Best Books for UGC NET, SET & JRF Exams – Paper I & Subject-wise Paper II Guide

The UGC NET (University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test) is one of India’s most competitive exams for lectureship and research fellowships. Whether you're aiming for Assistant Professor roles or pursuing a JRF (Junior Research Fellowship), your success depends on selecting the best books for UGC NET that are syllabus-aligned and proven effective.

This exam consists of:

• Paper I (General Aptitude & Teaching/Research Aptitude)
• Paper II (Subject-Specific – over 80+ subjects)

The right combination of resources can help you clear both papers with a high score. Our curated booklist includes top authors, solved PYQs, and mock tests for UGC NET 2025 and SET (State Eligibility Test) exams.

Books for Paper I:

• UGC NET Paper 1 by Trueman’s – Most widely used book for teaching/research aptitude.
• KVS Madaan’s UGC NET Paper 1 – Clear concepts and examples.
• Arihant’s NTA UGC NET Paper 1 – Includes MCQs, PYQs, and mock tests.
• Previous year solved papers & online practice test sets.

Topics Covered:

• Teaching & Research Aptitude
• Reading Comprehension
• Communication
• Data Interpretation
• Logical Reasoning
• ICT, People & Environment, Higher Education

Books for Paper II (Subject-wise):

You must choose your subject wisely. Some popular subjects and their best books include:

• Education / Commerce / Management:
  • Trueman’s UGC NET Commerce
  • R. Gupta’s Series for Education & Management
• History / Political Science / Sociology:
  • Upkar Prakashan subject-wise books
  • Arihant NET Paper II guides for each subject
• Science Subjects:
  • CSIR-NET + UGC NET combo guides
  • Arihant’s subject-specific MCQ collections

Why These Books Are Effective:

• Designed as per UGC NET 2025 revised syllabus
• Useful for both NET and SET (Maharashtra, Rajasthan, West Bengal, etc.)
• Ideal for self-study and coaching preparation
• Includes expected questions & practice papers
• Suitable for both English & Hindi medium

Whether you’re a first-time candidate or reattempting to qualify for JRF, these UGC JRF preparation books provide the structure, clarity, and practice you need to succeed.

Scroll below to explore subject-wise and paper-wise book recommendations and start preparing smartly for your UGC NET/SET journey.