UGC NET Preparation 2023: Subject-wise Preparation Tips

Many candidates who have previously passed the exam believe that the UGC NET Preparation Tips are quite beneficial. Although many candidates apply for the UGC NET 2023 each year, only a small percentage of candidates clear the exam. We have presented the tried-and-tested method to help deserving candidates qualify for Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) or Assistant Professor positions in Indian institutions and colleges.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) administers the UGC NET and it is conducted twice a year in June and December. If test-takers want to succeed, proper planning and preparation are essential. Candidates can check the details for UGC NET Preparation 2023 for Paper 1 and Paper 2 below.

Revision is the most important component of passing this exam. Make sure to repeatedly revise all you have learned. Candidates should prioritize qualitative preparation over quantitative. When taking the exam, each person will have a unique set of UGC NET preparation methods. Candidates are advised to look over the entire UGC NET Syllabus in detail so that they can fully understand it and begin preparing for it by focusing on each topic. As this paper is designed to evaluate candidates' Research and Teaching Abilities. Having a strong mastery of the many subjects covered in these parts will offer you an advantage and help you stand out from the crowd. Candidates can check the UGC NET Preparation Tips for Paper 1 below.

Unit I: Teaching Aptitude 

This section focuses on child psychology. The sole purpose of this section is to assess prospective teachers' understanding of the nature of their craft, that is, teaching and the support system for being learners. Although the questions are of the MCQ type, the solutions to these questions can sometimes be complicated. Some important topics in this section are:

• Teaching concepts and objectives
• Learner’s characteristics for adolescent and adult learners, their differences 
• Factors affecting teaching include Teacher, Learner, Support material, and Institution. 
• Methods of teaching: Teacher-centred vs. learner-centered methods; Off-line vs. Online methods
• Support System for teachers
• Evaluation Systems including elements and evaluation type.

Unit – II: Research Aptitude

As the name suggests, this section is aimed to assess the research ability of the candidate and his understanding of it. This section is fairly simple for most of the candidates, as most of you have experience in writing your own research papers during graduation and post-graduation. Key topics in this section used for UGC NET Preparation are: 

• Research and its meaning, types, characteristics, and approach to research
• Methods of Research like experimental, descriptive, historical, qualitative, and quantitative 
• Steps of Research
• Thesis and Article Writing: Format and Styles of Referencing
• Application of ICT in research
• Research ethics. 

Unit – III: Comprehension

Under this section, you will be given a passage and the questions asked will be from the same passage. You just need to read the passage very carefully and answer the questions. If you are careful enough to read the passage you score full in this unit. A little knowledge of grammar will be very beneficial. 

Unit – IV: Communication

This section tests the candidates’ understanding of the communication system and channel. Modes and methods of communication are also dealt with in detail in this section. Some important topics useful for UGC NET Preparation are:

• Communication: Meaning, types, and characteristics
• Effective communication: Verbal and Non-verbal, Inter-Cultural and group, Classroom communication
• Barriers to communication
• Mass-Media and Society. 

Unit-V: Mathematical Reasoning and Aptitude

The unit is a bit tricky and reading the questions carefully is the key to scoring high in this unit. Try to find tricks for solving different types of questions. You can check out a number of those on BYJU'S Exam Prep platform. Also, leave the seating arrangement questions for the end. Some important topics are: 

• Number series, Letter series, Codes, and Relationships
• General Arithmetic: Fraction, Time & Distance, Ratio & Proportion, Percentage, Profit and Loss, Interest, etc. 

Unit – VI: Logical Reasoning 

This section is fairly extensive and you will find at least 6-7 questions from this section. Similar to the previous unit, careful reading and understanding of questions are the keys to success here. (Note: you must have spent a lot of time reading your core subjects, but giving 5-10 minutes of time on a daily basis, from now onwards on each of these units, can bridge the gap between selection or rejection). Important topics are:

• Arguments: forms, structure, Mood and Figure, Formal and Informal, Uses of language, Connotations, and denotations, and Classical.
• Evaluating and distinguishing deductive and inductive reasoning.
• Analogies and Venn diagram.
• Indian Logic: Means of knowledge.

