What is the UGC NET Minimum Qualifying Marks?

Are you wondering about the UGC NET minimum qualifying marks? Learn about the essential score you need to clear the exam. We provide detailed information on the passing criteria and the cut-off marks required for eligibility. Get all the facts here! Check the qualifying marks now.

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The University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) is a national-level test that qualifies candidates for various academic positions, including being designated as Assistant Professors, securing admission to PhD programs, or being awarded Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) to pursue their academic research dreams. Understanding the minimum qualifying marks for UGC NET is essential for candidates aiming to succeed in the exam. In this article, we will explore the minimum qualifying marks and how they vary across different categories and paper formats.

UGC NET Minimum Qualifying Marks: Overview

The UGC NET qualifying marks refer to the least score a candidate must achieve to be considered eligible for the post of Assistant Professor, secure admission to a PhD program, or be awarded a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF). These qualifying marks are set by the UGC, taking into account factors such as exam difficulty, the number of candidates, and category-wise relaxation. The minimum qualifying marks are determined separately for Paper I (General Paper) and Paper II (Subject-Specific Paper).

UGC NET Minimum Qualifying Marks for Paper I & Paper II

The UGC NET exam consists of two papers: Paper 1 and Paper 2. Both papers are conducted in a single session and are mandatory for all candidates.o qualify for the UGC NET, candidates must secure the minimum qualifying marks in both Paper 1 and Paper 2. The minimum qualifying marks are determined by the UGC and are based on the category of the candidate. The minimum qualifying marks are as follows:

Paper I (General Paper)

General Category: 40%
OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/PwD/SC/ST Category: 35%

Paper II (Subject-Specific Paper)

General Category: 40%
OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/PwD/SC/ST Category: 35%

UGC NET Qualifying Marks Category-wise

The UGC NET qualifying marks are relaxed for candidates from reserved categories. Below is a table that provides the minimum qualifying percentage for each category:

Category	Paper I	Paper II
General	40%	40%
OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)	35%	35%
SC/ST/PwD/Transgender	35%	35%
EWS (Economically Weaker Section)	40%	40%

Determining the UGC NET Cut-off Marks

While the UGC NET minimum qualifying marks are predefined, the actual cut-off marks may differ each year. The cut-off is determined based on several factors, including the total number of candidates, their overall performance, and the difficulty level of the exam. The final cut-off marks are released along with the UGC NET results.

Number of Candidates: The total number of candidates appearing for the exam plays a significant role in determining the cutoff. Higher competition may lead to a higher cutoff.
Difficulty Level of the Exam: If the exam is perceived to be more difficult, the cutoff marks may be lower, and vice versa.
Number of Vacancies: The number of available vacancies for Assistant Professor and JRF also influences the cutoff marks. Fewer vacancies may result in a higher cutoff.
Previous Year Cutoff Trends: The NTA also considers the cutoff trends from previous years to maintain consistency in the selection process.

UGC NET Related Important Links
UGC NET	UGC NET Syllabus
UGC NET Exam Pattern	UGC NET Previous Year Papers
UGC NET Preparation Tips	UGC NET Eligibility
UGC NET Answer Key 2025	UGC NET Cut-Off
UGC NET Mock Test	UGC NET Online Coaching
UGC NET Salary	UGC NET Normalization Process

UGC NET minimum qualifying marks

What are the UGC NET minimum qualifying marks?

The UGC NET minimum qualifying marks are the scores candidates need to achieve in order to qualify for the exam. The qualifying marks vary based on the category of the candidate. For General candidates, the minimum qualifying mark is typically 40% in both papers, while it is 35% for SC/ST/OBC/PWD candidates.

How are UGC NET qualifying marks determined?

The qualifying marks for UGC NET are determined by the NTA (National Testing Agency) based on the candidates’ performance in both Paper I and Paper II. The marks vary depending on the category and the total number of candidates.

Is there any relaxation in qualifying marks for reserved categories?

Yes, reserved category candidates (SC/ST/OBC/PWD) are provided with a relaxation in the qualifying marks. They need to score 35% in both Paper I and Paper II to qualify.