UGC NET Psychology MahaPack (UGC NET PAPER 1 & Paper 2 Psychology) with PYQ, Mock Papers and Guide with Complete Syllabus Coverage (2 E-books) (PDF Format)
Are you looking or in search for how to prepare for UGC NET Psychology exam 2026? If so, then you want to stay tuned within this article to get detail information about the latest syllabus and exam pattern for the UGC NET Psychology exam. The UCG has already introduced major updates and changes to the syllabus for Psychology UGC NET exam 2026. Here, in this post you will find something more in a well prescribed manner. This will really surprise you and will be helpful for your upcoming 2026 UGC NET Psychology exam preparation. Most of the brilliant candidates yet fail in the exam because they totally underestimate the Psychology UGC NET exam.
The UGC NET Psychology examination is one of the most competitive national level exams in India for candidates aspiring to build a career in teaching, research, and higher academics in Psychology. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the University Grants Commission (UGC), the UGC NET exam determines eligibility for the post of Assistant Professor and for the award of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in Indian universities and colleges.
Furthermore Psychology, being a popular and interdisciplinary subject, attracts a large number of candidates every year, making it essential for aspirants to understand the exam pattern, eligibility criteria, and detailed syllabus thoroughly.
What is UGC NET Psychology Exam?
The UGC NET Psychology exam is design to assess a candidate’s comprehensive understanding of psychological theories, research methodologies, and applied domains of psychology. The exam evaluates not only factual knowledge but also analytical thinking, conceptual clarity, and research aptitude. Likewise candidates qualifying for UGC NET Psychology can pursue careers as Assistant Professors, Research Scholars, Counselors, Psychologists, and Academic Researchers in universities, colleges, research institutes, and policy organizations.
Indeed the exam is conducted twice a year, usually in June and December, in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode across multiple exam centers in India.
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UGC NET Psychology Exam Pattern
Overall understanding the UGC NET Psychology exam pattern is the foundation of effective preparation. Hence the exam consists of two papers, both conducted on the same day in a single session without any break.
Structure of the Exam
The UGC NET Psychology examination includes Paper I and Paper II, both of which are objective-type multiple-choice questions (MCQs). There is no negative marking, which encourages candidates to attempt all questions.
Paper I is common for all subjects and tests general teaching and research aptitude, while Paper II is subject-specific and focuses entirely on Psychology.
Paper I: Teaching and Research Aptitude
The Paper I is designed to test a candidate’s general aptitude for teaching and research. It assesses reasoning ability, comprehension skills, communication, and awareness of higher education systems.
Thus Paper I consists of 50 questions, each carrying 2 marks, making a total of 100 marks. The duration allotted for Paper I is included within the overall exam time of 3 hours.
The syllabus for Paper I includes topics such as teaching aptitude, research aptitude, reading comprehension, communication, mathematical reasoning, logical reasoning, data interpretation, information and communication technology (ICT), people and environment, and higher education systems.
Paper II: Psychology
The Paper II is the core of the UGC NET Psychology exam and tests in-depth knowledge of the subject. It consists of 100 questions, each carrying 2 marks, making a total of 200 marks.
All questions in Paper II are compulsory, and the questions are designed to test conceptual understanding, application of theories, research awareness, and analytical ability in Psychology.
The total marks for the UGC NET exam are 300, and the total duration for both papers combined is 3 hours (180 minutes).
Mode of Examination
On the other hand the UGC NET Psychology exam is conducted in online (CBT) mode. So therefore candidates must select the correct answer on the computer screen using a mouse or keyboard. Simultaneously the question paper is available in English and Hindi, except for language-related subjects.
UGC NET Psychology exam is conduct at a regular interval of time. Every year lakhs and lakhs of students appear for this examination. Those who wants to shape and make his/her career in the government sector. Here we will talk about UGC NET Psychology exam free Online Mock Test. UGC NET Psychology exam free last year question paper PDF download and Previous Year Question Papers PYQ.
UGC NET Psychology Exam Eligibility Criteria
Before applying for the exam, candidates must ensure they meet the UGC NET Psychology eligibility criteria, which are defined in terms of educational qualification and age limit.
Educational Qualification
Accordingly candidates applying for the UGC NET Psychology exam must hold a Master’s degree in Psychology or a related subject from a recognized university.
The minimum required marks are:
- 55% aggregate marks for candidates belonging to the General (Unreserved) category
- 50% aggregate marks for candidates belonging to OBC (Non-Creamy Layer), SC, ST, PwD, and Transgender categories
Candidates who are in the final year of their Master’s degree or awaiting results are also eligible to apply provisionally. However, such candidates must complete their degree with the required percentage within the stipulated time.
Age Limit for UGC NET Psychology
The age limit criteria differ for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Assistant Professor eligibility.
