UGC NET History 2025 exam is a great chance for those who want to become Assistant Professors or apply for a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in History. The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts this national-level exam to test the teaching and research skills of postgraduate students. Here you can get complete information on eligibility, syllabus, exam pattern, preparation tips, previous year papers, and career prospects to help you crack this competitive exam.
What is UGC NET History?
UGC NET History is a subject-paper (Paper 2) of the UGC NET series that examines the candidate’s in-depth knowledge of Indian and World History, Historiography, Culture, and Research Methodology. It is held in two papers:
- Paper 1 – General Teaching & Research Aptitude
- Paper 2 History – Subject-specific
Also Read: UGC NET History Question Paper 2025 Exam
UGC NET History Eligibility Criteria 2025
To appear for the UGC NET History 2025 examination, candidates need to meet the eligibility criteria as prescribed by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The criteria are educational qualifications, age limit (for JRF), and reservation norms.
Criteria | Details |
Educational Qualification | Master’s degree in History or related field with at least 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC/PwD/Third gender) |
Age Limit (for JRF) | Not more than 30 years (as of exam date); 5-year relaxation for reserved categories |
Age Limit (for Assistant Prof.) | No upper age limit |
Number of Attempts | No restriction |
Also Read: UGC NET Cutoff 2025
UGC NET History 2025 Exam Pattern 2025
The UGC NET History 2025 examination is held by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in a Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. The examination consists of two papers—Paper 1 (General Aptitude) and Paper 2 (subject-specific History), both held in a single sitting of three hours. There is no negative marking in the UGC NET Exam 2025.
Paper | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration | Type of Questions |
Paper 1 | 50 | 100 | Combined 3 Hours | General Aptitude |
Paper 2 | 100 | 200 | Subject-Specific (History) |
UGC NET Marking Scheme 2025
The UGC NET 2025 scheme of marking is intended to fairly evaluate performance in Paper 1 and Paper 2. Every correct answer is rewarded, and the best is that there is no negative marking, so it is easier to attempt all questions without worrying about losing marks.
Response Type | Marks Awarded |
Correct Answer | +2 marks |
Incorrect Answer | 0 marks (No deduction) |
Unanswered Question | 0 marks |
UGC NET Paper-wise Marks Distribution
Paper | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
Paper 1 | 50 | 2 marks | 100 |
Paper 2 | 100 | 2 marks | 200 |
UGC NET Minimum Qualifying Marks 2025
To be eligible as an Assistant Professor or Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), the candidates must achieve the minimum qualifying marks established by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The marks are determined according to the category of the candidate and are computed on the basis of the total marks of Paper 1 and Paper 2 combined.
Category | Minimum Qualifying Marks (Aggregate) |
General / Unreserved | 40% |
OBC (NCL) / SC / ST / PwD / Third Gender | 35% |
Also Read: UGC NET Application Form 2025
UGC NET History Syllabus 2025
The UGC NET History Syllabus 2025 aims to evaluate the candidate’s comprehensive understanding of the concept of history, research capability, historiography, and socio-political, economic, and cultural transformation throughout various epochs of Indian as well as global history. The syllabus is divided into 10 units that cover all major areas needed to teach and do research in History.
UGC NET Political Science Unit-wise Syllabus
Unit | Topics |
Unit 1 | Research in History – Sources, methods, historiography |
Unit 2 | Ancient Indian History – Prehistoric, Vedic, Maurya, Gupta, South India |
Unit 3 | Medieval Indian History – Sultanate, Mughals, Bhakti-Sufi, Regional Kingdoms |
Unit 4 | Modern Indian History – Colonialism, 1857 Revolt, National Movement |
Unit 5 | World History – Revolutions, World Wars, Imperialism, Decolonization |
Unit 6 | Historiography & Historical Thought – Indian, Western, Marxist, Subaltern |
Unit 7 | Art, Architecture & Culture – Religion, iconography, temple and Mughal art |
Unit 8 | Economic History – Ancient to Modern trade, agriculture, land systems |
Unit 9 | Social History – Caste, class, gender, social reforms |
Unit 10 | Environmental & Oral History, Science & Technology in historical context |
Download UGC NET Full Official Syllabus PDF
UGC NET History Syllabus 2025 PDF Download
For aspirants who are preparing for the UGC NET History 2025 exam, access to the official syllabus is essential for proper preparation. The syllabus provides the topics and units included in the exam, along with a structured method of study.
Language | Download Link |
English | |
Hindi |
UGC NET History Preparation Tips 2025
Preparation for the UGC NET History 2025 exam involves a strategic blend of comprehensive subject expertise, intelligent study planning, and frequent revision. Below are some expert preparation tips that will assist you in both Paper 1 General Aptitude and Paper 2 History:
- Know Syllabus Inside Out: Get the official PDF syllabus and cover unit by unit. Give a special preference to Modern India, Ancient History, and World History.
- Adhere to Standard Books: Ancient India: R.S. Sharma, Modern India: Bipin Chandra, World History: Norman Lowe, Historiography: E.H. Carr
- Plan Your Study Time: Create a realistic schedule. Shoot for 3–4 hours a day and reserve the last month for revision and mock tests.
- Solve Previous Year Papers: Understand the pattern and areas of focus by doing at least 10 years’ worth of past papers.
