UGC NET - 2026 Test Series

UGC NET has two eligibility outcomes. Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) is awarded to candidates who score in the top percentile within their subject; this qualifies them for a government-funded monthly fellowship to pursue PhD research. Assistant Professor eligibility is broader, given to all candidates who qualify the exam above the cut-off, even if they don't rank high enough for JRF. Both are based on the same Paper 1 and Paper 2, but JRF requires a significantly higher score.

UGC NET Paper 1 is a 100-mark general paper common to all candidates regardless of their chosen subject. It tests Teaching and Research Aptitude, Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Communication, Mathematical Reasoning, Data Interpretation, Higher Education System, and Information and Communication Technology. All questions are MCQs with no negative marking, and it must be completed alongside Paper 2 in a combined 3-hour session.

No. UGC NET 2026 does not have negative marking. Each correct answer in Paper 1 carries 2 marks and in Paper 2 carries 2 marks (200 marks total for Paper 2). Unanswered and incorrect questions receive zero marks. Candidates should always attempt every question rather than leaving questions blank.

Most UGC NET toppers recommend completing at least 15–20 full-length mock tests before the exam, alongside regular topic-wise practice. The PrepWords UGC NET 2026 test series is structured to allow progressive practice starting with topic-wise tests in Paper 1 and Paper 2, then graduating to full-length combined tests, which builds accuracy before working on speed.

Yes. UGC NET Paper 1 is largely skill-based reasoning, comprehension, and data interpretation rather than fact-heavy, which means consistent mock test practice is more effective than classroom coaching for this paper. A structured test series that provides detailed solution explanations allows most candidates to self-prepare Paper 1 successfully without needing external coaching.

NTA does not announce UGC NET cut-off scores in advance. The cut-off is calculated after each session based on the number of candidates who appeared, the difficulty level of the paper, and the total qualifying percentage set by UGC. Historically, Paper 1 cut-offs for the General category have ranged between 45–55% and Paper 2 cut-offs vary widely by subject. Solving previous year papers and mock tests helps estimate your standing relative to historical cut-offs.

PrepWords currently offers UGC NET test series for General Paper 1, Commerce, Law, English, Management, and Economics. Subject-specific Paper 2 digital notes and mock tests are available separately for each subject, allowing candidates to combine Paper 1 practice with targeted Paper 2 preparation in one platform.

Yes. PrepWords includes previous year question papers as part of the UGC NET test series, integrated alongside topic-wise and full-length mock tests. Practising PYQs is especially important for Paper 2 because NTA frequently revisits similar concepts across sessions. Candidates who analyse PYQs consistently spot pattern repetitions that give them a real scoring advantage.