Exam Overview, Analysis, Syllabus, and PYQs
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If you're preparing for the UGC NET Buddhist, Jaina, Gandhian and Peace Studies 2025 exam, this guide is designed to support your journey.
This subject (Code 60) explores India’s profound philosophical traditions — Buddhism, Jainism, and Gandhian thought — alongside modern peace and non-violence studies.
Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), qualifying this exam opens pathways to Assistant Professor roles and Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) in universities and research institutions focusing on interfaith dialogue and conflict resolution.
๐️ UGC NET Buddhist, Jaina, Gandhian and Peace Studies 2025 – Exam Overview
This interdisciplinary paper tests your understanding of:
- Buddhist and Jaina philosophies,
- Gandhian ethics and social philosophy, and
- Contemporary peace-building approaches.
It emphasizes their relevance to modern challenges — social justice, environmental ethics, and global diplomacy.
Key Highlights:
- ๐ Eligibility: Master’s degree in Buddhist Studies, Jainism, Gandhian Thought, Peace Studies, Philosophy, or related fields with 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD/Transgender).Final-year students can apply provisionally.
- Age Limit: JRF – 30 years; no limit for Assistant Professor (relaxations applicable).
- ๐ป Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- ⏰ Duration: 3 hours (combined papers)
- ๐ Languages: English and Hindi
Clearing this exam prepares you for diverse careers in academia, NGOs, policy think tanks, and cultural research.
๐งพ Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
Understanding the structure is crucial for efficient planning.
Paper 1 – Teaching and Research Aptitude
- 50 MCQs | 100 Marks
- Covers: Reasoning, Comprehension, ICT, Environment, and Higher Education Systems.
Paper 2 – Buddhist, Jaina, Gandhian and Peace Studies
- 100 MCQs | 200 Marks
- Focuses on doctrines, movements, texts, and conflict resolution theories.
Overall Pattern
- Total Questions: 150
- Total Marks: 300
- Question Type: Objective (MCQs)
- Marking Scheme: +2 marks per correct answer; no negative marking.
- Qualifying Criteria:
- General/EWS/OBC-NCL – 40% (120/300)
- SC/ST/PwD/Transgender – 35% (105/300)
✅ Tip: Attempt all questions since there’s no penalty for wrong answers!
๐ Exam Analysis – June 2025 Session
The June 2025 session (Shift 2) was rated moderate in difficulty.
Paper 1:
Paper 2 Distribution:
- Buddhist & Jaina Foundations: 25–30%
- Gandhian Philosophy & Movements: 20–25%
- Philosophical Concepts & Texts: 20%
- Peace Studies & Global Issues: 15–20%
- Contemporary Relevance: 10–15%
The paper emphasized analytical thinking, such as comparing Buddhist-Jain ethics or applying Gandhian principles to modern conflicts.
Expected Cut-offs:
- Assistant Professor: 125–135 marks (Paper 2)
- JRF: Slightly higher
December 2025 is likely to emphasize peace education, sustainable development, and global ethics.
๐ UGC NET Buddhist, Jaina, Gandhian and Peace Studies Syllabus 2025
Organized into 10 units, the syllabus connects historical insights with contemporary applications.
Unit 1: Buddhist Origins and Developments
- Buddha’s life and teachings
- Councils and royal patrons (Ashoka, Kanishka)
- Spread of Buddhism in Asia
- Major schools: Theravada, Mahayana
- Key texts and philosophers like Nagarjuna, Vasubandhu
Unit 2: Buddhist Doctrines and Practices
- Core truths: Anitya (Impermanence), Dukkha (Suffering), Anatma (Non-self)
- Doctrine of Emptiness and Causation
- Meditation and mindfulness traditions
Unit 3: Jainism – Basics and History
- Life of Mahavira
- Key texts: Agamas, Tattvartha Sutra
- Concepts: Karma, Liberation, Anekantavada
- Sects: Digambara, Svetambara
Unit 4: Jain Ethics and Cosmology
- Five vows: Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, Aparigraha
- Karmic theory, soul journey, and universe structure
Unit 5: Jainism’s Broader Influences
- Environmental ethics
- Contributions to social reform and vegetarianism
- Jain centers of learning
Unit 6: Gandhi’s Formative Years
- Early life, education, and South African experiences
- Influences: Tolstoy, Ruskin, Thoreau
Unit 7: Gandhian Philosophical Core
- Principles of Truth (Satya) and Non-violence (Ahimsa)
- Social reforms: caste, gender, and education
- Political thought: Decentralization, Swaraj
Unit 8: Gandhian Economics and Society
- Critique of industrialization
- Village development and self-reliance
- Moral and spiritual economics
Unit 9: Gandhi in Freedom Movements
- Key campaigns: Champaran, Non-Cooperation, Salt March, Quit India
- Stance on Partition and Communal Harmony
Unit 10: Peace Theories and Practices
- Conflict analysis and peace frameworks
- Global leaders: Martin Luther King Jr., Mandela, Ikeda
- Institutions: UN Peacekeeping, Disarmament Initiatives
๐ Refer to the official NTA syllabus PDF for exact subtopics.
๐ Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
- Doctrinal comparisons (Buddhism vs. Jainism)
- Gandhian movements and peace models
- Modern conflict-resolution theories
How to use them:
- Practice 5–10 years of papers under timed conditions
- Note frequent topics and revise weak areas
- Use PYQs to forecast question trends
ANSS Academy recommends integrating PYQs weekly to build consistency and speed.
๐ช Preparation Tips for Success
Follow these practical steps to excel in UGC NET 2025:
- ⏳ Plan 4–6 months strategically; divide syllabus unit-wise.
- ๐ Use NCERTs, IGNOU notes, and original writings by Gandhi or Buddhist masters.
- ๐ง Attempt daily MCQs and mock tests every two weeks.
- ๐ Stay updated on current peace initiatives and global conflicts.
- ๐ค Discuss ideas through study circles or online groups.
✨ Focus deeply on ethics, history, and philosophy — the heart of this subject.
ANSS Academy’s curated mocks and notes are perfect companions for mastering this paper.
๐ Final Words
With disciplined study, smart revision, and the right practice tools, you can achieve excellence in the UGC NET Buddhist, Jaina, Gandhian and Peace Studies 2025 exam.

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