The National Testing Agency (NTA) held the UGC NET exam for its December 2024 cycle on January 3, 2025 . This day marked the third day of this important national test. The exam helps students qualify to become junior research fellows (JRFs) or assistant professors in universities and colleges across India.
On January 3, the exam took place in two shifts and covered a total of 14 different subjects . All students who took the exam on this day had to know their exact exam timings and follow important rules set by the NTA.
Exam Timings
The UGC NET exam runs daily in two main shifts. These timings help manage the large number of students taking the test:
- Shift 1 : From 9 AM to 12 PM
- Shift 2 : From 3 PM to 6 PM
Subjects Tested on Day 3
On January 3, 2025 , students appeared for exams in the following subjects:
| Shift 1 (9 AM to 12 PM) | Shift 2 (3 PM to 6 PM) |
| Commerce | Geography |
| Sanskrit | Education |
| Santali | Folk Literature |
| Criminology | Maithili |
| Political Science (includes International Relations/Strategic Studies) | Comparative Study of Religions |
| Disaster Management | Indian Culture |
| Museology & Conservation | Persian |
Important Rules for Exam Day
Students appearing for the UGC NET 2025 December cycle had to follow these key rules during the exam:
- Admit Card and ID : Candidates must carry a printed copy of their UGC NET admit card . They also need a valid photo ID proof . Accepted IDs include Aadhaar card, PAN card, or Passport.
- Arrival Time : Students must reach the exam center early. Late entry to the exam hall was not allowed . It was advised to arrive at least 60 minutes before the exam started.
- No Electronic Gadgets : Bringing mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, or any other electronic gadgets inside the exam hall was strictly forbidden .
- Exam Structure : The UGC NET exam has two main parts: Paper I and Paper II . Paper I is common for all candidates and tests general knowledge, teaching ability, and research skills. Paper II focuses on the specific subject chosen by the student. Both papers are held together in a single session , lasting a total of three hours . There is no break between Paper I and Paper II. Students must manage their time carefully to complete both papers.
