UGC NET Archaeology Previous Year Papers (2018 to 2025): Complete Guide with June & December Sessions

Preparing for UGC NET Archaeology requires a deep understanding of previous year question papers. Solving papers from 2018 to 2025 (June & December sessions) helps candidates understand exam patterns, important topics, question trends, and difficulty levels.This article provides a structured overview of UGC NET Archaeology previous year papers and a ready-to-use session table for your preparation tracking.

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Why Solve UGC NET Archaeology Previous Year Papers?

Solving past papers is one of the most effective preparation strategies because it helps you:

• Understand the exam pattern and marking scheme
• Identify frequently asked topics
• Improve time management
• Analyze question difficulty trends
• Strengthen weak areas in Paper I & Paper II (Archaeology)

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UGC NET Archaeology Exam Pattern (2018–2025)

The exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) consists of:

Paper I

• Teaching & Research Aptitude
• 50 Questions (100 Marks)
• General in nature

Paper II (Archaeology)

• Subject-specific
• 100 Questions (200 Marks)
• Covers:
  • Prehistoric Archaeology
  • Protohistoric Cultures
  • Harappan Civilization
  • Megalithic Cultures
  • Ancient Indian History
  • Epigraphy & Numismatics
  • Field Archaeology
  • Archaeological Theory
  • Conservation & Heritage Management

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UGC NET Archaeology Previous Year Papers (2018–2025)

Below is a tracking table for all June and December sessions from 2018 to 2025. You can use the blank column to mark completion status, score, or revision notes.

Year & Session	Links
June 2018	Click Here
December 2018	Click Here
June 2019	Click Here
December 2019	Click Here
June 2020	Click Here
December 2020	Click Here
June 2021	Click Here
December 2021	Click Here
June 2022	Click Here
December 2022	Click Here
June 2023	Click Here
December 2023	Click Here
June 2024	Click Here
December 2024	Click Here
June 2025	Click Here
December 2025	Click Here

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Important Topics Frequently Asked (2018–2025 Analysis)

Based on trends observed in previous year papers:

1. Prehistoric & Protohistoric Archaeology

• Paleolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic cultures
• Chalcolithic cultures
• Harappan Civilization (urban planning, trade, seals)

2. Megalithic & Early Historic India

• South Indian Megaliths
• Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW)
• Early historic urban centers

3. Epigraphy & Numismatics

• Brahmi & Kharosthi scripts
• Gupta coins
• Satavahana inscriptions

4. Archaeological Methods

• Stratigraphy
• Carbon dating
• Excavation techniques
• Survey methods

5. Heritage Management & Conservation

• ASI functions
• UNESCO heritage principles
• Conservation ethics

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How to Use Previous Year Papers Effectively

1. Solve one full paper in exam conditions.
2. Analyze mistakes topic-wise.
3. Maintain a revision notebook.
4. Re-solve incorrect questions after 15 days.
5. Track your improvement in the table above.

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Preparation Strategy for UGC NET Archaeology (2025)

• Focus on conceptual clarity.
• Revise standard textbooks.
• Practice map-based questions.
• Prepare notes on important excavation sites.
• Attempt mock tests regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – UGC NET Archaeology Previous Year Papers (2018–2025)

1. Who conducts the UGC NET Archaeology exam?

The exam is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the University Grants Commission (UGC).

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2. How many papers are there in UGC NET Archaeology?

UGC NET consists of:

• Paper I – Teaching & Research Aptitude (General)
• Paper II – Archaeology (Subject-specific)

Both papers are conducted in a single session in computer-based mode.

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3. Why should I solve previous year papers from 2018 to 2025?

Solving papers from 2018–2025 helps you:

• Understand the latest exam pattern
• Identify repeated and important topics
• Improve speed and accuracy
• Analyze changing question trends

These years are especially important because the exam pattern was stabilized after NTA took over.

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4. Are questions repeated in UGC NET Archaeology?

Yes, concepts and themes are frequently repeated, though the questions may be framed differently. Topics like:

• Harappan Civilization
• Megalithic Cultures
• Epigraphy & Numismatics
• Archaeological dating methods
  often reappear in multiple sessions.

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5. Is it necessary to solve both June and December sessions?

Absolutely. Each year typically has two sessions (June & December), and both may show variation in:

• Question difficulty
• Topic weightage
• Analytical depth

Solving both ensures comprehensive preparation.

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6. What is the marking scheme for UGC NET Archaeology?

• Each question carries 2 marks
• No negative marking
• Paper I: 50 questions (100 marks)
• Paper II: 100 questions (200 marks)

Total: 300 marks

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7. What are the most important topics for UGC NET Archaeology?

Frequently asked areas (2018–2025 trend):

• Prehistoric & Protohistoric Archaeology
• Harappan Civilization
• Megalithic Cultures
• Epigraphy (Brahmi, Kharosthi)
• Numismatics (Gupta, Satavahana coins)
• Archaeological methods & dating techniques
• Heritage Management

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8. How many years of previous papers are enough for preparation?

Ideally, solve at least 7–8 years of papers. For strong preparation, cover all sessions from 2018 to 2025 including June and December attempts.

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9. Can I clear UGC NET Archaeology by only solving previous year papers?

Previous year papers are extremely helpful, but you must also:

• Study standard textbooks
• Revise theory thoroughly
• Practice mock tests
• Make short notes

PYQs should be part of a complete preparation strategy.

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10. How should I track my progress while solving papers?

Use a preparation table (like the one provided earlier) and record:

• Date attempted
• Score obtained
• Weak topics
• Revision status

This helps you systematically improve before the final exam.