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If you are an M.Sc. Nursing graduate aiming for an Assistant Professor position or a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), the UGC NET — Nursing exam is your gateway. The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts this computer-based test (CBT) twice a year. The exam comprises Paper I (teaching/research aptitude) and Paper II (Nursing subject). With 300 marks at stake and no negative marking, every correct answer counts. The most reliable way to understand the exam’s pulse is by solving previous year question papers (PYQs). This page provides a comprehensive archive, year-wise downloads, topic repetition analysis, difficulty trends, and a strategic guide to using PYQs effectively.
UGC NET Nursing previous year question papers archive
Accessing authentic previous year papers is the first step towards a targeted preparation. The NTA releases official question papers after each exam cycle. However, the archive on the official website may not always be easy to navigate. That is why we have compiled a structured collection of UGC NET Nursing PYQs from 2020 onwards. These papers reflect the actual exam pattern, question style, and marking scheme. By solving them, you familiarise yourself with the CBT interface, time management, and the depth of Nursing concepts tested.
You can download the papers in PDF format. Each PDF contains both Paper I and Paper II questions. Use them to simulate a real exam environment. Set a timer for 180 minutes, attempt the paper without distractions, and then evaluate your performance. This practice builds stamina and reduces exam-day anxiety.
Year-wise paper downloads
Below is a year-wise list of available UGC NET Nursing previous year papers. Click on the links to download the PDFs. Note that papers from December 2020 and June 2021 were conducted in a single cycle due to the pandemic. Papers from subsequent cycles are available separately.
- December 2020 & June 2021 (merged cycle) – Download PDF
- December 2021 – Download PDF
- June 2022 – Download PDF
- December 2022 – Download PDF
- June 2023 – Download PDF
- December 2023 – Download PDF
- June 2024 – Download PDF
- December 2024 – Download PDF
- June 2025 – Download PDF (expected after exam)
We recommend starting with the most recent paper (June 2025 if available, else December 2024) to understand the latest trends. Then work backwards to older papers. This approach helps you see how the exam has evolved.
Topics repeated across years
By analysing the PYQs, we have identified several Nursing topics that appear repeatedly. These are high-yield areas that you must master.
Paper II – Nursing subject topics with high repeat frequency
- Medical-Surgical Nursing – Questions on cardiovascular, respiratory, and neurological disorders are common. Pathophysiology, nursing management, and complications are frequently tested.
- Community Health Nursing – Epidemiology, national health programmes, and family health surveys appear almost every year.
- Obstetric and Gynaecological Nursing – Antenatal care, high-risk pregnancies, and contraceptive methods are recurring themes.
- Paediatric Nursing – Growth and development milestones, immunisation schedules, and common childhood illnesses.
- Nursing Education – Teaching methods, curriculum development, and evaluation techniques are tested in nearly every paper.
- Nursing Research and Statistics – Research designs, sampling techniques, and biostatistics (mean, median, standard deviation) are regular.
- Management of Nursing Services – Leadership styles, staffing, budgeting, and quality assurance.
Paper I – Common topics
- Teaching Aptitude
- Research Aptitude
- Comprehension
- Communication
- Mathematical Reasoning and Aptitude
- Logical Reasoning
- Data Interpretation
- Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
- People and Environment
- Higher Education System
By mapping these topics to your study plan, you can allocate time proportionally. For example, if Medical-Surgical Nursing appears in 80% of papers, devote more hours to it. Use the PYQs to create a topic-wise frequency chart.
Difficulty trends 2020-2025
Based on candidate feedback and our analysis of the papers, here is a general difficulty trend for UGC NET Nursing.
- 2020-2021 (merged cycle): Moderate. Paper I had a few tricky comprehension passages. Paper II focused heavily on community health and nursing education.
- December 2021: Moderate to difficult. Research methodology questions were more analytical. Clinical scenarios required deeper application.
- June 2022: Moderate. Many questions were direct from standard textbooks. A balanced paper.