Unit-VII: Data Interpretation

The unit is fairly simple but time-consuming. As you might be aware, once you figure out the correlation between the data, it is just a simple calculation. There are no short tricks for solving DI. Avoid this unit for the later part of the examination. Remember that each question carries equal marks don’t waste time on any single question. Some notable topics of this unit are:

• Sources, acquisition, and classification of Data.
• Quantitative and Qualitative Data.
• Graphical representation.
• Data and Governance.

Unit-VIII: Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

This unit is all about the basics of the internet and its related terminology. In the modern era of computers and mobiles everywhere, this section won’t pose that much trouble for you. Have a look at the latest terminologies related to the computer and its peripherals and you will be all set to take on this section. A few important topics are:

• General abbreviations.
• Basics of the Internet, Intranet, E-mail, and Conferencing.
• Digital initiatives in higher education.
• ICT and Governance.

Unit-IX: People, Development, and Environment

This unit covers a whole lot of topics be it Environmental, Cultural, Regional, National, or Global. However, Climate change, Environment, and Sustainable development are the key topics of this unit. If you go through a few of the UGC NET previous year question papers for UGC NET Preparation, it will be enough to take this unit on. Also, current summits related to environments are a must-visit topic in this section. 

Unit – X: Higher Education System

This is the last unit for paper 1. Here, you will be tested regarding your responsibilities as a professor in a college or society as a whole. The section is focused mainly on the historical significance of teachings, educational institutions, and learning programs. Having small briefs of imminent universities of India and Karnataka will pave the way for success in this unit. Key pointers of this section are, 

• Institutions of higher learning in ancient India.
• Evolution of higher studies in Post-Independence India.
• Oriental, Conventional, and Non-conventional learning programs.
• Value and environmental education.
• Policies, Governance, and Administration.

The candidates are advised to go through the entire syllabus before beginning their UGC NET Preparation so that they may fully understand it and begin preparing appropriately by concentrating on each topic. They must also make it a habit to review their previously prepared notes on all the significant and challenging topics on a frequent basis. Creating a realistic study plan and daily schedule is key to covering maximum topics in less time. Candidates can check the study plan for UGC NET Preparation below.

• Recognizing the exam - Candidates must completely review the syllabus and be familiar with the UGC NET Exam Pattern. Take a look at the cut off scores from the previous year to get a good sense of the score you'll need to get in order to be selected.
• Examine the Syllabus - Understand the concepts rather than mugging up information. It will be beneficial to be aware of the subjects that must be addressed in both Paper 1 and Paper 2. List the topics you struggle with as well as the ones you are familiar with.
• Good Study Plan - Making an efficient study plan and following it consistently is one of the most important UGC NET Preparation Tips. You can carefully divide your time to cover each topic in-depth if you have a thorough understanding of the exam's format and syllabus. To ensure that you can adhere to it correctly, adjust your study timetable to your needs.
• Time Management - Keep time in mind when you study for competitive exams. The previous year's question papers can serve as a guide. Make sure to time yourself as you go to improve your subsequent effort.
• Understand your areas of Strength and Weakness - Recognize your focus levels and gradually improve them. Know your weak areas and work on them, as well as your strong ones so you can use them in your planning. You must also determine which sections in the syllabus require the greatest attention and which may be completed in a shorter amount of time.
• Goals for the week and month - You must keep an eye on your development. You'll need to set some objectives for yourself in order to achieve this. Begin with simple daily or weekly objectives, then progress to monthly objectives and ensure that you achieve them. This ensures that you stay on pace with your studies.
• Revision - Reviewing each topic in depth is one of the best UGC NET Preparation tips for applicants.
• Solving Mock Test - Even when you have already finished the question papers from previous years as part of your preparation, you should look for the UGC NET Mock Test. This method allows you to sharpen your speed and become sufficiently familiar with the format of the questions.
• Mental Wellness - While preparing for the exam, candidates must maintain both their physical and mental health. Make sure you get enough sleep and keep a balanced diet to maintain your general health. To avoid becoming overly anxious, don't forget to take breaks.

In terms of the depth and effectiveness of exam preparation, study materials are essential. UGC NET Books are important for preparation and it may ultimately be the difference in your ability to pass the exam. To score well, candidates should check out the best books for UGC NET Preparation in the table below.