The UGC NET Social Work Exam is a national-level eligibility test conducted by the National Testing Agency on behalf of the University Grants Commission. This examination is organized to determine the eligibility of candidates for the posts of Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in the field of Social Work across Indian universities and colleges. The exam evaluates candidates’ understanding of social work principles, human behavior, social welfare administration, research methods, community organization, and social justice.
It is highly suitable for students who wish to build a career in teaching, research, counseling, and community development. The examination is conducted in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode and consists of two papers covering teaching aptitude and subject-specific knowledge. Qualifying the UGC NET Social Work Exam provides candidates with excellent career opportunities in academics, research institutions, NGOs, and various government welfare organizations across India.
UGC NET Social Work: Overview Table
| Particulars | Details |
| Organization Name | University Grants Commission (UGC) |
| Exam Conducting Body Name | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Name | UGC-NET June 2026 |
| Subject Name | Social Work (Subject Code: 10) |
| Mode of Examination | Computer Based Test (CBT) only |
| Selection Process | CBT Exam followed by Result/Merit List |
UGC NET Social Work: Exam Pattern
| Particulars | Details |
| Total Questions | 150 Questions (Part I: 50 MCQs, Part II: 100 MCQs) |
| Total Marks | 300 Marks (Part I: 100 Marks, Part II: 200 Marks) |
| Exam Duration | 180 minutes (03 hours) without any break between Paper 1 & Paper 2 |
| Duration | The total duration of the exam is 03 hours (180 minutes). |
| No Breaks | There is no break between Part I and Part II; the exam runs continuously. |
| Compulsory Questions | All 150 questions are compulsory. |
| Marks per Question | Each correct response carries 02 (two) marks. |
| Negative Marking | There is no negative marking for incorrect responses. |
| Unattempted Questions | No marks will be given for questions left unanswered, unattempted, or marked for review. |
UGC NET: Paper 1 Exam Pattern
| Unit | Subject Area | Number of Questions (Approx.) | Total Marks |
| Unit 1 | Teaching Aptitude | 5 | 10 |
| Unit 2 | Research Aptitude | 5 | 10 |
| Unit 3 | Comprehension | 5 | 10 |
| Unit 4 | Communication | 5 | 10 |
| Unit 5 | Mathematical Reasoning and Aptitude | 5 | 10 |
| Unit 6 | Logical Reasoning | 5 | 10 |
| Unit 7 | Data Interpretation | 5 | 10 |
| Unit 8 | Information and Communication Technology (ICT) | 5 | 10 |
| Unit 9 | People, Development and Environment | 5 | 10 |
| Unit 10 | Higher Education System | 5 | 10 |
| Total | Overall Paper 1 | 50 Questions | 100 Marks |
Paper 2: Social Work (Code: 10)
| Unit Number | Topic / Domain Focus | Approx. Number of Questions | Total Marks |
| Unit I | Nature and Development of Social Work | 10 | 20 |
| Unit II | Society, Human Behavior and Communities | 10 | 20 |
| Unit III | Social Work with Individuals and Groups | 10 | 20 |
| Unit IV | Social Work with Communities and Social Action | 10 | 20 |
| Unit V | Research in Social Work: Quantitative and Qualitative | 10 | 20 |
| Unit VI | Administration, Welfare and Policy | 10 | 20 |
| Unit VII | Social Justice and Human Rights | 10 | 20 |
| Unit VIII | Areas of Social Work Practice (I) | 10 | 20 |
| Unit IX | Areas of Social Work Practice (II) | 10 | 20 |
| Unit X | Contemporary Social Problems and Interventions | 10 | 20 |
| TOTAL | 10 Core Units | 100 Questions | 200 Marks |
UGC NET Social Work: Syllabus
Part I: General Paper (Common for All Subjects)
| Unit | Subject Area | Detailed Topics Covered |
| Unit I | Teaching Aptitude | Teaching concept, objectives, levels of teaching (memory, understanding, reflective); Learner characteristics (adolescent and adult learners); Factors affecting teaching; Methods of teaching in higher learning institutions (teacher-centered vs. learner-centered, offline vs. online); Teaching support systems (traditional, modern, ICT-based); Evaluation systems and Choice Based Credit System (CBCS). |
| Unit II | Research Aptitude | Research meaning, types, and characteristics; Positivism and post-positivistic approach; Methods of research (experimental, descriptive, historical, qualitative, quantitative); Steps of research; Thesis and article writing (format and referencing styles); Application of ICT in research; Research ethics. |
| Unit III | Comprehension | A passage of text is provided. Candidates must answer questions based on their understanding and analysis of the passage. |
