The NTA has officially released the UGC NET December 2024 notification, inviting applications for eligibility in Assistant Professorship and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF). Interested candidates can apply online through the official portal at ugcnet.nta.ac.in. The exams will be held from January 1 to January 19, 2025.
New Delhi: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the notification for the UGC NET December 2024 session on 19th November, 2024, initiating the application process for candidates across India. Aspirants aiming to qualify for Assistant Professorships or Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) in universities and colleges can now apply online at the official website, ugcnet.nta.ac.in. The application window is open until December 10, 2024, and the exams are scheduled to take place from January 1 to January 19, 2025.
The UGC NET (University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test) is one of India’s premier examinations, conducted biannually to assess candidates’ eligibility for academic and research roles. Covering over 80 disciplines, including Humanities, Social Sciences, and Computer Science, the exam plays a pivotal role in determining the future of higher education and research in the country.
A notable update for the December 2024 session is the inclusion of Ayurveda Biology as a new subject, broadening the scope for candidates from diverse academic backgrounds. The detailed syllabus for all subjects, including Ayurveda Biology, is available at ugcnetonline.in
In its commitment to transparency, the NTA recently released the results for the UGC NET June 2024 session, which included the final answer key and cutoff scores. This session also witnessed a re-exam from August 21 to September 5, 2024, ensuring fairness for candidates following concerns during the initial examination phase.
This article provides a comprehensive guide for the UGC NET December 2024 session, covering essential details such as eligibility criteria, syllabus, exam pattern, and preparation strategies. Whether aspiring for a JRF or Assistant Professorship, this guide will help candidates navigate the application process and prepare effectively for the exam. Stay updated with live notifications and critical announcements to ensure you don’t miss any important information.
Overview of UGC NET 2024 Exam
| Exam Particulars | Details |
| Exam Name | UGC NET (University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test) |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Level | National |
| Exam Frequency | Twice a year (June & December) |
| Mode of Exam | Online (Computer Based Test) |
| Purpose of Exam | Eligibility for Assistant Professor or JRF in Indian colleges |
| Total Subjects | 83 |
| Official Website | ugcnet.nta.ac.in |
Important Dates for UGC NET December 2024
The following table presents the key dates for UGC NET 2024 December, as expected based on previous schedules:
| Event | Expected Date |
| Notification Release | 19th November 2024 |
| Application Start Date | 19th November 2024 |
| Last Date to Apply | 10th December 2024 |
| Admit Card Release Date | To be announced |
| UGC NET Exam Date | 1st of January 2025 to 19th of January 2025 |
| Result Declaration | March 2025 |
Note: Keep checking the official website for updates on the exact dates.
UGC NET December 2024 Eligibility Criteria
Meeting the eligibility criteria is crucial before applying for UGC NET. Here are the essential details:
1. Educational Qualification
- Master’s Degree: Candidates must have a Master’s degree or equivalent from a recognized university in fields like Humanities, Social Sciences, Computer Science, and Electronic Science.
- Minimum Marks: General category candidates must secure at least 55% aggregate marks, while reserved category candidates (SC/ST/OBC/PwD) require 50%.
- Final Year Students: Those in their final semester can also apply, provided they meet the minimum mark requirements upon completing their degree.
- PhD Holders: Candidates with a Ph.D. completed by 19th September 1991 receive a relaxation of 5% in aggregate marks.
2. Age Limit
- Junior Research Fellowship (JRF): Maximum age limit is 30 years. Reserved categories receive a relaxation of up to 5 years.
- Assistant Professor: No upper age limit.
UGC NET December 2024 Application Process
The application form for UGC NET December 2024 will be available online on the official website. Here’s how to apply:
- Visit the official website at ugcnet.nta.ac.in.
- Click on the “Application Form” link on the homepage.
- Register as a new user by providing essential details.
- Fill in the application form with personal, academic, and communication details.
- Upload scanned copies of your passport-sized photograph (10–200 KB) and signature (4–30 KB).
- Pay the application fee based on your category (details in the next section).
- Submit the form and save the confirmation page.
UGC NET December 2024 Application Fee Structure
| Category | Fee |
| General | ₹1,150 |
| OBC/EWS | ₹600 |
| SC/ST/PwD/Transgender | ₹325 |
Note: The application fee is non-refundable.
UGC NET 2024 Exam Pattern
The UGC NET exam consists of two papers conducted consecutively without a break. The following table gives an overview of the UGC NET December 2024 exam pattern:
| Paper | Number of Questions | Total Marks | Duration |
| Paper 1 | 50 | 100 | 1 Hour |
| Paper 2 | 100 | 200 | 2 Hours |
| Total | 150 | 300 | 3 Hours |
Key Points:
- Paper 1: Focuses on teaching and research aptitude, general awareness, reasoning, and comprehension.
