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UGC NET Paper 1 Preparation Tips: Get study material, notes and tricks to prepare.

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UGC NET is one of the toughest exams in India, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). This national-level exam is given by lakhs of candidates from various backgrounds to be eligible for the posts of Assistant Professor in colleges/ universities and Junior Research Fellowships. The competition among candidates is so huge that it is crucial to prepare well using the right resources and UGC NET study material.

As we know, UGC NET Paper 1 is the basic requirement for all subjects. Thus, candidates should focus on qualifying for the UGC NET Paper 1 exam. A minimum of 40% of the total marks is required to clear the exam, and in case of candidates fail to qualify for the Paper 1 exam; they will be disqualified.

In this article, we have provided candidates with UGC NET Paper 1 Preparation Tips to help them crack this challenging yet rewarding exam. We have provided the 

  • Tips to crack UGC NET paper 1 
  • UGC NET Paper 1 Study Material
  • Best books to refer to for UGC NET Paper 1 exam
  • Detailed Study Plan for UGC NET Paper 1 
  • UGC NET Paper 1 Preparation Tips to cover the exam syllabus
  • Mock Tests and Previous Year Question Papers 

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UGC Net paper 1 Preparation Tips with Study Material

Candidates intending to appear for the UGC NET exam must start their exam preparation well in advance. Paper 1 is designed to test candidates’ aptitude in subjects they have applied for. The topics are generic, but qualifying paper 1 by obtaining more marks than the cut-off is very necessary for students to become eligible to appear in the UGC NET Paper 2. Therefore, these sections must be prepared well to ensure selection. Below we have provided tried and tested preparation tips to clear the UGC NET Paper 1. Refer to these UGC NET Paper 1 Tips and ace your exam.

Understand the Paper 1 Exam Syllabus and Paper Pattern

The UGC NET exam will be conducted in two sessions for two papers. Paper 1 tests general aptitude questions, and Paper 2 tests candidates' core subject knowledge. Therefore, one must know the UGC NET Paper 1 syllabus and UGC NET exam pattern. They can also refer to the UGC NET Paper 1 Preparation Tips provided in this article.

Check out UGC NET Eligibility Criteria from here!

Refer to the best Paper 1 Books 

UGC NET Paper 1 will test candidates’ teaching and reasoning aptitude along with his/her research skills. The paper is divided into 10 sections. Each topic holds equal importance; therefore, referring to the UGC NET Paper 1 best books for preparation that covers each topic in detail is a must.

Prepare Detailed Study Notes

Notes form the fundamentals of your preparation. Candidates can refer to a variety of sources for making their notes comprehensive. Although self-prepared notes are the best resources, aspirants can refer to faculty-curated notes as well. SuperCoaching's SuperTeachers provide self-prepared comprehensive notes for completing your UGC NET Paper 1 preparation. Along with the study notes, aspirants will also have access to important topics and questions based on UGC NET latest pattern.

Access UGC NET Paper-1 Important Topics to ace your Preparation

Attempt Paper 1 Mock Tests

Once candidates are thorough with the exam syllabus, the next step should be to gauge their exam preparedness and how well they are performing in the exam. 

Also, attempting UGC NET Paper 1 Mock Test will help candidates know where they are with respect to other candidates and timed mock tests will improve their time management skills which are crucial to solving the exam in time.

Get UGC NET Paper-1 Notes from here!

Know Important Topics for UGC NET Paper-1 Preparation 

The syllabus for the UGC NET Paper 1 is generic in nature and in order to prepare for this in the best way possible you need to solve the questions related to the topics given in the syllabus for UGC NET Paper 1. To know where to start, pick any previous year paper and try to solve it in the stipulated time. After solving it, check your answers and take note of the topics where you went wrong. 

  • After noting these topics, give yourself a month's time or as available to those topics and prepare them well.
  • Then attempt the very same question paper and analyze your performance.
  • This method is for those who have ample amount of time in hand, but those candidates who are underprepared and don't have a lot of time, can refer to the expert-curated most important topics of UGC NET Paper 1 and prepare them well to qualify the UGC NET Paper 1.

How to prepare for UGC NET Paper 1: Important questions 

After covering the whole syllabus, you must get going on the revision. The best way to revise UGC NET Paper 1 is by solving as many questions as possible. This way you will be preparing for the UGC NET Paper 1 in the most efficient and accurate method. For your convenience, we have provided the list of the most important questions for UGC NET Paper 1, here. 

