How to start preparing for NTA UGC NET?
UGC NET is a national-level exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) to determine the eligibility of candidates for the posts of Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in Indian universities and colleges. It is one of the most competitive and prestigious exams in the country, with lakhs of aspirants appearing for it every year. If you are planning to take the UGC NET exam, you need to start your preparation well in advance and follow a systematic and effective strategy. Here are some tips on how to start preparing for UGC NET:
1. Know the syllabus and exam pattern: The first step in your preparation is to familiarize yourself with the syllabus and exam pattern of UGC NET. The exam consists of two papers: Paper 1 and Paper 2. Paper 1 is common for all subjects and tests your general aptitude, reasoning, teaching, and research skills. Paper 2 is subject-specific and tests your knowledge and understanding of the subject you have chosen. The syllabus for both papers is available on the official website of NTA. You should thoroughly review the syllabus and identify the topics you need to cover for each paper.
2. Choose your subject wisely: The next step is to choose your subject for Paper 2. You should choose a subject that matches your postgraduate degree or specialization, as well as your interest and aptitude. You should also consider the availability of study material, coaching classes, mock tests, previous year papers, etc. for your chosen subject. You can check the list of subjects and their codes on the NTA website.
3. Make a study plan: Once you have chosen your subject, you should make a realistic and feasible study plan that suits your learning style, schedule, and goals. You should allocate sufficient time for each topic, revise regularly, practice questions, take mock tests, analyze your performance, and work on your weak areas. You should also keep track of your progress and update your plan accordingly.
4. Refer to the best books and study material: To prepare effectively for UGC NET, you need to refer to the best books and study material available for your subject. You should consult the standard textbooks recommended by experts and toppers, as well as the NCERT books for basic concepts. You should also use online resources such as websites, blogs, videos, podcasts, etc. that provide useful information and tips for UGC NET aspirants. However, you should avoid referring to too many sources and focus on quality over quantity.
5. Solve previous year's papers and mock tests: One of the best ways to prepare for UGC NET is to solve previous year's papers and mock tests regularly. This will help you to get familiar with the exam pattern, difficulty level, question types, marking scheme, time management, etc. It will also help you to assess your preparation level, identify your strengths and weaknesses, improve your accuracy and speed, boost your confidence, and reduce your exam stress.
6. Stay updated with current affairs: Another critical aspect of UGC NET preparation is to stay updated with current matters related to your subject as well as general topics such as economy, politics, sports, science, technology, etc. You should read newspapers, magazines, journals, etc. daily and make notes of important facts, events, dates, etc. You should also watch news channels, listen to podcasts, follow social media platforms, etc. that provide relevant information and analysis on current issues.
7. Revise thoroughly: The last but not least step in your preparation is to revise thoroughly before the exam. You should revise all the topics that you have covered for both papers, especially the ones that are important or difficult. You should also revise your notes, formulas, diagrams, charts, etc. that you have made during your preparation. You should also revise the previous year's papers and mock tests that you have solved and learn from your mistakes.
By following these tips, you can start preparing for UGC NET systematically and effectively. Remember that UGC NET is not an impossible exam to crack if you have a clear goal, strong determination, and consistent hard work. All the best!
You can check previous Years' memory-based papers, cutoffs, and a lot more on www.subhyug.in or by clicking here.