UGC NET and SET Exam in India are highly competitive teaching eligibility test with various determination. The main difference between UGC NET and SET exam lies in their scope and level of conduct. UGC NET mainly known as National Eliglibity Test is conducted for candidates aspiring for a lectureship or Junior Research Fellowship on a national level. While SET known as State Eligibility Test is conducted at the state level for eligible candidates who want to apply for Lectureships and Junior Research Fellowships but mainly within state-run universities.
Difference Between UGC NET and SET
The UGC NET and SET exam both serve as a teaching eligibility test in India, but they vary in their scope, level and recognition. While UGC NET exam is a national level exam whereas SET is conducted at state level and the choice between the two depends on career goals and geographic preference of aspirants.
| Aspect | UGC NET | SET (State Eligibility Test) |
| Conducting Authority | National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of UGC | Individual state higher education boards or universities |
| Scope | National-level eligibility for Assistant Professor and JRF across India | State-level eligibility for lectureships and JRF within a particular state |
| Eligibility | Master’s degree with minimum 55% marks (50% for reserved categories); upper age limit 30 years for JRF, no limit for Assistant Professor | Master’s degree with minimum 55% marks (50% for reserved categories); age limit varies by state, often no restriction |
| Exam Frequency | Twice a year (June and December) | Typically once a year, depending on state schedule |
| Exam Pattern | Two papers: Paper I (teaching/research aptitude) and Paper II (subject-specific knowledge); total 150 questions, no negative marking | Two papers: Paper I (aptitude) and Paper II (subject-specific), held on the same day; pattern and marks may vary by state, generally no negative marking |
| Medium of Exam | English and Hindi | English, Hindi, and official state languages (for language subjects) |
| Recognition | Valid across India | Valid only within the state where the exam is conducted |
| Difficulty Level | High – competitive at the national level | Moderate – competitive within the state |
UGC NET and SET Exam Eligibility Criteria
UGC NET and SET exam eligibility criteria are important for aspiring candidates. Below we have mentioned a brief comparison highlighting the difference between eligibility requirement for each exam.
UGC NET Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must have secured at least 55% marks (for General category) or 50% marks (for SC/ST/PwD candidates) in their Master’s Degree from a UGC-recognized university/institution.
- Candidates who are in the final year of their Master’s program or are awaiting their results are also eligible to apply.
- The upper age limit for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) is 30 years, with age relaxation applicable to reserved categories as per government norms.
- There is no upper age limit for those applying for the Assistant Professor position.
- Candidates who qualify the NET are eligible for the roles of Junior Research Fellow (JRF) or Assistant Professor across colleges and universities in India.
SET Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must have obtained a minimum of 55% marks (General category) or 50% marks (SC/ST/PwD/OBC categories) in their Master’s Degree from a UGC-recognized institution.
- Candidates who are appearing for the final year of their Master’s Degree or are awaiting results can also appear for the exam.
- There is no specific upper age limit for the SET exam, allowing candidates to attempt it multiple times.
- Candidates who qualify the SET conducted after June 2002 are eligible to be appointed as lecturers in state-affiliated universities and colleges.
Also Read: UGC NET Eligibiliy Criteria 2025
UGC NET and SET Exam Pattern
UGC NET and SET exam have some similarities in eligibility criteria for teaching roles but differ in their scope and level. Here we have mentioned comparison of their exam patterns:
| Aspect | NET Exam | SET Exam |
| Structure | Conducted in two papers with objective-type, multiple-choice questions. | Comprises two papers, both held on the same day in separate sessions. |
| Paper 1 Content | Designed to test teaching/research aptitude, reasoning ability, reading comprehension, divergent thinking, and general awareness. | Focuses on teaching and research aptitude, reasoning, comprehension, divergent thinking, and general awareness. |
| Paper 2 Content | Evaluates the candidate’s subject-specific knowledge through objective-type questions. | Includes 100 objective-type questions based on the chosen subject. |
| Question Format | All questions are compulsory; both papers contain multiple-choice questions. | Both papers consist of objective-type questions; Paper 2 has 100 questions in total. |
| Medium of Question Paper | Available in English and Hindi only. | Offered in regional languages for language subjects and English for other disciplines. |
| Break Between Papers | Conducted consecutively without any break. | Held in two separate sessions with a break in between. |
| Negative Marking | No negative marking for incorrect responses. | No negative marking for wrong answers. |
| Marks per Question | Each question carries 2 marks. | Each question in Paper 1 and Paper 2 carries 2 marks. |
Also Read: UGC NET Exam Pattern
UGC NET and SET Exam Fees
UGC NET and SET exam fees are different based on their levels and scopes. Here we have mentioned the fee structure for UGC NET and SET exam:
| Category | UGC NET Exam Fees | SET Exam Fees |
| General / Unreserved | ₹1100/- | ₹1200/- |
| General – EWS / OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | ₹550/- | ₹1050/- |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) / Persons with Disability (PwD) | ₹275/- | ₹1000/- |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | – | ₹1050/- |
| General (EWS) | – | ₹1050/- |
| PwD | – | ₹800/- |
Which one is best to choose between UGC NET and SET Exam?
We have previously discussed difference between UGC NET and SET exams as they both hold importance for aspirants preparing for lectureships and Junior Research Fellowships. As both exam are important UGC NET is recognized as more challenging than SET. So, aspirants preparing for UGC NET exam also appear for SET exams.
Choosing between UGC NET and SET exam depends on candidates preference allowing them to apply for both exam simultaneously. UGC NET and SET exam provides a rewarding career path for candidates. Aspirants must ensure thorough preparation and comprehensive grasp of their field.
Also Read: UGC NET Study Material
Difference Between UGC NET and SET FAQs
Q2. Who can apply for UGC NET and SET?
Both exams require candidates to hold a Master’s degree with at least 55% marks (50% for reserved categories). However, the age criteria differ—UGC NET has an upper age limit of 30 years for JRF, while the SET exam has no fixed age limit, though it varies by state.
Q3. Which exam is tougher, UGC NET or SET?
Generally, the UGC NET is considered more challenging as it is conducted at the national level and covers a wider pool of candidates and subjects. The SET, being state-specific, is comparatively easier and has a narrower competition base.
Q4. Can I apply for a teaching position in another state after qualifying SET?
No, SET qualification is valid only within the state where you cleared the exam. To be eligible for teaching positions across India, you need to qualify for the UGC NET exam.
Q5. How many times are these exams conducted each year?
The UGC NET is conducted twice a year—typically in June and December—while the SET exam is usually conducted once annually, depending on the state’s examination schedule.