Paper-1 Preparation Tips with Online Coaching

A lot of aspirants are confused about whether they should enroll in a coaching or not. If you feel you are facing any difficulty in solving the questions or in understanding the concepts then firstly try your best to solve them on your own. But if you are facing them even after that then you must not waste your time further and enroll in a coaching. Online coachings are always preferred over offline because of a lot of pros that they offer. Online coaching saves your time, your money that otherwise must have been spent on daily transportation. Testbook in collaboration with the best UGC NET faculty has come up with Testbook SuperCoaching for UGC NET exam.

Solve Previous Year Papers

One of the most important UGC NET Paper 1 Preparation Tips is knowing what the exam pattern will be like. Candidates can clearly understand what the exam will be like by solving UGC NET previous year question papers. This practice of solving previous year's papers will not only familiarise candidates with the exam pattern but also boost their confidence. Other benefits to solving UGC NET question papers have been shared in the pointers below.

  • Solving question papers will improve their time management skills and help them analyse which sections they must put more effort on.
  • The key to cracking any exam is having a clear understanding of how the topics in the exam can be asked. 

Get UGC NET Paper-1 Previous Year Papers here!

Set your Targeted Score for UGC NET Paper 1 

Many people work well by setting a goal as a goal provides a roadmap to follow. Setting a goal makes success attainable and straightforward. Goals backed by strong motive or inspiration helps one to work harder, focus better and excel in the exam. Aspirants intending to appear for the UGC NET Paper 1 can set a targeted score and work hard everyday to move towards releasing their goal. The targeted score must be set practically in order to avoid stress and perform your best on the day of exam. For UGC NET Paper 1, 75 marks out of 100 is a decent and achievable goal. You can set a target on your own accord. 

UGC NET Paper 1 Preparation tips: Unit-wise Tips and Tricks to Crack the Exam

Let’s understand section wise UGC NET Paper 1 Preparation tips that students can follow while preparing for the exam. We have provided UGC NET Paper 1 Tips that candidates can follow and ace the upcoming exam.

1. Teaching Aptitude: 

  • This section is one of the most important sections of the Paper 1 syllabus. To begin the exam preparation, candidates must first practice topics like Methods of Teaching, Learners' characteristics, Factors affecting teaching, Teaching aids and evaluation that have been repeatedly asked.
  • Yet another UGC NET Paper 1 Preparation Tips is to solve previous year's papers and compile questions from the teaching aptitude section and other sections that have been asked very prominently in the exam.

2. Reading Comprehension

  • Candidates with the right UGC NET Paper 1 Preparation tips can score full marks in topics like these. To improve your reading ability, develop a habit of reading the editorial section of any newspaper. It has been tried and tested that continuous reading helps improve comprehension skills.
  • While reading comprehension, try visualising the plot and infer what the author is trying to communicate.
  • Skim through the text and make short notes as you proceed.
  • There will be distractors between the passage, which may confuse candidates, so stick to the main theme of the passage.
  • Remember questions from this section are often direct and conclusion-based. Hence the chances of scoring good marks are good.

3. Research Aptitude

  • Candidates must begin by analysing this topic's previous year's papers. Once you know how the questions are framed, practise similar questions. Make sure you get the hang of it in just a few attempts; this will save you time and effort as you don’t have to solve multiple questions to get fundamental clarity on just one topic.
  • One of the most important UGC NET Paper 1 Preparation Tips is to pay attention to topics like Methods of research, government schemes related to research, types of research, research ethics, Hypothesis and steps of research, as these have been asked quite a few times in the past.

4. Communication

  • The reason why applicants are advised to solve previous year's question papers is that they will give candidates an idea of what to expect in the UGC NET Paper 1.
  • The section from which questions have been asked before are types of communication, effective communication, barriers to communication, classroom communication and mass media. 
  • These have been the most commonly asked questions, so analysing these topics will give more conceptual clarity.

5. Maths Reasoning and Aptitude 

  • The best way to approach the exam is to prepare a study plan that covers the entire syllabus. Track your performance using the previous year's papers and their answer key. This will gauge your exam-level preparation, and you can revise topics where you lack clarity. Prepare topics like Time and Work, Blood Relation, Letter Series, and Deductive and Inductive Reasoning thoroughly.

