NET - JRF
- Home
- Teaching Exam
- NET - JRF
Upcoming Batch : March 2025, Medium : Hindi & English, Mode : Classroom & LIVE – Online
NET - JRF Course Registration Form
The National Eligibility Test (NET), conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in India, is an essential examination for individuals aspiring to become Assistant Professors or pursue Ph.D. programs in Indian universities and colleges. The Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) category of the NET is particularly sought after by those who aim to engage in advanced research and academic roles. Below is a comprehensive guide on the NET JRF exam, divided into key points for clarity and depth:
Overview of NET and JRF Exam
What is NET?
- The National Eligibility Test (NET) is a nationwide examination to determine the eligibility of candidates for the roles of Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellow (JRF) in Indian universities and colleges.
- The exam is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the University Grants Commission (UGC).
What is JRF?
- Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) is a prestigious research opportunity provided to eligible candidates who wish to pursue Ph.D. or M.Phil. in their chosen field of study.
- The JRF offers a stipend and provides the candidate with the financial support to carry out research work.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- Candidates must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent from a recognized university with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for reserved categories).
- For JRF, the candidate must be under the age of 30 years as of the examination date (relaxation for reserved categories and women).
Age Limit
- For JRF: The upper age limit is 30 years.
- For Assistant Professor: There is no upper age limit.
Age Limit
- The candidate must be an Indian citizen.
Exam Pattern
The NET exam consists of two papers:
Paper I:
- This paper is common for all candidates and tests general knowledge, reasoning ability, and teaching aptitude.
| Duration | Total Marks | Number of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| 1 hour. | 100 | 50 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). |
Paper II
- This paper is subject-specific, based on the candidate's chosen subject.
| Duration | Total Marks | Number of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| 2 hour. | 200 | 100 MCQs |
Total Duration
- 3 hours (including both papers).
Marking Scheme
- +2 marks for each correct answer.
- No negative marking.
Syllabus
The syllabus for the NET JRF exam is divided into two main parts:
Paper I (General Paper):
| Teaching Aptitude | Principles, methods, and techniques of teaching, research methods. |
| Reasoning Ability | Logical reasoning, puzzles, verbal reasoning, analytical reasoning. |
| Comprehension | Understanding and analyzing passages. |
| General Awareness | Current affairs, history, geography, political science, and economics. |
| Mathematical Reasoning | Number systems, percentages, ratios, and basic mathematics. |
Paper II (Subject-Specific):
- This is tailored to the specific subject chosen by the candidate, which could range from subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Economics, History, Literature, and many others.
- The syllabus varies by subject and covers a range of topics that are aligned with the postgraduate curriculum of that subject.
- It typically includes theory, practical knowledge, research methods, and recent developments in the respective field.
Application Process
Registration
- Candidates must visit the official NTA UGC NET website and fill out the application form online.
- They must provide personal, academic, and professional details, upload necessary documents (e.g., photograph, signature), and pay the examination fee.
Application Fee
| General category | ₹1000. |
| OBC-NCL/EWS category | ₹500 |
| SC/ST/PwD/Transgender category | ₹250. |
Admit Card
- Once the application is processed, the admit card will be released on the official website.
- The candidate must download the admit card and carry it to the exam center on the exam day.
JRF and Assistant Professor Cut-off
Cut-off for JRF: The cut-off for the JRF category is usually higher compared to the Assistant Professor category due to the additional research requirements.
- The cut-off is determined by factors such as the number of candidates, difficulty level, and overall performance.
Cut-off for Assistant Professor: This varies based on the subject and the overall performance of candidates.
- It is typically lower than the JRF cut-off.
Subject-wise Cut-off: Each subject has its own specific cut-off, which is available after the results are declared.
Preparation Tips for NET JRF Exam
Understand the Syllabus
- Thoroughly go through the syllabus for both Paper I and Paper II.
Time Management
- Create a study timetable that includes sufficient time for revision and practice.
Study Materials
- Use standard textbooks, reference materials, and online resources.
- Take help from online coaching classes, mock tests, and previous year’s question papers.
Focus on Paper I:
- Since Paper I is common for all subjects, give adequate attention to topics like teaching aptitude, reasoning ability, and general awareness.
Subject-Specific Preparation
- Focus on in-depth preparation for Paper II, which is specific to your subject.
- Focus on the latest developments in the subject and research methodologies.
Mock Tests and Previous Year Papers
- Practice with mock tests and previous year’s question papers to familiarize yourself with the exam format and time management.
Results and Merit List
- After the exam, the NTA will release the results, usually in the form of a scorecard.
- Candidates who qualify for Assistant Professor or JRF will be included in the merit list.
- The results are based on the overall performance in both papers, with a separate cut-off for JRF and Assistant Professor.
JRF Fellowship and Benefits
Fellowship
- Candidates who are awarded the JRF are eligible for a monthly stipend to support their research work.
- The stipend for JRF is generally ₹31,000 per month for the first two years, and ₹35,000 per month for the next three years (subject to conditions).
Research and Academic Opportunities
- JRF holders are eligible to pursue a Ph.D. or M.Phil. at Indian universities and colleges
- JRF holders are often considered for academic positions in top universities and research institutions.
Frequently Asked Question
Educational Qualification:
Master's Degree in the relevant subject from a recognized university.
Age Limit:
For JRF: Generally, 30 years (with relaxations for reserved categories).
For Lectureship: No age limit.
Paper 1: General Paper on Teaching & Research Aptitude (compulsory for all subjects)
Paper 2: Subject-specific paper based on the candidate's Master's degree.
Thorough subject knowledge: Focus on your Master's degree syllabus.
Practice previous year papers: Analyze the exam pattern and difficulty level.
Refer to standard textbooks and study materials: Choose reliable sources.
Join a coaching institute (optional): For guidance and structured learning.
Regular practice: Solve mock tests and practice questions.
Teaching Aptitude
Research Aptitude
Reading Comprehension
Communication
Reasoning (including Mathematical Reasoning)
Data Interpretation
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Higher Education System: Governance, Polity & Administration
People and Environment
JRF: 3 years from the date of issue.
Lectureship: Lifetime validity
