Introduction

Reviewed by Rajni Bala, Assistant Professor of Law | Academic Review Panel
Last Updated: February 23, 2026

The UGC NET Law Exam 2026 consists of two papers — Paper I (General Teaching and Research Aptitude) and Paper II (Law-specific). Both papers are conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. There are 150 total questions (50 in Paper I + 100 in Paper II) with a total duration of 3 hours. Each correct answer carries +2 marks with no negative marking.

For a complete understanding of eligibility before planning your preparation, also read our detailed guide on UGC NET Law Eligibility Criteria 2026 available on Lawsection.in.

Why This Topic Matters for Law Aspirants

Understanding the exam pattern is critical for success in the UGC NET Law Exam. It helps aspirants plan preparation, manage time during the test, and avoid common errors that reduce scoring potential. Whether your goal is Assistant Professor eligibility or Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), knowing the structure, marking scheme, and duration ensures smarter preparation.

Key Highlights of Exam Pattern

Parameter	Details
Exam	UGC NET Law Subject (Code 58)
Mode	Computer Based Test (CBT)
Papers	2 (Paper I & Paper II)
Total Questions	150
Total Marks	300
Time Duration	3 Hours
Marking Scheme	+2 per correct answer
Negative Marking	None
Conducting Body	National Testing Agency (NTA)

UGC NET Law Exam Pattern – Paper Structure

Paper I – General (50 Questions | 100 Marks)

Paper I is common to all subjects and measures:

• Teaching & Research Aptitude
• Reasoning (Logical & Analytical)
• Comprehension
• Divergent Thinking
• General Awareness

Section	Questions	Marks
Teaching Aptitude	10	20
Research Aptitude	10	20
Comprehension	10	20
Reasoning	10	20
General Awareness	10	20

Total: 50 Questions | 100 Marks – 1 hour

Paper II – Law Specific (100 Questions | 200 Marks)

Paper II focuses exclusively on Law subjects and tests comprehension of legal rules and application.

Unit	Questions	Marks
Law of Crimes	12	24
Constitutional Law	12	24
Contract & Tort	10	20
Civil Procedure Code	8	16
Criminal Procedure Code	8	16
Evidence Law	8	16
Family Law & Personal Law	6	12
Public International Law	6	12
Administrative Law	6	12
Jurisprudence & Other Law Topics	24	48

Total: 100 Questions | 200 Marks – 2 hours

Marking Scheme Explained

• Each correct answer = +2 marks
• No negative marking
• Maximum possible marks = 300
• Paper I and Paper II are separately evaluated
• Final eligibility is based on performance in both papers

Understanding the marking rules helps aspirants prioritise accuracy over guesswork.

Exam Duration & Strategy

• Paper I → 60 minutes
• Paper II → 120 minutes
• Total → 180 minutes (3 hours)

Important Tips and Preparation Strategy

Allocate time per section before the exam:

• Quickly solve known questions (first 60–90 minutes)
• Attempt Law specific sections with higher weightage
• Avoid spending too much time on difficult questions

Important Rules Candidates Must Know

• The exam is entirely CBT (online) — no OMR sheets.
• Answers must be marked using a computer interface.
• Rough sheets are provided at the exam centre.
• Calculators or electronic devices are not permitted.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming negative marking exists
• Memorizing without practicing online mock tests
• Ignoring Paper I topics
• Not timing practice sessions

Official Sources & References

1. National Testing Agency (NTA). Official UGC NET Law Exam Pattern 2026.
2. UGC Regulations on Minimum Qualifications for Appointment of Teachers.
3. NTA UGC NET Information Bulletin 2025-26.

This article is prepared by Lawsection.in Editorial Team after reviewing official notifications, exam authorities, and verified academic sources to ensure accuracy and usefulness for law aspirants.