6. Information & Communication Technology (ICT)

  • To prepare for ICT, candidates should give more attention on topics like type of computers, New generations of Computers & Technologies, Input & Output Devices, Cyber Attacks, ICT and E-Governance in India, Digital Initiatives in Higher Education.
  • Also, to be able to crack this tough nut stay up to date with the latest news and developments that happen in the country.
  • By doing so, you will be familiar with the current affairs and events that happen in and around the world.

7. Logical Reasoning

  • Candidates must understand how important arguments are, Evaluating and distinguishing Deductive and Inductive Reasoning.
  • Learn how to prepare analogies, improve your verbal classisfication.
  • Through logical diagrams, improve your reasoning skills. 
  • Understand how to discern simple diagrammatic relationship and venn diagrams.
  • On completing the syllabus, check your preparation level by cross-checking the answers and explanations provided after every UGC NET mock test.

8. Data Interpretation

  • In this section, you will have to interpret data by looking at Pie Charts, Bar Graphs, Tabular Charts and Mixed Graphs, these can be confusing if candidates are not aware of the tips and tricks interpret these. 
  • This article will has UGC NET Paper 1 Preparation Tips on how to clear basic concepts like ratios, averages and percentages which are also the basics of Data Interpretation.
  • Another important tip is to solve previous year papers and attempt mock tests. Practice is the key to cracking the UGC NET Paper 1 exam. 

9. People & Environment

  • Cover all the topics which are important for exam-point of view like as SDG, Environmental Education, Climate Change and more. 
  • The environmental section is quite easy to understand and can be really scoring.
  • One short exam tip that can help candidates prepare for the exam is stay up-to-date with the latest news and global problems. International agreements have also been asked quite a few times such as Montreal Protocol, Paris Agreement, convention on biodiversity, Rio Summit, Kyoto Protocol, International Solar Alliance etc.

10.Higher Education System: Governance, Polity & Administration

  • For this section, it can be safely said that staying updated with the latest policies such as the National Education Policy, Value Education,Budget Education Policies and more will help you score well in the exam.
  • The segment on the Higher Education System is relatively easier to comprehend and will help fetch good marks in the exam.\

Check out the UGC NET Cut off here!

UGC NET paper 1 preparation: Sample Questions

For UGC NET Paper-1 aspirants must adopt the above mentioned unit-wise prepartion tips to tackle each unit. The UGC NET Paper 1, aspirants will be checked on mainly four to five parameters, that are Teaching Aptitude, Research Aptitude, Communication and others. After completion of syllabus, you can start solving previous year papers. Once you are done with them, you can switch to other trusted refreshers and websites like Testbook, which not only provide you with an extensive question bank but also provide detailed solution for each and every question. Some of the sample questions based on UGC NET Paper - 1 latest pattern are provided below for your reference

Que. 1 The Phrase T-L model of teaching implies that:

  1. Teaching and learning are independent acts
  2. Teaching and learning are integrally related acts
  3. Teaching aims at learning.
  4. Teaching causes learning 

Ans: Option 2

Que. 2 What is the hallmark of reflective teaching? 

  1. Clear, organized and well structured content 
  2. Personalized, interactive and high level of cognitive interchange 
  3. Systematic, planned and quick question-answer session
  4. Logical, coherent and example based presentations 

Ans- Option 1 

Que. 3 Given below are two statements: 

Statement I: The content and style of communication are the predictor variables of effective teaching. 

Statement II: A good and communicative teacher evokes relatively fewer questions from the students. 

In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below: 

  1. Both Statement I and Statement II are true 
  2. Both Statement I and Statement II are false 
  3. Statement I is correct but Statement II is false 
  4. Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is true.

Ans - Option 3 

Que. 4 From the following, identify those features which are associated with 'Indirect Instructional Strategies' 

  1. Guided student practice 
  2. Focus on concept acquisition through question-answer sessions 
  3. Presenting the stimulus material in small, easy to take steps 
  4. Problem based presentation 
  5. Participatory and collaborative moves stressed Choose the correct answer from the options given below: 
  1. B, D and E only 
  2. A, B and C only 
  3. B, C and D only 
  4. C, D and E only 

 Ans - Option 1

Que. 5 The critical difference between experimental and ex post facto research lies in terms of: 

  • Selection of sample 
  • Causal connection between two variables 
  • Use of research tools 
  • Control and manipulation of independent variable 

Ans : Option - 4 

Time Allotment for UGC Net paper 1 preparation

In order to succeed in the UGC NET Paper 1 exam, you need to manage your time efficiently. Candidates must allot ample amount of time to all subjects in order to strengthen their whole UGC NET Paper 1 exam preparation. A candidate can refer to the following timesheet template to get idea of the ideal time allotment for the studies in the last 1, 3, or 6 months duration. This will help them to get an overview of their upcoming time management. 