- Take Mock Tests Seriously: Enroll in a good test series and solve full-length mocks weekly to work on time management.
- Don’t Ignore Paper 1: Scoring high in Paper 1 improves your overall performance. Practice teaching aptitude, reasoning, and comprehension.
- Take Quick Notes for Revision: Write down key facts, thinkers, and dates in brief notes. Review them regularly.
UGC NET History PYPs | UGC NET Paper 2 History | Gupta Period PYQs by Suresh Sir | UGC NET 2025
UGC NET History Question Paper 2024
The UGC NET History Question Paper 2024 was conducted in two sessions—June and December—through the computer-based mode. There were two papers each in the two sessions:
- Paper 1 : General Aptitude
- Paper 2: History subject-wise
Candidates found the paper somewhat tough, and there were some reviews to indicate that portions such as Modern Indian History were quite easier compared to other sections, while historiography and cultural history questions were more demanding. The June 2024 provisional answer key came under criticism due to a number of discrepancies, and the aspirants were permitted to raise objections against the wrong answers. In order to help prepare, students should carefully go through the 2024 papers and practice solving them under the timed test scenario.
Exam Name | Shift | Paper | Download Link |
UGC NET History June 2024 | Shift 1 | Paper 2 | |
UGC NET History June 2024 | Shift 2 | Paper 2 |
UGC NET History Previous Year Question Papers
Previous year question papers practice is an essential part of efficient preparation for UGC NET History examination. It assists candidates in knowing the exam pattern, finding key points, and enhancing time management ability. Below are last 5 year question papers download links provided. You can download UGC NET History previous year question papers in PDF format:
Exam Name | Year | Paper | Download PDF |
UGC NET History | 2023 | ||
UGC NET History | 2022 |
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UGC NET History | 2021 |
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UGC NET History | 2020 |
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UGC NET History | 2018 | Paper 1 | |
UGC NET History | 2018 | Paper 2 |
Career Scope After UGC NET History 2025
Clearing the UGC NET History examination provides a very broad spectrum of career opportunities in teaching, research, and government jobs. Among the most prestigious of these is becoming an Assistant Professor in Indian universities and colleges, which provides a secure career as well as the chance to contribute to historical education and research.
Assistant Professor in Colleges and Universities
- Once you qualify NET, you are eligible for the post of Assistant Professor in private and government institutions in India.
- The profession is secure in nature, provides academic independence, and allows you to guide students in historical studies and research.
Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)
- If you are eligible for JRF, you get a monthly stipend (approximately ₹31,000/month) for full-time research towards M.Phil or Ph.D. in History.
- It provides access to research fellowships, international conferences, and publication of academic papers.
Historian or Academic Researcher
- Collaborate with research organizations such as the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), think tanks, or universities as a professional historian working on academic journals, historical records, or government-appointed research.
Archivist, Curator, or Museum Guide
- Such opportunities can be found in museums, cultural centers, and archives in terms of occupation such as curator, archival administrator, or museum teacher, particularly in organizations like the National Museum, Nehru Memorial Museum & Library, and state heritage councils.
Cultural Heritage & Tourism Sector
- NET-qualified History graduates may be employed by organizations that work on preserving cultural heritage, heritage walks, or developing educational content for historical tourism projects under the ministries of Tourism and Culture.
Academic Content Developer or Editor
- With solid subject matter expertise, you may become a content writer/editor of history textbook content, online learning websites or publishing houses that produce study material for schools, colleges, and UPSC candidates.
Coaching Institute Faculty / Online Tutor
- Most NET-qualified aspirants join coaching institutes or open YouTube channels or online classes imparting UGC NET, UPSC History Optional, or school-level History for competitive examinations.
Historical Documentary Researcher / Consultant
- With the growing demand for authentic historical content in documentaries and online media, qualified aspirants are also employed as consultants or script researchers for TV, film, and OTT platforms dealing with Indian and world history.
Project Associate or Consultant in Research Projects
- Work as a project associate or assistant at universities, NGOs, or global organizations (such as UNESCO) in history research and documentation projects sponsored by UGC, ICHR, or international heritage societies.
Public Historian & Independent Researcher
- Pursue independent historical studies, author books, maintain history blogs or podcasting, or engage in spreading awareness through participatory community approaches, policy note writing, or cooperation with history societies.
Also Read: Career Options After UGC NET June 2025 Exam
Conclusion
UGC NET History 2025 is not just an exam but a doorway to a prestigious scholarly and research-based career. If your aspiration is to be a university professor, conduct pioneering historical research, or work in national and international heritage studies, this exam provides a planned path. With the appropriate preparation strategy, relentless effort, and a sincere interest in history, you not only pass the exam but create a long-term, meaningful career in education, research, and elsewhere.
UGC NET History 2025 FAQs
The UGC NET History exam is held to ascertain eligibility for Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) posts in Indian colleges and universities.
Yes, students appearing in the final year of a Master’s course in History or a related subject can apply provisionally.
There is no age restriction for eligibility for Assistant Professor, but for JRF, the maximum age is 30 years (with relaxation for reserved categories).
Yes, Paper 1 is uniform for all subjects and assesses general teaching and research aptitude, reasoning, comprehension, and data interpretation.
The UGC NET examination is generally held twice a year—once during June and the second time in December.
