How to Score 80/100 in UGC NET Paper 1: A Comprehensive Guide

JRFAdda 20, Sep 2024

Do you want to perform your best at the UGC NET exam and excel in Paper 1? Well, you're at the right place. In the following pages of this guide, we will detail effective strategies that will help you score 80/100 or more at UGC NET Paper 1. Your dedication coupled with smart techniques to be employed through a good approach will further improve your possibility of success.

Know about UGC NET Paper 1

Now, first of all let's discuss what the UGC NET Paper 1 is all about:

General aptitude and research skills assessment
Comprises 10 units on teaching aptitude, research methodology, and current affairs
No. of questions: 50
Each question is worth two marks
Marks per paper: 100
Test duration: 1 hour

A good study plan is the key to success. How to do it?

Time plan for each unit
High-weightage topics have to be focused more
Include some revision sessions
Plan your day and week realistically

Consistency is everything. Follow your plan but be flexible if needed.

Tame the Syllabus

Getting through the syllabus is a must. Here's what you'll need to do:

Download the UGC NET official syllabus
Subdivide each unit into smaller topics
List down the main concepts of each unit
Summary notes for quick revision

TIP: Explain complex concepts and relate them with mind maps or flowcharts.

Quality Study Materials

The right set of study material works wonders:

UGC NET recommended book list
Old year question paper
Video lectures and online material
Active participation in online discussions

Quality matters rather than quantity. Concentrate on understanding the concepts rather than memorizing the facts.

Learn Good Time Management Skills

You will have to manage your time well during the exam
Practice with timed mock tests
Take around 1 minute per question
Skip the question if it appears tricky and return to it
Use 5-10 minutes for review at the end

You have to try all questions in order to score well.

Develop Your Reading Ability

Many questions in Paper 1 require good reading ability:

Read different kinds of material every day-newspaper articles, journal articles, etc.
Practice summarizing articles in your own words
Be able to recognize key words and supporting details in a rush
Practice to increase speed of reading

These skills will enable you to answer questions much faster during the test

Pay Attention to High-Weightage Topics

There are some topics that are high-weightage in Paper 1. Pay attention to these areas too.

Teaching Aptitude
Research Methodology
Logical Reasoning
Data Interpretation
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

All units are important but if you are a pro in these, the improvement in your score will be massive

Practice Regularly with Mock Tests

Mock tests are a great asset for practicing exams:

Take at least one full-length mock test in a week
Analyze your performance after every test
Find out your weak areas and start working on them
Gradually increase the frequency of mock tests as the exam date draws closer

Practice regularly will make you familiar with the pattern of the paper but also instill confidence.

Create Your Own Strategic Approach to MCQs

Multiple choice questions have a proper strategy in mastering them:

Read the question carefully and look for the keywords
Be able to rule out patently wrong options
logical guess at any you aren't sure about
if you absolutely can't make a guess write something down instead of leaving it blank

you don't lose marks for wrong answers, and you don't gain any for leaving a question unsolved. So attempt to answer everything.

Keep Afloat on Current Affairs

Current affairs are integral to Paper 1:

Read good newspapers and magazines every day
Follow excellent and reliable news websites and applications
Listen to developments in education, science, and technology
Write a monthly summary of the important events

You will be better placed to answer questions on current affairs.

Care for Your Body and Mind

To perform at optimal levels, take care of your body and mind as follows:

Eat balanced diets
Exercise regularly to help minimize your pressure levels
Ensure that you sleep enough, mostly before your exam
Exercise stress-reducing techniques such as meditation or deep breathing

You have to remember that for yourself, the best asset when doing the paper would be a calm and focused mind.

Conclusion

It is tough to get 80 out of 100 or above in UGC NET Paper 1, but with a proper approach, one can achieve it. With perseverance towards these strategies, you would be able to figure out the vast difference between succeeding and failing. Always remember to follow up on the following tips: