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The December 2025 session of the UGC NET exam is scheduled to be held from 31 December 2025 to 7 January 2026, covering 90+ subjects. Based on previous trends, the official cut-off list is expected to be announced in February or March 2026. The NTA publishes the results in percentile-wise and percentage-wise formats, allowing candidates to check their qualifying status online.
Understanding the UGC NET Cut-off
- General (Unreserved) category – 40% aggregate (Paper 1 + Paper 2)
- OBC-NCL / SC / ST / PwD / EWS – 35% aggregate
These percentages only represent the minimum requirement for eligibility. The actual cut-off marks for each subject are generally higher and depend on multiple factors such as exam difficulty, number of candidates, and category-wise distribution.
Previous Trends and What They Indicate
From the recent cycles, the following general trend has been observed:
- Highly competitive subjects – 60–70% range (approximately 210–250 marks)
- Moderately competitive subjects – 55–60% range (approximately 170–200 marks)
- Low-competition or niche subjects – 45–55% range (approximately 140–170 marks)
These figures are estimates based on historical patterns and the relative difficulty level of previous papers.
Expected Cut-off for December 2025 Session
Considering the upcoming December 2025 exam, the following projected ranges can serve as a practical benchmark for aspirants:
| Subject Type | Expected Cut-off Range (General Category – JRF + Assistant Professor) |
|---|---|
| High Competition (e.g., English, Commerce, Political Science) | 210 – 250 marks |
| Moderate Competition (e.g., History, Education, Sociology) | 170 – 200 marks |
| Low Competition / Niche Subjects | 140 – 170 marks |
Aspirants aiming for JRF should keep a safe target of 10–15 marks above the estimated range to secure their position comfortably.
Key Factors Influencing the Cut-off
The UGC NET cut-off is not fixed—it varies each session due to several key factors:
- Exam Difficulty Level: Tougher papers lead to slightly lower cut-offs, while easier ones push them higher.
- Number of Candidates: The more candidates in a subject, the higher the expected cut-off.
- Subject Popularity: Common subjects see tighter competition and higher qualifying marks.
- Overall Performance: If a larger portion of candidates performs well, the cut-off naturally rises.
- Reservation and Quota Distribution: Category-wise allocation affects how cut-offs are distributed across groups.
What ANSS Academy Suggests
At ANSS Academy, we recommend aspirants preparing for the December 2025 cycle to:
- Focus equally on Paper 1 and Paper 2, with extra attention on your chosen subject.
- Take mock tests regularly to track your performance and compare it with expected cut-offs.
- Don’t depend only on the minimum qualifying percentage—aim well above it.
- Stay alert for official notifications once the NTA releases the cut-off PDF after result publication.
Remember, consistent practice and conceptual clarity play a greater role than last-minute preparation. The more you engage with real test patterns, the closer you move toward your goal.
Conclusion
The UGC NET December 2025 cut-off will depend on various dynamic factors such as exam difficulty, number of candidates, and subject-wise competition. Based on previous years, high-demand subjects may require scores above 210 marks for General category JRF qualification, while other subjects could have cut-offs between 170–200 marks.
While these are expected figures, candidates should focus on achieving their personal best scores rather than depending solely on predicted numbers. The official results and final cut-offs will be announced by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in early 2026.
