UGC NET Paper 1 Exam Analysis: June 23, 2026 (Shift 1) – Key Topics and Recurring Trends

Get a comprehensive breakdown of the UGC NET Paper 1 analysis for June 23, 2026 (Shift 1). Learn about the exam difficulty, unit-wise questions, and essential chronological sequences to help you prepare for upcoming shifts.

The UGC NET Paper 1 examination held on June 23, 2026 (Shift 1) followed a predictable yet dynamic pattern, with candidates generally describing the difficulty level as Easy to Moderate. While the core concepts remained consistent with previous cycles, there was a heavy emphasis on chronological sequencing, Match the Following (MTF), and Multiple Selection Options (MSO). The following guide breaks down the shift’s key highlights and specific questions.

Teaching and Research Aptitude

These units focused on classic theories and practical data classification.

• Teaching Aptitude:
  • Bloom's Taxonomy: Questions featured the three domains—Cognitive, Affective, and Psychomotor. Specifically, the stages within the Affective domain (receiving, responding, etc.) were tested.
  • Educational Models: Candidates encountered questions on John Dewey’s pragmatism and Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, ranging from physiological to self-actualisation.
  • PM POSHAN: The alternative name for the Mid-Day Meal scheme (PM POSHAN) was a direct question.
• Research Aptitude:
  • Measurement Scales: The NOIR (Nominal, Ordinal, Interval, Ratio) scales appeared in several contexts.
  • Reasoning Types: Both Inductive and Deductive research processes were tested, including sequencing the steps of a deductive study.
  • Testing & Ethics: Topics included T-tests, P-values, and plagiarism levels (specifically Level 1, covering 10%–40% similarity).

Logical Reasoning and Communication

Logical reasoning moved toward Western and Indian logic applications, while communication focused on models and historical sequences.

• Logical Reasoning:
  • Square of Opposition: This was a high-weightage topic, specifically focusing on contrary and sub-contrary relationships.
  • Fallacies: New additions included Hasty Generalisation (drawing conclusions from a small sample size) and Strawman fallacies.
  • Moods and Figures: Questions required identifying the SP pattern (Figure 1) and SS pattern (Figure 3).
• Communication:
  • Shannon-Weaver Model: Also known as the Mathematical Model of Communication (1948), its sequence (Sender → Encoder → Channel/Noise → Decoder → Receiver) was a key question.
  • Vande Mataram Sequence: A unique chronological question required placing events related to the national song in order (Composition → Publication in Anand Math → First Performance at INC → Adoption as National Song).

ICT, Environment, and Higher Education

These units tested both general knowledge and procedural sequences.

Higher Education: Ancient Universities and Locations

University	Location	Key Fact
Nalanda	Bihar	Ancient centre for Buddhist studies.
Taxila	Pakistan (Punjab Province)	Associated with Chanakya/Kautilya.
Vikramshila	Bihar	Founded by King Dharmapala.
Vallabhi	Gujarat	Founded by the Maitraka Dynasty.
Jagaddala	Bangladesh (Rajshahi)	Founded by King Ramapala.

• Higher Education Chronology: Candidates had to sequence the Wood’s Despatch (1854), Hunter Commission (1882), Sargent Report (1944), and Radhakrishnan Commission (1948).
• ICT:
  • Full Forms: Essential abbreviations included JPEG (Joint Photographic Expert Group) and SSD (Solid State Drive).
  • Sequences: Real-world procedures were tested, such as the steps for ATM cash withdrawal, online shopping/cart management, and QR code payments.
  • Number Systems: Conversions between Hexadecimal and Decimal were reported.
• People, Development, and Environment:
  • Gasses: Match-the-following questions involved SO2, NO2, and CO2.
  • SDG Goals: Specific focus on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Mathematical Reasoning and Data Interpretation

• Mathematical Topics: Questions covered Simple and Compound Interest (SI/CI), Averages, and Successive Discounts (using the AB formula).
• Data Interpretation (DI): The DI section was percentage-based and generally considered easy, although somewhat time-consuming.
• Trigonometry Surprise: For the first time, basic trigonometric values (sin, cos, tan) appeared, requiring candidates to know values for 0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90°.

