Are you preparing for UGC NET Paper 1 and searching for the latest paper download links, shift timings, and question paper analysis? This blog covers everything you need—from question paper timing to PDF downloads, exam analysis, pattern, and more. If you’re aiming to qualify for Assistant Professor or JRF in the upcoming December 2025 cycle, this guide is your one-stop solution to understand UGC NET Paper 1 simply and clearly.
What is UGC NET Paper 1 2025?
UGC NET Paper 1 is a compulsory section for all candidates, regardless of the subject chosen in Paper 2. It tests your basic abilities in:
- Teaching aptitude
- Research aptitude
- Reasoning
- Reading comprehension
- ICT
- Higher education awareness
This paper is designed to check whether a candidate is ready for a career in teaching and research.
UGC NET Paper 1 2025 Exam Timing and Shift Details
The UGC NET December 2025 exam will be conducted in two shifts. Paper 1 shift will be updated as soon as the exam schedule is released.
Shift-Wise Timing Table (Updated soon)
| Date | Shift 1 Timing | Shift 2 Timing |
| January 2026 | 09:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 03:00 PM – 06:00 PM |
| January 2026 | Same as above | Same as above |
Make sure you check your admit card for the exact shift and timing. Late entry is strictly not allowed.
UGC NET Paper 1 2025 Question Paper Analysis December 2025
The section-wise analysis will be updated here once the exam is commenced; it will be based on student feedback from the December 2025 exam.
Section-Wise Difficulty & Good Attempts (Updated soon)
| Section | Difficulty Level | Good Attempts (Out of 50) |
| Teaching Aptitude | To be updated | 8-10 |
| Research Aptitude | To be updated | 7-9 |
| Comprehension | To be updated | 5-6 |
| Logical Reasoning | To be updated | 6-7 |
| Communication | To be updated | 4-5 |
| ICT | To be updated | 4-5 |
| Data Interpretation | To be updated | 5-6 |
| People & Environment | To be updated | 5-6 |
| Higher Education System | To be updated | 6-7 |
Total Good Attempts: Aim for 35–40 correct answers for a safe score.
UGC NET Paper 1 2025 PDF Download (December Exam)
The UGC NET Paper 1 is common for all candidates and tests teaching aptitude, research aptitude, reasoning, comprehension, ICT, and general awareness. If you appeared in the exam or are preparing for upcoming sessions, downloading the official question paper will help you understand the paper pattern and difficulty level.
Students who attended the exam have shared the question paper and memory-based answers. The official PDF with the answer key will be released soon on the NTA website. For your convenience, we have provided the UGC NET Paper 1 PDF (December session) download link below. Use it to analyze the questions and improve your preparation for the next attempt.
[Download UGC NET Paper 1 PDF – December 2025 cycle]
(Link will be updated as soon as the official paper is released.)
UGC NET Paper 1 2025 Answer Key
Once the UGC NET Paper 1 2025 is conducted for the December 2025 cycle, the candidates will eagerly wait for the official answer key. The National Testing Agency (NTA) is expected to release the provisional answer key a few days after the December 2025 session, on its official website. This answer key will allow candidates to check their responses and calculate their expected scores before the results are announced.
Once released, candidates can download the answer key in PDF format and compare it with their attempted responses. If there are any discrepancies, NTA will also provide a window to raise objections with a minimal fee per question.
The final answer key will be released after reviewing all objections. Keep visiting the official website regularly for updates. We will also update the direct link to the December session’s UGC NET Paper 1 Answer Key 2025 on this page as soon as it is available.
UGC NET Paper 1 2025 Exam Pattern
Understanding the paper pattern helps you plan better. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Paper Pattern Overview
| Particulars | Details |
| Total Questions | 50 |
| Type | Multiple Choice (MCQs) |
| Marks per Question | 2 |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Time Duration | 180 minutes (3 hours) |
| Negative Marking | No negative marking |
All questions are compulsory and are spread across 10 important topics.
UGC Question Paper 1 2025 Exam Pattern Topics
The paper includes questions from the following 10 areas:
- Teaching Aptitude
- Research Aptitude
- Reading Comprehension
- Communication
- Logical Reasoning
- Data Interpretation
- Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
- People, Development, and Environment
- Higher Education System
- Mathematical Reasoning
Concentrate more on Teaching & Research Aptitude as they carry higher weightage.
Tips for UGC NET Paper 1 2025 Preparation
- Download and solve at least 5–10 previous year papers
- Take regular mock tests in a timed environment.
- Focus on high-scoring areas like Teaching Aptitude & Reasoning.
- Revise important facts related to higher education policies and environmental awareness.
- Practice comprehension and data interpretation weekly
Conclusion
UGC NET Paper 1 is your gateway to clear the UGC NET exam. With just 50 questions and 100 marks, scoring well in this paper can set the tone for your final result. Make use of the available PDFs, understand the pattern clearly, revise daily, and solve mock papers.
Keep an eye on the paper timing, shift details, and download links for best results. Stay calm, stay prepared—and success will follow.
UGC NET Paper 1 2025 FAQs
2. How many questions are there in UGC NET Paper 1, and what is the marking scheme?
There are 50 multiple-choice questions in Paper 1. Each question carries 2 marks, totaling 100 marks. There is no negative marking for incorrect answers (as per December 2025 guidelines).
3. When is UGC NET Paper 1 conducted for the December cycle?
The exam date for the UGC NET Paper 1 for Decmber cycle will soon be released by the UGC NET.
4. Where can I download the UGC NET Paper 1 PDF for Decembr 2025?
You can download the official Paper 1 PDF from the NTA UGC NET website. Visit the “Previous Year Question Papers” section, select the December 2025 session, and download the PDF with or without answer keys.
5. What is considered a good number of attempts in UGC NET Paper 1?
Aiming for 35–40 correct answers out of 50 is generally considered a good attempt. This gives you a strong base for qualifying the overall UGC NET exam when combined with Paper 2 marks.
