UGC NET vs SET: Differences, Syllabus and Which One to Choose?

by Admin User - Monday 24th of March 2025 06:42:10 PM
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If you are aiming for a career in lectureship or research, you might be asking whether the UGC NET or SET examination is more appropriate for you. Both exams are important to those seeking to become Assistant Professors, yet some features differentiate the two. In this post, we'll focus on UGC NET versus SET, their syllabus the notable differences, and which one you should take based on your career objectives.

What is UGC NET?

UGC NET or the University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test is a national level examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The examination tests the eligibility of candidates for the position of Assistant Professorship and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in colleges and Universities in India.

Preparing candidates often use UGC NET online mock test along with NTA UGC NET mock test to gauge their readiness. There are also a number of aspirants that sign up for UGC NET course online so that they can be provided with guidance on structuring their preparation.

BUY NOW: Best UGC NET Online Courses | Mock Test Series | For 2025 Exam

Must Read: UGC NET Cutoff Trends: What are the Qualifying Marks?

What is SET?

The State Eligibility Test (SET) is an examination offered by different states to assess the eligibility of candidates seeking an Assistant Professorship in that specific state. Unlike the UGC NET, which has national recognition, SET certification is restricted to the state where the candidate takes the examination.

Candidates preparing for SET also use the UGC NET online mock test for practice to familiarize themselves with the test format and level of difficulty.

Key Differences Between UGC NET and SET

Feature

UGC NET

SET

Conducting Body

 NTA (National Level)

State Government (State Level)

Eligibility

Assistant Professor & JRF

Assistant Professor only

Validity

Valid across India

Valid only in the respective state

Difficulty Level

Higher

Moderate

Exam Frequency

Conducted twice a year

Conducted as per state requirements

 

Syllabus Comparison: UGC NET vs SET

Both UGC NET and SET have a similar syllabus, covering two papers:

Part 1-(General Paper on Teaching & Research Aptitude)-Includes reasoning skills, reading comprehension, general knowledge, and teaching and research skills.

Part 2 (Specialized) – Includes material pertaining to the candidate's field of study.

The UGC NET exam is more difficult than SET. Like many other candidates, I make use of the NTA UGC NET mock test to non-discriminatively assess the difficulty of the test and evaluate how well I am managing time.

Are You a Teacher? For Latest Updated FREE UGC NET Specimen Sample Books for Teachers- Click Here

Which Examination is Right for You?

Select UGC NET if: You wish to apply for any teaching job in India or qualify for JRF to pursue a Ph.D.

Settle on SET if: You prefer to work as an Assistant Professor in a particular state.

No matter which direction you decide to take, using a UGC NET online mock test will greatly assist in your preparations. An online UGC NET course comes with a study plan as well as materials to help students ace these competitive examinations. Moreover, practising with NTA UGC NET mock test will assist you in becoming familiar with the test and enhancing your speed and precision.

Closing Remarks

There are great career prospects with both UGC NET and SET examinations for teaching professionals. Depending on your career goals and location, the option that best suits you will differ. Increase your efforts by consistently working with UGC NET online mock test and enrol in a UGC NET course online for a hassle-free guidance experience.

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