The National Testing Agency (NTA) has postponed the UGC-NET exam originally scheduled for January 15, 2025, due to its clash with major festivals like Pongal and Makar Sankranti. The decision follows a request from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, who urged the Union Education Ministry to reschedule the exam in light of these important celebrations in multiple states.
“The National Testing Agency has received representations requesting a postponement of the UGC-NET December 2024 examination on account of Pongal, Makar Sankranti, and other festivals on January 15, 2025. In the interest of aspirants, the NTA has decided to postpone the exam for that date only,” the agency stated.
Examinations scheduled for January 16, 2025, will proceed as planned. This marks the first time the national-level test has been organised during this period of the year.
The UGC-NET 2024 is being held for 85 subjects at various centres across the nation using the OMR (Pen and Paper) format. It is being held in two shifts. The first shift from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, and the second shift from 3 pm to 6 pm.
The exams will now be held on January 21 and 27, 2025. Admit cards will be released soon, according to the official notification.

The exam consists of two papers. The first paper comprises 50 questions worth 100 marks. It tests general skills like awareness, reading comprehension, reasoning, research aptitude, and teaching ability. Whereas paper 2 focuses on the candidate’s chosen subject, with 100 questions worth 200 marks. Candidates must note that those in the unreserved category must score at least 40 per cent marks to pass the exam. While those belonging to the reserved category must score a minimum of 35 per cent marks to clear the December session test.
The UGC-NET is being conducted from January 3 to 16, 2025 for 85 subjects through Computer-Based Testing (CBT) mode. The January 15 exam, originally set for 17 subjects including mass communication, law, environmental science, and Indian knowledge systems, will now be rescheduled.
Last year, the UGC-NET was also postponed following concerns raised with the Ministry of Education regarding the integrity of the exam.