UGC NET January 2026 Exam Analysis, Question Paper & Memory-Based PDF.The UGC NET January 2026 examination, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), is one of the most important national-level exams for candidates aspiring to become Assistant Professors, Junior Research Fellows (JRF), and for PhD admissions in Indian universities and colleges. The exam was held in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode across multiple dates from 31 December 2025 to 7 January 2026.
After the completion of the exam on 2 January 2026, candidates actively searched for UGC NET exam analysis, question paper PDFs, and memory-based questions to assess their performance and understand the overall difficulty level. This detailed article combines exam analysis, question paper details, memory-based information, exam pattern, and difficulty level into a single comprehensive guide.
Overview of UGC NET January 2026
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | UGC NET January 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Papers | Paper 1 & Paper 2 |
| Total Questions | 150 |
| Total Marks | 300 |
| Exam Duration | 3 Hours |
| Question Type | Objective (MCQs) |
| Negative Marking | No |
| Difficulty Level | Easy to Moderate |
UGC NET January 2, 2026 Exam Analysis (Shift 1 & Shift 2)
Based on feedback received from candidates, the overall difficulty level of the UGC NET January 2026 exam was Easy to Moderate. Most candidates found Paper 1 easier compared to Paper 2, while Paper 2 was reported to be lengthy and subject-specific.
Paper 1 – Difficulty Level & Topics
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
- Indian Logic questions had higher weightage
- Reading Comprehension passages were simple and direct
- Data Interpretation questions were calculative but manageable
Major Topics Asked in Paper 1:
- Teaching Aptitude
- Research Design
- Coding–Decoding
- Chronology (UGC, Media, Institutions)
- ICT (RAM/ROM, USB, Input-Output Devices)
- National Education Policy (NEP)
- Logical Reasoning and Validity of Arguments
Paper 2 – Difficulty Level
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Assertion–Reason type questions were asked frequently
- Paper was lengthy for some subjects
- Conceptual clarity was required rather than rote learning
UGC NET Question Paper January 2026 – Paper 1 & Paper 2
The UGC NET Question Paper 2026 consists of two papers conducted in a single session.
Paper Structure
- Paper 1: General Teaching & Research Aptitude (Common for all candidates)
- Paper 2: Subject-specific paper based on the candidate’s post-graduation subject
Marking Scheme
- +2 marks for each correct answer
- No negative marking
- All questions are compulsory
Solving these question papers helps candidates:
- Understand the latest exam pattern
- Identify important and repeated topics
- Improve speed, accuracy, and confidence
UGC NET Memory-Based Question Paper 2026
Since official question papers are released after the exam cycle, memory-based question papers are prepared based on candidate feedback. These papers provide a close representation of the actual exam.
Key Highlights of Memory-Based PDFs
- Prepared from real exam experiences
- Useful for candidates appearing in upcoming shifts
- Beneficial for future UGC NET aspirants
- Covers both Paper 1 and Paper 2 questions
Common Topics Seen in Memory-Based Questions
- Teaching Styles (Laissez-faire Teaching)
- Cooperative Learning (Jigsaw Technique)
- Nyaya Philosophy (Concept of Prama)
- Media Development Chronology
- Types of Evaluation (Formative & Summative)
UGC NET Exam Pattern 2026
| Paper | Number of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | 50 | 100 |
| Paper 2 | 100 | 200 |
| Total | 150 | 300 |
Important Exam Pattern Points:
- No sectional time limit
- Both papers conducted in one continuous session
- Exam duration is 3 hours
- Question papers available in English and Hindi (except language subjects)
Section-Wise Difficulty Level (Overall)
| Section | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|
| Teaching Aptitude | Easy to Moderate |
| Research Aptitude | Moderate |
| Reading Comprehension | Easy |
| ICT | Easy |
| Data Interpretation | Moderate |
| Logical Reasoning | Moderate |
| Higher Education System | Moderate |
Expected Good Attempts
- Paper 1: 38–42 questions
- Paper 2: 70–80 questions (varies by subject)
FAQs – UGC NET January 2026
Q1. What was the overall difficulty level of UGC NET January 2026?
The overall difficulty level of the exam was Easy to Moderate.
Q2. Is there any negative marking in the UGC NET exam?
No, there is no negative marking for incorrect answers.
Q3. Are memory-based question papers useful for preparation?
Yes, they provide insight into actual exam questions and help in understanding trends.
Q4. When will the official answer key be released?
The answer key is usually released a few days after the completion of the exam.
Q5. Can previous year question papers help in clearing UGC NET?
Yes, practicing previous and memory-based papers significantly improves exam readiness.
