Oswaal 360: How to Balance Papers 1 and 2 in UGC NET Exam Through Mock Test Practice?

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Cracking the UGC NET is more about strategizing than working hard. It is divided into two papers: Paper 1 is general, assessing teaching and research aptitude, while Paper 2 is subject-specific. Most candidates have difficulty managing both. This is where daily practice using the NTA UGC NET mock test papers come into play. Continue reading to find out how to manage both papers with proper mock test practice.

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UGC NET Exam Structure at a Glance

First things first, you need to know exactly what both papers look like. It helps you prioritize and balance your study time.

Paper	No. of Questions	Marks	Syllabus Coverage	Importance
Paper 1	50	100	Teaching & Research Aptitude, Reasoning, Comprehension, ICT, etc.	Builds overall aptitude and boosts total score
Paper 2	100	200	Subject-specific knowledge based on UGC NET syllabus	Decides subject expertise and main qualifying cutoff

This breakdown makes it clear that aspirants cannot afford to ignore Paper 1 even though Paper 2 is more heavily graded.

Why UGC NET Mock Tests Matter?

Mock tests fill the gap between theory and performance. Attempting UGC NET mock tests free from sources like Oswaal360, aids in acclimatizing oneself to the actual examination environment, enhances speed and precision, and helps in identifying topics that need more revision.

Step-by-Step Strategy

Having grasped the structure and purpose of mock tests, now comes the phase where you need to prepare in a well-rounded manner. Below are five actionable steps you can take, discussed in this blog.

Step 1: Allocate Time Wisely

Keep a ratio of 40:60 which corresponds to 40% Paper 1 and 60% Paper 2.

Step 2: Use Mock Tests for Paper 1 Skills

Paper 1 involves reasoning and understanding. These skills can be honed by practicing using NTA UGC NET mock test tools.

Step 3: Apply Subject Knowledge in Paper 2

Mock tests make sure your knowledge of the subjects based on UGC NET syllabus is up to the level where you can apply it for exam purposes.

Step 4: Alternate Focus During Practice

Alternate between Paper 1 and Paper 2 mock tests every other day.

Step 5: Analyze and Revise

Go over mistakes made in each test and review mistakes from each test, and correlate them with the syllabus to identify areas for improvement.

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Final Thoughts

Balance between Papers 1 and 2 does not mean ‘equal amounts of time,’ nor does it mean balance in practice. By practicing with UGC NET mock test free available online regularly, knowing about the exam pattern, and focusing on revising, aspirants can be well versed in both papers.