NTA UGC NET Syllabus and Strategy for Paper 1

The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the University Grants Commission (UGC) National Eligibility Test (NET) twice a year to determine the eligibility of candidates for the posts of Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in Indian universities and colleges. The UGC NET exam consists of two papers: Paper 1 and Paper 2. Paper 1 is common for all candidates and tests their general aptitude, while Paper 2 is subject-specific and tests their knowledge of the chosen subject.

Here, we will focus on the syllabus and strategy for Paper 1, which covers 10 units of topics such as teaching aptitude, research aptitude, communication, logical reasoning, data interpretation, information and communication technology (ICT), people and environment, higher education system, mathematical reasoning and aptitude, and comprehension. Each unit carries an equal weightage of 5 marks out of the total 100 marks for Paper 1. The duration of Paper 1 is one hour and it consists of 50 objective-type questions with four options each. There is no negative marking for wrong answers.

Unit-I Teaching Aptitude

 Teaching: Concept, Objectives, Levels of teaching (Memory, Understanding, and Reflective), Characteristics, and basic requirements.

 Learner’s characteristics: Characteristics of adolescent and adult learners (Academic, Social, Emotional, and Cognitive), Individual differences.

 Factors affecting teaching related to Teacher, Learner, Support material, Instructional facilities, Learning environment, and Institution.

 Teaching methods in higher learning institutions: Teacher-centred vs. Learner-centered methods; Off-line vs. Online methods (Swayam, Swayamprabha, MOOCs, etc.).

 Teaching Support System: Traditional, Modern, and ICT based.

 Evaluation Systems: Elements and Types of Evaluation, Evaluation in Choice Based Credit System in Higher Education, Computer-based testing, Innovations in evaluation systems.

Unit-II Research Aptitude

 Research: Meaning, Types, and Characteristics, Positivism and Post- positivistic approach to research.

 Methods of Research: Experimental, Descriptive, Historical, Qualitative, and Quantitative Methods.

 Steps of Research.

 Thesis and Article writing: Format and styles of referencing.

 Application of ICT in research.

 Research ethics.

Unit-III Comprehension

 A passage of text is given. Questions be asked from the passage to be answered.

Unit-IV Communication

 Communication: Meaning, types, and characteristics of communication.

 Effective communication: Verbal and Non-verbal, Inter-Cultural and group communications, Classroom communication.

 Barriers to effective communication.

 Mass-Media and Society.

Unit-V Mathematical Reasoning and Aptitude

 Types of reasoning.

 Number series, Letter series, Codes, and Relationships.

 Mathematical Aptitude (Fraction, Time & Distance, Ratio, Proportion and Percentage, Profit and Loss, Interest and Discounting, Averages, etc.).

Unit-VI Logical Reasoning

 Understanding the structure of arguments: argument forms, the structure of categorical propositions, Mood and Figure, Formal and Informal fallacies, Uses of language, Connotations, and denotations of terms, Classical square of opposition.

 Evaluating and distinguishing deductive and inductive reasoning.

 Analogies.

 Venn diagram: Simple and multiple uses for establishing the validity of arguments.

 Indian Logic: Means of knowledge.

 Pramanas: Pratyaksha (Perception), Anumana (Inference), Upamana (Comparison), Shabda (Verbal testimony), Arthapatti (Implication) and Anupalabddhi (Non-apprehension).

 Structure and kinds of Anumana (inference), Vyapti (invariable relation), Hetvabhasas (fallacies of inference).

Unit-VII Data Interpretation

 Sources, acquisition, and classification of Data.

 Quantitative and Qualitative Data.

 Graphical representation (Bar-chart, Histograms, Pie-chart, Table-chart, and Line-chart) and mapping of Data.

 Data Interpretation.

 Data and Governance.

Unit-VIII Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

 ICT: General abbreviations and terminology.

 Basics of Internet, Intranet, E-mail, Audio and Video-conferencing.

 Digital initiatives in higher education.

 ICT and Governance.

Unit-IX People, Development, and Environment

 Development and environment: Millennium development and Sustainable development goals.

 Human and environment interaction: Anthropogenic activities and their impacts on the environment.

 Environmental issues: Local, Regional, and Global; Air pollution, Water pollution, Soil pollution, Noise pollution, Waste (solid, liquid, biomedical, hazardous, electronic), Climate change and its Socio-Economic and Political dimensions.

 Impacts of pollutants on human health.

 Natural and energy resources: Solar, Wind, Soil, Hydro, Geothermal, Biomass, Nuclear, and Forests.

 Natural hazards and disasters: Mitigation strategies.

 Environmental Protection Act (1986), National Action Plan on Climate Change, International agreements/efforts -Montreal Protocol, Rio Summit, Convention on Biodiversity, Kyoto Protocol, Paris Agreement, International Solar Alliance.

Unit-X Higher Education System

 Institutions of higher learning and education in ancient India.

 Evolution of higher learning and research in Post Independence India.

 Oriental, Conventional, and Non-conventional learning programs in India.

 Professional, Technical, and Skill Based education.

 Value education and environmental education.

 Policies, Governance, and Administration.

To prepare well for Paper 1, candidates need to follow a systematic and smart strategy that covers all the topics in the syllabus and also helps them practice their speed and accuracy. Here are some tips to help you ace Paper 1:

- Refer to the best books and study materials. There are many books and online resources available for UGC NET Paper 1 preparation, but you need to choose the ones that are reliable, updated, and comprehensive. Some of the recommended books are NTA UGC NET/SET/JRF Paper 1 by Pearson Education

, Trueman's UGC NET/SET General Paper 1 by Danika Publishing Company, UGC NET/JRF/SLET General Paper-1 Teaching & Research Aptitude by Arihant Publications, etc. You can also use online platforms like Unacademy, Gradeup, Testbook, etc. to access video lectures, mock tests, quizzes, notes, etc.

- Make a study plan and follow it diligently. Based on your syllabus coverage, time availability, and difficulty level of topics, make a realistic and flexible study plan that allocates sufficient time for each unit of Paper 1. Follow your study plan strictly and revise the topics regularly. You can also use a calendar or a planner app to track your progress and set reminders for your tasks.

- Practice as much as you can. The key to scoring well in Paper 1 is to practice as many questions as possible from different sources. This will help you improve your speed, accuracy, and confidence. You can practice from previous years' papers, sample papers, mock tests, online quizzes, etc. Try to solve the questions within the stipulated time limit and analyze your performance after each test. Identify your strengths and weaknesses and work on them accordingly.

- Stay updated with current affairs and general knowledge. Paper 1 also tests your awareness of current issues related to people and the environment, the higher education system, ICT, etc. Therefore, you need to stay updated with the latest news and developments in these areas. You can read newspapers, magazines, journals, blogs, etc., or watch news channels or podcasts to enhance your general knowledge. You can also use apps like Inshorts, Dailyhunt, etc. to get bite-sized news updates on your smartphone.

- Revise thoroughly before the exam. Revision is an essential part of your preparation strategy as it helps you consolidate your learning and recall the information quickly during the exam. You should revise all the topics at least once before the exam day and focus on the important points, formulas, facts, etc. You can also make short notes or flashcards for quick revision. Avoid studying any new topic or concept at the last minute as it may confuse you or create unnecessary stress.