NET HRM SYLLABUS AND EXAM PATTERN 2026

UGC NET HRM/Labour Welfare consists of Paper-1 (Teaching and Research Aptitude) and Paper-2 (HRM/Labour Welfare/Industrial Relations). NTA conducts the UGC NET Exam twice a year, usually in June and December.

The syllabus for Paper 2 (HRM/Labour Welfare/Industrial Relations) was revised in 2019. The latest syllabus is provided here.

UGC-NET June 2025 will be conducted by the NTA. The University Grants Commission (UGC) entrusts the responsibility of conducting UGC NET to the NTA. UGC-NET determines eligibility for Assistant Professor and for Junior Research Fellowship and Assistant Professor in Indian universities and colleges.

Mode of Examination: The exam is conducted as a Computer Based Test (CBT) only. Wherever "Online Examination" is mentioned, it means CBT.

Pattern: The test consists of two papers with objective-type questions and no break between papers.

Exam Pattern: The exam has 150 MCQs from Paper-1 and Paper-2.

Preparation Strategy and Online coaching for UGC NET HRM are available.

Paper-1: 50 MCQs, 100 marks (2 marks each), assessing teaching/research aptitude, reasoning ability, comprehension, divergent thinking, and general awareness.

Paper-2: 100 MCQs, 100 marks (2 marks each), covering HRM, Industrial Relations, Labour Laws, Labour Legislations, Labour Market with 10 Units and 14 Labour Acts.

The exam duration is 3 hours without break.

UGC NET HRM/Labour Welfare Syllabus and Exam Pattern

UGC NET HRM/Labour Welfare exam consists of two papers: Paper-1 (Teaching and Research Aptitude) and Paper-2 (HRM/Labour Welfare/Industrial Relations). The exam is conducted twice a year by NTA, usually in June and December. The syllabus for Paper-2 was revised in 2019 and the latest syllabus is provided here.

The exam is a Computer Based Test (CBT) only, with objective-type questions in both papers and no break between papers. The total number of questions is 150, all MCQs.

Syllabus for Paper-2 (HRM/Labour Welfare/Industrial Relations)

The syllabus may vary over time; the current syllabus follows the 2019 revision. Any future changes will be notified officially.

Unit I: Principles and Practices of Management

Development of management thought including contributions of Taylor, Fayol, Mayo, Mary Parker Follett, and C.I. Barnard. Approaches such as Behavioural, Systems, Quantitative, and Contingency. Functions of management including Planning and Decision Making, Organising, Staffing, Directing, Controlling, and Coordinating.

Unit II: Human Resource Management

Conceptual framework, Human Resource Planning, Job Analysis, Recruitment, Selection, Placement, Induction, Training and Development, Performance Management, Job Evaluation, Compensation Management, Employee Benefits and Incentives, Managing Career. New trends including changing environment and emerging HRM concepts.

Unit III: Human Resource Development (HRD) and International HRM

Concepts, assumptions, values, HRD mechanisms, action-research model, HRD culture and climate, interventions, accounting and audit, consultant-client relationship, knowledge management, and HR information systems. International HRM context, sustainable business, functions, cross-cultural studies, cultural diversity, transnational organizations, and IHRM models.

Unit IV: Organisational Behaviour

Concept, scope, nature of human behaviour, personality, perception, learning, attitude, motivation, interpersonal behaviour, group dynamics, leadership, communication, power and authority, stress, organisational change and development.

Unit V: Industrial Relations

Concept, scope, evolution, approaches, actors and models, conflict and cooperation, bi-patriotism, tri-partitism, collective bargaining, workers’ participation in management, grievance handling and disciplinary action, code of conduct, industrial relations in changing scenario, employers’ organisations. Trade unions: concepts, evolution, problems in India, recognition, Trade Unions Act, 1926, and emerging role.

Unit VI: Industrial Disputes

Factors, forms, trends, prevention and settlement, role of state and central labour administration, strikes and lockouts. The Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946, and The Industrial Disputes Act, 1947.

Unit VII: Labour Legislation

Objectives, principles, classification, evolution, International Labour Organisation, social justice, Indian Constitution and labour laws. Important acts include:

  • The Factories Act, 1948
  • The Mines Act, 1952
  • The Interstate Migrant Workmen Act, 1979
  • The Contract Labour Act, 1970
  • The Building and Other Construction Workers Act, 1996
  • The Child Labour Act, 1986

Unit VIII: Wages

Concept, types, factors influencing wages, wage theories and differentials. Relevant acts include:

  • The Minimum Wages Act, 1948
  • The Payment of Wages Act, 1936
  • The Payment of Bonus Act, 1965
  • The Equal Remuneration Act, 1976
  • The Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972
  • The Employees’ Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952

Unit IX: Labour Welfare and Social Security

Concept, scope, types, theories and principles of labour welfare; industrial health and hygiene; industrial accidents and safety; occupational diseases. Social security concepts including social assistance and social assurance.

Unit X: Labour Market

Features, demand and supply of labour, nature and composition of Indian labour force, unemployment and underemployment, types of labour market, characteristics of Indian labour market, new dynamics in India, economic systems and labour market, problems of labour in India.

Exam Pattern Details

The UGC NET HRM/Labour Welfare exam consists of two papers:

Paper Number of Questions Marks Details
Paper-1 50 MCQs 100 (2 marks each) Generic questions assessing teaching/research aptitude, reasoning, comprehension, divergent thinking, and general awareness.
Paper-2 100 MCQs 100 (2 marks each) Questions from HRM, Industrial Relations, Labour Laws, Labour Legislations, Labour Market covering 10 units and 14 labour acts.
Total 150 MCQs 200 Marks 3 hours duration, no break.

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Preparation Strategy Overview

To crack the UGC NET HRM exam, a balanced preparation strategy is essential. It should include:

  • Understanding the syllabus thoroughly
  • Systematic study of Paper-1 and Paper-2 topics
  • Regular practice of MCQs
  • Revision of difficult topics
  • Time management during the exam

Online coaching and preparation courses are available to help candidates prepare effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the papers in UGC NET HRM/Labour Welfare?

There are two papers: Paper-1 (Teaching and Research Aptitude) with 50 MCQs and Paper-2 (HRM/Labour Welfare/Industrial Relations) with 100 MCQs.

Who conducts the UGC NET exam?

The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the UGC NET exam twice a year.

What is the mode of examination?

The exam is conducted as a Computer Based Test (CBT) only.

How many questions are there in total?

The exam consists of 150 objective-type questions, all MCQs.

What is the duration of the exam?

The total duration is 3 hours without any break.

What topics are covered in Paper-2?

Paper-2 covers HRM, Industrial Relations, Labour Laws, Labour Legislations, Labour Market including 10 units and 14 labour acts as per the 2019 syllabus revision.

Is there any preparation strategy available?

Yes, preparation strategies and online coaching are available to help candidates prepare effectively for the UGC NET HRM exam.

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