COLOUR THEME
Start here: the syllabus, the three kinds of question and a time plan for the whole unit.
4 sub-topics, in the order to study them. Tap one to jump to it.
Revision mode hides the full explanations and keeps each section's key terms, lists and tables. Use it from your second read onward.
Unit 5 (Mathematical Reasoning and Aptitude) carries 5 of the 50 Paper 1 questions, so it is worth about 10 of 100 marks, and it is the easiest unit to score in if you drill formulas and shortcuts.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Conducting body | National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of UGC |
| Mode | Computer-based test (CBT) |
| Paper 1 | 50 MCQs x 2 marks = 100 marks (common to all subjects) |
| Paper 2 | 100 MCQs x 2 marks = 200 marks (your subject) |
| Total | 150 questions, 300 marks, 3 hours, one sitting, no break |
| Negative marking | None, so never leave a question blank |
| Units in Paper 1 | 10 units, 5 questions each |
| Unit 5 weight | 5 questions = 10 marks |
Always confirm the latest pattern on the official NTA UGC-NET site (ugcnet.nta.nic.in) in the current notification, because patterns can change between cycles.
In brief
Types of reasoning Number series, letter series, codes and relationships Mathematical aptitude: fraction, time and distance, ratio, proportion and percentage, profit and…
Types of reasoning
Number series, letter series, codes and relationships
Mathematical aptitude: fraction, time and distance, ratio, proportion and percentage, profit and loss, interest and discounting, averages, etc.
In brief
Covers Memory questions, Concept questions, Analysis questions.
Memory questions: direct recall of a formula, a definition or a fact, such as "HCF x LCM = product of two numbers" or "deductive reasoning moves from general to particular".
Concept questions: you must know why something works, such as telling deductive from inductive reasoning, or knowing why equal-price profit and loss always gives a net loss.
Analysis questions: multi-step word problems where you convert the words into an equation, such as successive discounts, time and work with leaving partners, or relative speed of trains.
In brief
Covers Concept in plain words, Formulas, Tricks and shortcuts, Worked examples, Traps.
Concept in plain words so you understand before memorising.
Formulas in a compact list you can revise in minutes.
Tricks and shortcuts that cut solving time to under a minute.
Worked examples with every step shown.
Traps that examiners use to catch hurried candidates.
In brief
Give the whole unit about 8 to 10 minutes: roughly 90 seconds per question, and skip any question that crosses 2 minutes. Do series, coding and relations first because they…
Give the whole unit about 8 to 10 minutes: roughly 90 seconds per question, and skip any question that crosses 2 minutes.
Do series, coding and relations first because they are quick, then the arithmetic problems.
Because there is no negative marking, always mark an option; eliminate impossible options first (for example an option that must be larger or smaller than a bound you can calculate).
Practise with free MCQs and answer keys, then return here to fix what you got wrong.
↑ Module 1: Start Here: Exam Overview · All 18 topics in Mathematical Reasoning · Unit overview and sample MCQs
Last updated: . Notes are a revision aid; check official UGC sources for any rule or scheme that changes over time. Spotted a mistake? Write to netlawverse@gmail.com.