junior Research Fellowship in Indian universities/ colleges.

UGC NET Selection Criteria 2025 for Lectureship

Only 6% of those who applied will pass the test and be qualified to be assistant professors. For this 6% of qualified applicants, there will be a category-based reservation scheme in effect.

The following formula will be used to determine the UGC NET qualifying requirements for Lectureships by category and the subject-specific merit list:

Number. of Qualified Candidates (General Category) for Lectureship in English Subject
The number of candidates (General category) that receive at least a 40% overall score on the English papers 1 and 2 (x) Total number of General category slots available  (÷) Total number of candidates (General category) overall subjects who secure at least 40% aggregate marks in both papers combined.

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UGC NET Selection Criteria 2025 for JRF

Only 1% of the individuals who applied for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) will be eligible for the certificate. The following is a list of the criteria used to choose the JRF-eligible candidates:

Number. of Qualified Candidates (General Category) for Lectureship in English SubjectThe number of candidates from the General category who chose JRF and met the requirements to become assistant professors of English (x) Total number of JRF (General category) slots available  (÷) Total number of candidates (General category) over all subjects who opted for JRF and qualified for Assistant Professor.

Mode of Selection for Award of UGC NET E-Certificate

The UGC NET selection process 2025 mode or requirements to obtain the E-Certificate are as follows -

  • Only the top 6% of candidates who cleared UGC NET shall be declared eligible for the award of an E-Certificate.
  • Only 6% of slots are available for the role of Assistant Professor, and reservation policies are applied for the distribution of slots. EWS is the new inclusion in the reservation policy, and the slot allocation shall be done equally for all categories.

How to Download UGC NET E-Certificate 2025?

The E certificate will be issued to the candidates who successfully get the minimum passing marks in the UGC NET. You can follow the simple procedure given below to download the UGC NET 2025 June e-certificate:

  • Step 1: You will first have to visit the official website of UGC NET at ugcnet.nta.ac.in
  • Step 2: The home page will open on your screen, where you have to go to the “Candidate Activity” section. 
  • Step 3: Now, click on “UGC-NET June-2025: Click Here to Download Certificate.”
  • Step 4: You have to now log in using your Application number and Date of Birth. 
  • Step 5: Click on “Submit” to download the certificate. 

UGC NET 2025 Passing Marks

Candidates will be considered for the UGC NET selection process only if they can attain passing marks for the UGC NET exam. However, scoring the qualifying marks and passing is not enough to be eligible for the next stage of selection. The candidates also have to achieve the cutoff requirements specified by the NTA. The UGC NET passing marks are mentioned in the table below: 

CategoryPaper I (Out of 100 marks)Paper II (Out of 100 marks)
General/Open40 (40%)40 (40%)
Reserved (OBC Non-creamy layer, PWD/SC/ST35 (35%)35 (35%)

UGC NET Reservation Policy

Candidates meeting the UGC NET reservation criteria can gain an advantage in the selection process. Below, we have provided the percentage of seats reserved for different categories to help you understand the UGC NET reservation policy.

Category

Reservation

Other Backward Castes (OBC)

27%

Schedule Caste (SC)

15%

Economically Weaker Section (EWS)

10%

Schedule Tribe (ST)

7.5%

Person with Disability (PwD)

4%

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FAQs about UGC NET

What is the UGC NET selection process?

The UGC NET selection process involves various steps. First, a candidate needs to appear and qualify for the exam. Based on the result, NTA will issue the e-certificate for qualified candidates. Finally, eligible individuals can apply for the post of Assistant Professor or Junior Research Fellowship in India universities/ colleges.

Who conducts the selection process of UGC NET?

The National Testing Agency (NTA), on behalf of the University Grants Commission, conducts the selection process for UGC NET. The NTA is responsible for organizing and administering the examination, including the application process, conducting the test, declaring the results, and issuing the e-certificate.

What is the minimum qualifying mark in UGC NET for General category?

The minimum qualifying mark in UGC NET for the General category is determined by considering the aggregate score and the subject-wise score. As per the official guidelines, candidates need to secure both an aggregate score of 40% and score above the subject-wise cutoff to qualify for UGC NET.

How many slots are available for Assistant Professor in UGC NET?

The number of slots available for Assistant Professor in UGC NET is not fixed or predetermined. The number of candidates qualifying for Assistant Professorship varies based on the performance and merit of the applicants in the exam. However, for the previous year, the slot was 6%.

What is the validity of UGC NET E-Certificate?

The UGC NET certificate has lifetime validity for applying for the post of Assistant Professor in Indian universities and colleges. However, for candidates aspiring to avail of the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), the certificate is valid for three years from the date of issue.

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