If you’re planning to build a career in academia or research in the field of law, qualifying the UGC NET Law exam is essential. This national-level exam is conducted to determine the eligibility for Assistant Professorship and the award of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in Indian universities and colleges.
Let’s walk through everything you need to know to get started.
What is UGC NET Law?
The University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the UGC. The Law paper is one of the many subject options offered under UGC NET.
There are two purposes of the exam:
- To qualify for Assistant Professor roles.
- To qualify for JRF + Assistant Professor positions.
Who Can Apply?
To appear for the UGC NET Law exam, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Educational Qualification: A Master’s degree in Law (LL.M) or an equivalent degree with at least 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC/PwD/Transgender).
- Age Limit:
- For JRF: Maximum 30 years (relaxations available for reserved categories).
- For Assistant Professor: No upper age limit.
Exam Pattern: What to Expect
The UGC NET Law exam consists of two papers, both conducted in a single session:
| Paper | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | 50 (General Teaching & Research Aptitude) | 100 | 1 hour |
| Paper II | 100 (Subject-specific – Law) | 200 | 2 hours |
- No negative marking.
- All questions are objective-type (MCQs).
Syllabus Overview
The Law syllabus covers a broad range of topics, such as:
- Constitutional Law
- Jurisprudence
- Law of Crimes
- Law of Torts
- International Law
- Environmental Law
- Human Rights Law
- IPR & Cyber Law
When and Where to Apply
The exam is held twice a year — usually in June and December.
- The official notification, including dates for registration, correction window, and exam schedule, is released on the UGC NET official website: https://ugcnet.nta.nic.in
- It’s important to regularly check the website for the latest updates.
How to Prepare: Key Tips
Getting started can feel overwhelming, but a structured approach makes all the difference.
- Know the syllabus thoroughly.
- Start with Paper I to build a foundation in teaching and research.
- Focus deeply on Paper II — your legal concepts must be crystal clear.
- Use standard textbooks and NTA’s previous year papers.
- Solve mock tests regularly to improve speed and accuracy.
Result and Validity
- The JRF award letter is valid for 3 years from the date of result.
- Assistant Professor eligibility has no expiry once qualified.
- Results are published on the official UGC NET portal.
The UGC NET Law exam opens the door to prestigious academic roles and research opportunities in law. While the competition is tough, consistent preparation and early planning will help you succeed.
Reference: To take help from any external resource to prepare of the examination, you may check out UGC NET EXAM resources by EBC