- Paper 2: Subject-specific questions based on the candidate’s chosen field (one of the 83 subjects).
- Marking Scheme: Each correct answer receives 2 marks, with no negative marking for incorrect answers.
- Language: Available in both English and Hindi.
UGC NET December 2024 Reservation Policy
UGC NET follows India’s reservation policy, with specific seat allocations for different categories. Here’s a breakdown:
| Category | Reservation Percentage |
| Scheduled Castes (SC) | 15% |
| Scheduled Tribes (ST) | 7.5% |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL) | 27% |
| Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) | 10% |
| Persons with Disabilities (PwD) | 4% |
Required Documents for UGC NET December 2024 Application
To complete the application process, candidates must upload the following documents:
- Academic Certificates: Copies of mark sheets and degrees.
- Photo ID Proof: Aadhaar, Passport, PAN, or other government-issued ID.
- Category Certificate: For SC/ST/OBC candidates, as applicable.
- PwD/EWS Certificate: If applicable.
- Scanned Photo and Signature: In JPG format (photo size: 10–200 KB, signature size: 4–30 KB).
UGC NET 2024 Selection Procedure
The selection procedure is based on a merit list. Only the top 6% of candidates in each subject who pass both papers will be eligible for JRF or Assistant Professor roles. For Assistant Professorship only, the top 15% of candidates from each category are selected.
UGC NET December 2024 Answer Key
After the examination, NTA will release a provisional answer key online, allowing candidates to challenge any responses. Once the objections are reviewed, the final answer key will be published, used for result preparation.
UGC NET December 2024 Result and Scorecard
The results, expected in January 2025, will be available on the official NTA website. Candidates can access their scorecards using their registration number and password. The scorecard includes:
- Candidate’s name, roll number, and subject.
- Marks obtained in each paper.
- Percentage and overall rank.
UGC NET 2024 Minimum Qualifying Marks
| Category | Paper 1 | Paper 2 |
| General | 40% | 40% |
| OBC-NCL/PwD/ST/SC | 35% | 35% |
Note: Qualifying marks may vary based on the exam’s difficulty level and cut-off trends.
Tips for UGC NET 2024 Preparation
- Familiarize Yourself with the syllabus and exam pattern.
- Regular Practice with mock tests and previous papers.
- Focus on Time Management by practicing questions within timed sessions.
- Use Recommended Books for your specific subject.
- Stay Updated on current affairs relevant to your subject area.
Conclusion
Preparing for the UGC NET December 2024 exam requires diligence, strategy, and a thorough understanding of the eligibility, exam pattern, and syllabus. Keep track of official announcements, manage your study plan, and make the most of the available resources to succeed.
For more updates, visit ugcnet.nta.ac.in regularly.
FAQs
1. Will there be a UGC NET exam in December 2024?
Yes, the UGC NET exam is conducted twice a year—in June and December. The December 2024 session is confirmed, and candidates can expect the notification to be released soon, detailing important dates, eligibility, and the application process.
2. How can I apply for UGC NET December 2024?
To apply for UGC NET December 2024, visit the official NTA UGC NET website (https://ugcnet.nta.nic.in). The application form will be available there once the notification is out. Candidates should follow these steps:
- Register using a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Fill in the required personal, educational, and contact details.
- Upload scanned documents, including photographs and signatures, in the specified format.
- Pay the application fee through the provided payment options.
- Submit and print the confirmation page for future reference.
3. What is the UGC NET salary?
The UGC NET qualification itself does not provide a direct salary; however, it qualifies candidates to apply for positions like Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF).
- JRF Stipend: Selected candidates for JRF receive a fellowship ranging from ₹31,000 to ₹35,000 per month, along with other allowances, for the duration of their research.
- Assistant Professor: Salaries vary depending on the institution and position level, but the starting pay for Assistant Professors in central universities typically ranges from ₹57,700 to ₹1,82,400 per month as per the 7th Pay Commission.
4. Who is eligible for UGC NET 2024?
To be eligible for UGC NET 2024, candidates must:
- Hold a master’s degree or equivalent from a recognized university with at least 55% marks (50% for reserved categories).
- There is no upper age limit for Assistant Professor eligibility, while for the JRF, candidates must be under 31 years of age (age relaxation applies for reserved categories).
- Those in the final year of their master’s degree are also eligible to apply, provided they can submit their degree upon qualifying the exam.
