About General Paper on Teaching and Research Aptitude (Paper-I) of UGC NET

In India, the main criterion for the appointment of teachers to colleges and universities is based on whether they qualified National Eligibility Test (NET) conducted by University Grants Commission (UGC) or Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). For science and technology related subjects, CSIR is conducting NET examination. UGC-NET examination is conducted by CBSE on behalf of UGC for various subjects of humanities, arts and social sciences. UGC conducts NET examination twice a year. The qualifying criterion is depending on the rules set by UGC based on cut-off marks, reservation criterion etc. the cut-off mark varies in each NET examination. Those who pass UGC-NET examination will be eligible to teach in universities and colleges across India. If the candidate got Junior Research Fellowship [(JRF) Toppers among NET holders], can go directly for research with fellowships from government. Anyway, to qualify UGC-NET examination requires three papers to attend. The first paper aims to test whether the candidate is able to understand basics of teaching, research, psychology, communication etc. the remaining two papers are based on the core subject chosen by the candidate. It should be the core subject of the candidate who did it at their post graduation degree level.

Basically, there are three papers in UGC-NET examination. All the papers are designed and based on objective type or multiple choice questions. The first papers contains 60 questions out of which 50 questions are compulsory and carries 2 mark for each and a total of 100 mark. The second paper contains 50 compulsory questions carrying 2 marks for each and 100 marks total. The third paper contains 75 compulsory questions and 2 marks for each and a total of 150 marks. So, UGC-NET examination is a test of 350 marks with a total duration of 5 hours. For visually challenged candidates, there will be appropriate questions substituted in the examination.

First paper is also called as General Paper on Teaching and Research Aptitude. The main purpose of this test is to check the research capabilities of the candidate as well as the general awareness of the candidate in teaching, logical reasoning, communication, information and communication technology (ICT), higher education system etc. Anyhow, general paper on teaching and research aptitude can be categorized under ten areas as follows.

1) Teaching aptitude

2) Research aptitude

3) Reasoning

4) Logical reasoning

5) Data interpretation

6) Communication

7) Information and communication technology (ICT)

8) Higher education system; policies and administration

9) People and environment, and

10) Reading comprehension

A brief note on each of this area is explained below.

Teaching aptitude testing is the testing of whether the candidate knows various aspects of teaching, effects of teaching, teaching methods, how to handle learners, basic objectives of teaching system and conveying of ideas to students etc. One of the important aspects of teaching aptitude is the evaluation system. The output of teaching can be measured only based on following appropriate evaluation. Learning is a long term process in our system and which has divided into different academic years. So continuous evaluation and examination ways together is using for evaluating the evaluation processes.

One of the most important need for higher education aims at the promotion of research activities. Research is simply the processing of searching new real things and which can improve the human lives. Here in UGC-NET examination, research aptitude testing questions may ask. The questions may be expected from various aspects on research such as fundamentals of research, its importance, objectives and methods. Some other questions may also asked related to the research processing such as publication of research articles, conferences, seminars, projects etc. In fact, research aptitude testing is very relevant for UGC-NET examination. So, it would be more benevolent to understand the emerging trends in education and research areas around the world.

Reasoning is the fundamental testing of the mental ability of the candidate. Reasoning is often tested through mathematical problems like number series, classification, solving problem by using codes, relationship between words, letters and numbers etc. So to clear this area, the candidate must learn the basics of mathematics, general things, relationship between things, differences between things etc.

Logical reasoning is basically aimed to test the intellectual capacity of the candidate. These questions are generally asked indirectly with more complexities. It also tests the analytical capacity of the candidate based on certain diagrams, analogies, arguments etc. Such types of questions are more confusing and requires more to practice with similar problems to cope such questions. In fact, both reasoning and logical reasoning problems are more or less difficult areas of paper I. Thus a thorough preparation and practice can reduce the complexities.

Data interpretation is also a test for testing the analytical skill of the candidate. Generally, data interpretation related questions are asked based on tables or graphs. Questions may be either quantitative or qualitative or both. Generally, data interpretation is one of the most favorable questions of candidates. It does not require any special practice to answer. But the candidate should have certain basic minimum knowledge to answer these types of questions. Often, data interpretation is based on set of data of a certain topic.

Communication plays an important role in the human life. Here in educational system also, it can’t be neglected by anyone. So this area is also included in UGC-NET examination. Different types of question on communication related matters may relating to communication barriers, effective communication, purpose of communication, formal and informal communication, verbal and non-verbal communication etc. Generally, questions are asked based on the effectiveness of communication in between teacher and students. In educational system, both verbal; and non-verbal communications are very relevant.

Information and communication technology is one of the areas and given more emphasis to test the knowledge of candidate about the basics of electronic devices, its uses and theories behind its functioning. This area also includes various aspects connected to internet, e-mailing, internet based education services etc. Very briefly, the candidate must have sufficient knowledge about the advantages and disadvantages of ICT. Questions may ask based on abbreviation and technology of various electronic based equipments. A notable point here is that, the technology has been changing day by day. So the candidate must update knowledge about all the changes.

This area is one of the most important areas of UGC-NET examination. Here the candidate must know about the higher education system in India and its structure, state universities, central universities, distance education, professional, technical and general education. The questions may also expect from the areas of policy and administration of the government. Very often, sure questions are coming from Indian constitution related matters. Further, recently related politically and economically important legislation issues may be expected in the test. So to deal with this area, the candidate must acquire knowledge about all of the above mentioned things.

This area is a general part of paper I. it includes various affairs like the relationship between human beings and environment. Here the concept of sustainable development is very important. Many questions are often asked relating to pollution issues, environmental hazards, environmental sustainability etc. Natural energy sources are another area. It will be easier to those who have great knowledge on environment and related issues. Further factual question may also ask. Say for instance, a question may asked, what the highest utilized renewable energy sources.

Reading comprehension is a type of question which often asks in almost all competitive examination like UPSC Civil Service examination in India. The questions will be based on given passage. So it is a fight with time. The candidate must capable of understanding the content of the passage within few minutes. To do such questions quickly, the candidate should practice and familiarize with such type of questions. The fact is, answers to the questions will be given. But the task is to catch the content within short time.

First paper of UGC-NET examination is common to all. It is not a heavy task. It can be cleared very easily if you develop your knowledge level in the above mentioned areas. Further, to get more clarity, you can go through oldest question papers of UGC-NET examination.