UGC NET 2026 Schedule: Dates, exam pattern & marking scheme explained for subjects like Commerce, English, History and Political Science

The UGC NET 2026 (June session), conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), is one of India’s most important examinations for candidates aspiring to become Assistant Professors or secure the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF). With lakhs of aspirants appearing every year, understanding the exam schedule, pattern, and marking scheme is crucial for effective preparation.

UGC NET 2026 Exam Schedule

The UGC NET June 2026 examination is scheduled to be conducted between June 22 and June 30, 2026, in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode across various centres in India. The exam will be held in multiple shifts depending on the subject and number of candidates.

Subjects such as Commerce, English, History, and Political Science are among the most popular choices and will be conducted within this examination window. Candidates are advised to check the official subject-wise schedule released by NTA to know their exact exam date and shift timing.


The admit cards are expected to be released in mid-June 2026, and candidates must download them from the official website before the exam.

UGC NET 2026 Exam Pattern

UGC NET consists of two papers conducted in a single session without any break. The total duration of the exam is 3 hours.

• Paper 1 focuses on Teaching and Research Aptitude and is common for all candidates.
• Paper 2 is subject-specific and based on the candidate’s chosen subject such as Commerce, English, History, or Political Science.

Structure:
Paper 1: 50 questions (100 marks)
Paper 2: 100 questions (200 marks)
Total: 150 questions (300 marks)

All questions are objective-type multiple-choice questions (MCQs), designed to test both conceptual clarity and analytical ability.

UGC NET 2026 Marking Scheme

The marking scheme of UGC NET is straightforward and student-friendly:

• Each correct answer carries 2 marks
• There is no negative marking for incorrect answers

UGC NET 2026 is a highly competitive exam that requires a clear understanding of its structure and marking scheme. With no negative marking and a well-defined syllabus, candidates have the opportunity to maximize their scores through consistent preparation and smart strategy.

Aspirants of Commerce, English, History, and Political Science should focus on building strong conceptual foundations, practicing previous year papers, and managing time effectively during the exam.