| Unit IV | Communication | Communication meaning, types, and characteristics; Effective communication (verbal, non-verbal, intercultural, group, classroom); Barriers to effective communication; Mass-media and society. |
| Unit V | Mathematical Reasoning and Aptitude | Types of reasoning; Number series, letter series, codes, and relationships; Mathematical aptitude (fractions, time & distance, ratio, proportion, percentage, profit and loss, interest, discounting, averages). |
| Unit VI | Logical Reasoning | Understanding the structure of arguments (premises, deductive/inductive reasoning); Evaluating and distinguishing arguments; Venn diagrams; Analogies; Indian Logic: Means of knowledge (Pramanas, Pratyaksha, Anumana, Upamana, Shabda, Arthapatti, Anupalabdhi); Structure and kinds of Anumana (inference), Vyapti, Hetvabhasas. |
| Unit VII | Data Interpretation | Sources, acquisition, and classification of data; Quantitative and qualitative data; Graphical representation (bar-chart, histograms, pie-chart, table-chart, line-chart) and mapping of data; Data interpretation; Data and governance. |
| Unit VIII | Information and Communication Technology (ICT) | ICT general abbreviations and terminology; Basics of the Internet, Intranet, E-mail, Audio and Video-conferencing; Digital initiatives in higher education; ICT and governance. |
| Unit IX | People, Development and Environment | Development and environment (Millennium and Sustainable Development Goals); Human and environment interaction (anthropogenic activities); Environmental issues (air, water, soil, noise pollution, climate change); Impacts of pollutants on human health; Natural and energy resources; Natural hazards and disasters; Environmental Protection Act (1986), National Action Plan on Climate Change, International agreements (Kyoto Protocol, Paris Agreement, International Solar Alliance). |
| Unit X | Higher Education System | Institutions of higher learning and education in ancient India; Evolution of higher learning and research in post-independence India; Oriental, conventional, and non-conventional learning programs; Professional, technical, and skill-based education; Value education and environmental education; Policies, governance, and administration. |
UGC NET Social Work (Subject Code: 10)
| Unit | Title | Detailed Topics and Core Concepts |
| Unit I | Nature and Development of Social Work |
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| Unit II | Society, Human Behavior and Communities |
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| Unit III | Social Work with Individuals and Groups |
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| Unit IV | Social Work with Communities and Social Action |
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| Unit V | Research in Social Work: Quantitative & Qualitative |
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| Unit VI | Administration, Welfare and Development Services |
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| Unit VII | Social Policy, Planning and Social Development |
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| Unit VIII | Indian Constitution, Social Justice and Human Rights |
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| Unit IX | Areas of Social Work Practice I |
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| Unit X | Areas of Social Work Practice II |
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Preparation Tips
- Master Paper I First: Since Paper I is compulsory for all subjects, scoring high here (at least 40% for General and 35% for Reserved) is crucial to stay in the 6% qualifying bracket.
- Focus on Theories and Thinkers: Social Work often includes questions on specific social reformers, psychologists, and sociological theorists. Create a timeline of social work evolution in India.
- Understand Research Methodology: For Paper II, the research section is often the “make or break” component. Ensure you are comfortable with sampling methods and hypothesis testing.
- Practice on the NTA Portal: Use the NTA Mock Test link (nta.ac.in/Quiz) to get used to the CBT interface.
- Be Aware of Normalization: If the Social Work exam is conducted across multiple shifts, NTA will use the Equi-percentile method. Your raw score will be converted into a percentile to ensure fairness regardless of paper difficulty.
- Regular Documentation: Keep your Master’s degree marks updated. General candidates need 55%, while OBC-NCL, SC, ST, and PwD candidates need 50% in their qualifying degree.
- Watch the Age Limit: If applying for JRF, ensure you are not more than 30 years old as of June 1, 2026 (with a 5-year relaxation for women and reserved categories).
Some Important Links
| UGC NET Psychology Exam Pattern And Syllabus | Click Here |
| UGC NET Education Exam Pattern And Syllabus | Click Here |