Activity 

Why?

1 Month

3 Month

6 Month 

Time Allotment 

Time allotment is the most crucial element as how much time you allot to the different topics in day will shape your entire preparation. 

12 Hours Plan 

7 to 8 Hours Plan 

5 Hours Plan 

Revision 

Revision is the key to selection and repeated revision at regular intervals will help aspirants to retain better.

3 Hours 

2 Hours 

1 Hour 

Mock Test Solving

Mocks paper and their proper analysis help students to get an idea of the exam and perform better.

2 Hours 

1 Hour

30 Minutes 

Refer to Highlighted Notes 

Notes are the most significant study material. So mae sure you prepare notes from trusted sources and read them regularly.

1 Hour 

30 Minutes 

15 Minutes 

Exam Analysis through PYP

Understanding the exam helps candidates to plan better for the real exam. 

2 Hours 

1 Hour

30 Minutes 

Important Topic Coverage 

Note and revise all the important, high-weightage topics. 

3 Hours 

2 Hours 

20 Minutes 

Reading Out of Syllabus 

Dontbecome a bookworm nd cutoff from your surrounding. Being aware of what’s happening in your surrounding is equally important. 

30 Minutes 

15 Minutes

15 Minutes

Last-Minute Preparation Tips for UGC NET Paper 1 Exam

Candidates preparing for the UGC NET Paper 1 exam go through lots of stress and panic a few days before the exam.A few days before the exam, productivity decreases, and stress level increases for students. It is very normal to feel that way, as UGC NET is a national exam. To help candidates get over this tension and stress that they face before the exam, we have provided them with the last-minute UGC NET Paper 1 Preparation Tips they can follow to stay calm and prepare for their exam efficiently. Some UGC NET Paper 1 Tips are given below:

  • Analyze previous year's papers thoroughly: Few days before giving the UGC NET Paper 1 exam, candidates should go through the previous year’s papers. By doing this they will understand the trend of the exam and will also get to know the kind of questions asked in the exam. Through analysis of the exam, candidates will be able to know how much time they should give to a question. For better interpretation, you can watch videos on previous year's papers analysis by experts. You can also check out the UGC NET exam analysis provided by Testbook to get detailed information about the exam.
  • Revise important formulas: During the last phase of UGC NET Paper 1 exam preparation, candidates must learn the important formulas that they will need to remember in the exam when solving mathematical questions. This will help them in the exam while solving the questions when they will be able to do it quickly with the help of the formulas without losing much time.
  • Revise short notes: Candidates must revise the important topics from the short notes that they made during their preparation. This way they will be able to quickly go through important points and can remember them in the UGC NET Paper 1 exam. 
  • Memory hacks: Candidates must devise some kind of memory tricks to make retention of the hefty syllabus easy. 
  • Use visual aids: Candidates must go through some videos or audio about the explanation of topics from the UGC NET Paper 1 syllabus or any important questions. Hearing something before the exam will have a longer effect on your brain and it will be retained in it for more time. By listening to or watching any topic/question/analysis candidates will be able to save much more time than searching each and every topic and then revising it. 

We hope this article on UGC NET Exam Paper 1 preparation tips was valuable and informative. Candidates can download our Testbook App and begin studying for the competitive exam. You can find Mock Tests, Test Series, Previous Year's Question Papers, PDFs, and more.

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Latest UGC NET Updates

-> The UGC NET Answer Key 2025 June was released on the official website ugcnet.nta.ac.in on 06th July 2025.

-> The UGC NET June 2025 exam will be conducted from 25th to 29th June 2025.

-> The UGC-NET exam takes place for 85 subjects, to determine the eligibility for 'Junior Research Fellowship’ and ‘Assistant Professor’ posts, as well as for PhD. admissions.

-> The exam is conducted bi-annually - in June and December cycles.

-> The exam comprises two papers - Paper I and Paper II. Paper I consists of 50 questions and Paper II consists of 100 questions. 

-> The candidates who are preparing for the exam can check the UGC NET Previous Year Papers and UGC NET Test Series to boost their preparations.

UGC NET Paper 1 Preparation Tips FAQs

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