The University Grants Commission has     re-structured the format of Paper-III for all forthcoming NET examinations. The syllabi of     all subjects, however, remain unchanged. Paper-III now consists of 4-sections, in all     containing 26 questions for the candidates to attempt.

Overlook on Structure of Revised Format for Paper III

NET- Dec 2005

Section 1 (No Internal Choice)

5 critique, critical ability and ability to apply knowledge one     possesses.

NET- Jun 2006

30 words x 5 = 150 words 5 x 5 = 25 marks

Section 2 (No Internal Choice)

15 definitional specific answer questions ability of precise     understanding and making exact statement.

30 words x 15 = 450 words 15 x 5 = 75 marks

Section 3 (Internal Choice)

5 analytical/evaluative questions ability to reason and hold the     argument over some length.

200 words x 5 = 1000 words 5 x 12 = 60 marks

Section 4 (Internal Choice)

Essay ability to expound critically a theme at length with     discrimination. 1000 words x 1 = 1000 words 1 x 40 = 40 marks

Detailed Look on Revised Format

Section I:

It requires the candidates to write a critique of a given passage     or stanza from a known thinker/writer. Five carefully considered specific questions are to     be asked on the given passage, requiring an answer in upto 30 words. It shall carry 5 X 5     = 25 marks. In the case of science subjects, a theoretical problem will be set for the     candidates to analyse. Five questions will be asked thereon. Questions in this section     shall be numbered as 1 – 5.

Section II:

Fifteen questions will be asked across the syllabus for Paper-III     (A). The questions will be definitional or seeking particular information and are to be     answered in up to 30 words each. Each question will carry 5 marks (15 x 5 = 75 marks).     There will be no internal choice. The questions in this section shall be numbered from 6     to 20.

Section III:

Five extended answers based on analytical/evaluative questions     will be asked on the major specialization /electives. Questions will be asked on all major     specialization/electives and the candidates will be asked to choose one     specialization/elective and answer the five questions from it. The questions will be set     from the syllabus for Paper-III(B). There is to be no internal choice. Each question will     be answered in up to 200 words and shall carry 12 marks (5 x 12 = 60 marks). Where there     is no specialization/elective, 5 questions will be set across the syllabus for Paper-III.     The questions in this section shall be numbered from 21 to 25.

Section IV:

Essay writing – One question with internal choice on general     themes and contemporary, theoretical or of disciplinary relevance will be given. The     candidate would write up to 1000 words. The question should be numbered as 26.