UGC NET Criminology Syllabus 2026: Download Official PDF & Exam Pattern

UGC NET Criminology Syllabus 2026

The UGC NET Criminology exam is structured into two objective-based papers. Paper 1 assesses general research aptitude, logical reasoning, and cognitive skills. Paper 2 is a specialized subject test covering India's Criminal Justice System, criminological theories, advanced research methodologies, crime typologies, penology, and contemporary threats like cybercrime and terrorism. Paper 2 includes 100 multiple-choice questions worth a total of 200 marks.

UGC NET Criminology Exam Pattern

The UGC NET Criminology syllabus and exam pattern are meticulously designed to test a candidate's academic proficiency in criminal justice. Below is the detailed breakdown of the exam framework:

1. Exam Structure:

• Paper 1: This paper assesses teaching and research aptitude. It consists of 50 multiple-choice questions, each carrying two marks.
• Paper 2: This paper focuses on subject-specific knowledge in criminology. It comprises 100 multiple-choice questions, each carrying two marks.

2. Exam Duration:
Candidates are allotted three hours to complete both papers.

3. Marking Scheme:

• Each correct answer in both Paper 1 and Paper 2 is awarded two marks.
• There is no negative marking for incorrect answers.

4. Syllabus Scope:

• Paper 1 covers topics such as teaching aptitude, research aptitude, comprehension, communication, mathematical reasoning and aptitude, logical reasoning, data interpretation, information and communication technology, people and environment, and the higher education system.
• Paper 2 specifically focuses on the syllabus of criminology, including foundational theories, types of crime, the criminal justice system, crime prevention strategies, and contemporary issues in criminology.

5. Eligibility Criteria:

To qualify for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) or Assistant Professor positions, candidates must achieve the minimum cutoff marks set by the UGC for both Paper 1 and Paper 2.

UGC NET Syllabus – Click to Check Download UGC NET PYQs PDF

UGC NET Criminology Paper II Important Topics

The core curriculum for the UGC NET Exam in Criminology (Paper II) encompasses critical themes regarding criminal behavior and justice administration. Key unit topics are outlined below.

1. Crime as a Legal, Social, and Psychological Construct; Deviance and Crime
2. Criminology
3. Schools of Criminology
4. Social Control Theories
5. Legal Approaches
6. Criminological Research
7. Penology
8. Development of various prison systems
9. Juvenile and Youth Justice
10. Victimology

UGC NET Criminology Syllabus for Paper II

Unit – I: Foundations of Criminology

• Crime as a Legal, Social, and Psychological Construct; Deviance and Crime
• Victimless Crimes
• Community Problem
• Modern Crimes

Unit – II: Schools of Criminological Thought

• Criminology
• Criminology vs. Criminal Justice.
• Role of the Legislature and Lawmaking
• Participation of Victims and Witnesses in the Criminal Justice Process.
• Crime Prevention

Unit – III: Crime Typologies

• Schools of Criminology
• Economic Theories of Crime
• Psycho-Analytical Theories and Psychopathic Personality.
• Social Strain Theories
• Social Ecology Theories

Unit – IV: Criminal Justice System

• Social Control Theories
• Modern Theories
• Contemporary Perspectives

Unit – V: Research Methods in Criminology

• Legal Approaches
• Criminal Procedure Code
• Investigation of Crime
• Types of Evidence, Admissibility of Confession, Dying Declaration.
• Human Rights

Unit – VI: Penology and Sentencing

• Criminological Research
• Quantitative vs Qualitative research.
• Main Steps in Criminological Research.
• Ethics and Confidentiality in Criminal Justice Research.
• Researcher Fraud and Plagiarism.
• Crime and Criminal Justice Data.
• Statistical Applications in Criminological Research.

Unit – VII: Victimology

• Penology
• Punishment
• Recent Approaches to Punishment
• History and evolution of Prison legislation

Unit – VIII: Juvenile Justice

• Development of various prison systems
• Institutional Treatment
• Adult Institutions
• Women Institutions
• Correctional Programmes
• Community-based Corrections
• Parole: Meaning and Scope.

Unit – IX: Contemporary Issues

• Juvenile and Youth Justice
• Children and Vulnerability
• Institutions
• Juvenile Aftercare Services.
• Juvenile Police Unit.
• UN Documents

Unit – X: Emerging Trends and Cybercrime

• Historical development of Victimology
• Victim–Offender relationship.
• Impact of Victimization
• Role of NGOs in Victim Assistance.
• Criminological perspective
• Legal perspectives
• Contemporary Developments in Victimology

Download UGC NET Criminology Syllabus PDF

You can download the official UGC NET Criminology Syllabus 2026 PDF directly via the link provided below to kickstart your exam preparation.

Download UGC NET Criminology Syllabus PDF

UGC NET Criminology Paper II Marking Scheme

The marking scheme for Criminology Paper II adheres to the standard UGC NET guidelines:

• 2 marks for each correct answer: Every question you answer correctly in Paper II will fetch you 2 marks.
• No negative marking for incorrect answers: There is no penalty for attempting a question and getting it wrong. You won’t lose marks for incorrect answers.