- December 2022: Slightly difficult. Nursing management and administration questions were lengthy. Time management became crucial.
- June 2023: Moderate. Paediatric and obstetric nursing had many recall-based questions.
- December 2023: Difficult. Paper I had complex data interpretation sets. Paper II had multiple ‘select the correct match’ type questions.
- June 2024: Moderate to easy. A significant number of questions were repeated from previous years. Candidates who solved PYQs found it manageable.
- December 2024: Moderate. Emphasis on current health policies and recent nursing research trends.
- June 2025 (expected): Likely to follow the moderate trend. Expect a mix of recall and application-based questions.
Overall, the difficulty has remained in the moderate range. The key differentiator is the depth of understanding. Rote memorisation alone will not suffice; you must be able to apply concepts to clinical scenarios.
How to use PYQs in preparation
Simply downloading papers is not enough. You need a systematic approach to extract maximum benefit.
Step 1: Diagnostic test
Take one full-length PYQ (preferably the most recent) without any preparation. Time yourself strictly for 180 minutes. Mark your answers. After finishing, calculate your score. This gives you a baseline. Identify your weak areas.
Step 2: Topic-wise analysis
For each question you got wrong or guessed, note the topic. Create a list of weak topics. Then, for each weak topic, solve 10-15 additional practice questions from other PYQs or from mock tests on PractiseExam.com. This targeted practice helps you improve efficiently.
Step 3: Timed practice
Once you have covered the syllabus, attempt a PYQ every week under timed conditions. Simulate the actual exam environment: no interruptions, no phone, no notes. This builds speed and accuracy.
Step 4: Review and revise
After each mock test, spend at least as much time reviewing as you spent taking the test. Understand why you got a question wrong. Was it a conceptual gap, a misinterpretation, or a silly mistake? Maintain an error log. Revise those concepts from your textbooks.
Step 5: Use solved papers for learning
Solved papers (with explanations) are excellent for learning. When you are stuck on a concept, refer to the solved version. Understand the reasoning behind the correct answer. However, do not rely solely on solved papers. You must attempt unsolved papers to test yourself.
Solved vs unsolved papers
Both types of papers have their place in your preparation.
Unsolved papers
- Purpose: Self-assessment and exam simulation.
- When to use: After you have completed at least 60% of your syllabus. Use them to gauge your readiness.
- How to use: Print the PDF (or use a tablet), set a timer, and attempt the paper as if it is the real exam. Then check your answers against the answer key (released by NTA).
Solved papers
- Purpose: Learning and concept clarification.
- When to use: During the initial phase of preparation and for revision.
- How to use: Read the question, try to answer mentally, then read the explanation. Focus on the logic. If the explanation references a specific textbook or guideline, make a note to study that source.
We recommend a 70:30 ratio – 70% unsolved practice and 30% solved study. This balance ensures you are both learning and testing yourself.
For additional practice, explore the mock tests on PractiseExam.com. These mock tests are designed to mirror the actual UGC NET Nursing exam pattern. They provide detailed performance analytics, topic-wise breakdowns, and time management insights. Combining PYQs with mock tests gives you a comprehensive preparation strategy.
Final preparation tips
- Revise regularly: Create short notes for each Nursing specialty. Use mnemonics for drug classifications and disease management protocols.
- Focus on Paper I: Many candidates neglect Paper I. It contributes 100 marks. Practice logical reasoning and data interpretation daily.
- Stay updated: Follow the official NTA website for any changes in exam pattern or syllabus. Also, read current health policies (e.g., National Health Mission updates) as they may appear in Paper II.
- Join a study group: Discussing PYQs with peers can clarify doubts and expose you to different perspectives.
- Take care of yourself: Sleep well, eat healthily, and take breaks. A fresh mind performs better.
Download the UGC NET Nursing previous year papers from the links above. Start your preparation today. With consistent effort and smart use of PYQs, you can achieve a high score and secure your dream career in academia or research.