Here we are providing a detailed breakdown of the questions and topics featured in the UGC NET Paper 1 exam held on 23 June 2026. The exam is generally described as easy to moderate, with a heavy emphasis on chronological sequencing, match-the-following formats, and procedural steps.

1. Teaching and Research Aptitude

• Bloom's Taxonomy: Identification of the three domains (Cognitive, Affective, Psychomotor) and specific stages within the Affective domain, such as receiving and valuing.
• Research Methodology: Questions on NOIR measurement scales (Nominal, Ordinal, Interval, Ratio), Inductive vs. Deductive research processes, and the specific steps to arrange a deductive study.
• Sampling: Identifying and differentiating between probability (Stratified, Simple Random) and non-probability sampling (Snowball, Purposive).
• Hypothesis Testing: Definitions and applications of T-tests, P-values, significance levels, and identifying the Chi-square test as non-parametric.
• Learning Theories: John Dewey’s pragmatism, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, and Gagné's hierarchy.
• Evaluation Systems: Differentiating between Formative (continuous feedback) and Summative evaluation.
• Plagiarism: Specific focus on Level 1 plagiarism, which covers 10% to 40% similarity.

2. Logical Reasoning and Communication

• Square of Opposition: Extensive questioning on Contrary, Sub-contrary, and Contradictory relationships.
• Moods and Figures: Identifying the SP pattern (Figure 1) and SS pattern (Figure 3).
• Fallacies: Discussion of the Hasty Generalization (drawing conclusions from small samples), Red Herring, and Strawman fallacies.
• Communication Models: The Shannon and Weaver model (Mathematical Model) and its sequence: Sender → Encoder → Channel/Noise → Decoder → Receiver.
• Vande Mataram: A chronological sequencing question involving its composition (1875), inclusion in the novel Anand Math (1882), first performance at INC (1896), and adoption as the National Song (1950).
• Communication Channels: Distinguishing between synchronous and asynchronous channels and questions on OTT platforms like Hotstar.

3. Mathematical Reasoning and Data Interpretation

• Trigonometry: A surprise appearance of questions requiring the knowledge of values for sin, cos, and tan at 0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90°.
• Data Interpretation (DI): Percentage-based tables described as easy but time-consuming.
• Problem Types: Questions on Successive Discounts, Simple and Compound Interest (SI/CI), Average, and Ratio & Proportion.
• Number Properties: Finding the next number in a series (e.g., $n^n - 1$) and problems involving LCM and HCF where the sum of two numbers is 20.

4. ICT and Environment

• Procedural Sequences: Arranging steps for real-world tasks like ATM cash withdrawal, online shopping/cart management, and QR code payments.
• Full Forms: Essential abbreviations including JPEG (Joint Photographic Expert Group) and SSD (Solid State Drive).
• Chronology of Technology: Sequencing the launch or popularity of platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Telegram.
• Environmental Protocols: Questions on the Kyoto Protocol and the seven greenhouse gases it monitors (e.g., CO2, Methane, SO2, NO2).
• Sustainable Development: Identification and matching of the 17 SDG and MDG goals.

5. Higher Education

• Ancient Universities: Matching universities like Nalanda (Bihar), Taxila (Pakistan), Vikramshila (Bihar), and Vallabhi (Gujarat) to their locations and founders.
• Historical Commissions: Chronological ordering of the Wood’s Despatch (1854), Hunter Commission (1882), Sargent Report (1944), and Radhakrishnan Commission (1948).
• Regulatory Bodies: Questions on UGC, AICTE, and RUSA.
• Constitutional Articles: Matching Articles 29 and 30 (related to education and minority rights).