For JRF, the maximum age limit is 30 years as on the specified cutoff date. Age relaxation is provided to candidates belonging to reserved categories and to women candidates as per UGC norms.
For Assistant Professor, there is no upper age limit, making the UGC NET Psychology exam accessible to candidates at any stage of their academic career.
Nationality
The candidate must be an Indian citizen to be eligible for the UGC NET Psychology examination.
UGC NET Psychology Syllabus: Detailed Overview
The UGC NET Psychology syllabus is comprehensive and covers both classical and contemporary areas of psychology. It emphasizes theoretical understanding, research methodology, and applied aspects.
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The syllabus is divided into ten major units, each representing a core domain of Psychology.
Unit 1: Introduction to Psychology
This unit covers the historical development of psychology, schools of thought, and major perspectives such as structuralism, functionalism, behaviorism, psychoanalysis, humanistic psychology, and cognitive psychology. It also includes an understanding of psychology as a scientific discipline, its goals, methods, and ethical issues in psychological research.
Unit 2: Research Methodology
Research methodology is one of the most important units in the UGC NET Psychology syllabus. It includes research designs, variables, hypothesis formulation, sampling techniques, qualitative and quantitative research methods, experimental and non-experimental designs, and ethical considerations.
This unit also covers data collection methods such as observation, interviews, questionnaires, psychological tests, and case studies, along with data analysis, statistical tools, and interpretation.
Unit 3: Statistical Methods in Psychology
This unit focuses on descriptive and inferential statistics used in psychological research. Topics include measures of central tendency, variability, correlation, regression, probability, normal distribution, hypothesis testing, t-tests, ANOVA, chi-square tests, non-parametric tests, and factor analysis.
Understanding statistics is essential for interpreting research findings and for qualifying JRF.
Unit 4: Biological Bases of Behavior
The biological basis of behavior examines the relationship between brain, nervous system, hormones, and behavior. It includes structure and functions of neurons, neurotransmitters, central and peripheral nervous systems, endocrine system, genetics, evolution, and physiological mechanisms underlying motivation, emotion, learning, and cognition.
Unit 5: Sensation, Perception, and Attention
This unit explores sensory processes, perceptual organization, attention mechanisms, and theories related to visual, auditory, and other sensory modalities. Topics include thresholds, signal detection theory, perceptual constancies, illusions, and attentional processes.
Unit 6: Learning, Memory, and Cognition
This unit covers classical conditioning, operant conditioning, observational learning, cognitive learning theories, memory processes, models of memory, forgetting, problem-solving, reasoning, decision-making, intelligence, creativity, and language development.
Cognitive psychology is a highly weighted area in the UGC NET Psychology exam.
Unit 7: Motivation and Emotion
Motivation theories such as drive theory, incentive theory, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, and self-determination theory are covered in this unit. It also includes theories of emotion, emotional expression, stress, coping mechanisms, and emotional regulation.
Unit 8: Developmental Psychology
Developmental psychology focuses on human development across the lifespan, from prenatal development to old age. Topics include physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development, developmental theories by Piaget, Erikson, Vygotsky, Kohlberg, and issues related to aging.
Unit 9: Personality and Individual Differences
This unit includes theories of personality such as trait theories, psychoanalytic theory, humanistic approaches, and social-cognitive theories. It also covers intelligence theories, aptitude, creativity, assessment of personality, and individual differences.
Unit 10: Social and Applied Psychology
This unit covers social behavior, attitudes, prejudice, group dynamics, leadership, interpersonal relationships, and social influence. Applied psychology includes clinical psychology, counseling psychology, health psychology, organizational psychology, educational psychology, community psychology, and positive psychology.
Importance of UGC NET Psychology for Career Growth
In short qualifying the UGC NET Psychology exam opens doors to academic and research careers. Candidates can apply for Assistant Professor positions, pursue PhD programs, receive JRF stipends, and work in research institutions, NGOs, mental health organizations, and policy think tanks.
Preparation Strategy for UGC NET Psychology
A strategic preparation plan includes understanding the syllabus, practicing previous years’ question papers, revising core concepts, strengthening research methodology and statistics, and attempting mock tests regularly. In brief conceptual clarity and consistent revision are key to success in this exam.
Conclusion
The UGC NET Psychology exam is a prestigious and career-defining examination for psychology graduates in India. With a well-structured exam pattern, clearly defined eligibility criteria, and an extensive syllabus, the exam demands disciplined preparation and deep conceptual understanding. In essence candidates who invest time in mastering both theoretical and applied aspects of psychology, along with research methodology and statistics, significantly improve their chances of qualifying.
By understanding the UGC NET Psychology exam pattern, eligibility, and detailed syllabus, aspirants can create a focused preparation strategy and move one step closer to achieving their academic and professional goals in the field of psychology.
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