UGC NET 2018: Candidates To Appear In New Exam Pattern For First Time

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), is going to conduct the UGC NET on July 8, 2018. What is to be noted this year, that the board has decided to change the examination pattern. CBSE will test the aspirants on the basis of two papers, which previously was done on the basis of 3 papers. The change in the exam pattern was declared via an official notification by the board. This will be the very first time that the candidates will appear for UGC NET 2018 in the New Exam Pattern.

This year CBSE is holding UGC NET, but next time NTA will hold it. NTA is the National Testing Agency constituted to hold all CBSE and AICTE higher education exams.

Many candidates apply for UGC NET each year. In fact, last year 9.30 lakh candidates appeared for the UGC NET exam held in November, across 1700 centres. However, this year a lot of big changes have been introduced in the exam pattern and also in the eligibility criteria. Thus, this time the results of the examination will be highly anticipated.

There will be 2 papers now, instead of the usual 3 papers.

Paper 1 will be the general aptitude test that will put the candidate’s teaching and general aptitude to test. This paper will be of 100 marks and will contain 50 questions of 2 marks each. The duration of this paper will be one hour.

Paper 2 is devised to test the candidates on their knowledge of the subject of their choice. This paper will be of 200 marks and will contain 100 objective type questions of 2 marks each. The duration of this paper will be two hours

Paper 2 will now cover entire syllabi of earlier Paper II and Paper III (including all electives, without options)

The age limit of JRF has been increased from 28 years to 30 year

There have been very mixed reactions from the aspirants who will appear for the examination this year regarding the changed pattern.

Appreciating the decision, a UGC aspirant quoted “Though, it can become little difficult for candidates, in the long run, it shall ensure that only deserving candidates clear the examination.”

Another aspirant quoted the opposite “I am not at all happy with these changes. There should be uniformity in the pattern. A complete section has been removed. Every year, there is a change which hampers the preparation of aspirants. However, it is good that the age has been increased.”

There was news of the UGC NET to be held annually from this year. But it has now bee confirmed that it will be conducted twice a year. The exam pattern and eligibility criteria are the only changes that have been introduced in 2018.

The last date to apply for UGC NET July 2018 is April 05, 2018. Majority of the aspiring candidates have filled up the application form and will be getting their admit card to appear in the examination.

There is a wave of curiosity among the aspirants about the question paper as they will be facing the new exam pattern for the first time. Thus, how the aspirants are going to react post the examination will reflect the consequence of CBSE’s decision of changing the exam pattern.

Are you appearing for CBSE UGC NET July 2018? Let us know your opinion about the changes by CBSE in NET 2018 in the comments below.