The UGC NET Computer Science and Applications (Paper 2) syllabus is designed to test conceptual understanding, core computer science fundamentals, and advanced application areas. Conducted by the National Testing Agency on behalf of the University Grants Commission, the exam evaluates candidates for Assistant Professor and JRF eligibility.
If you are preparing for UGC NET Computer Science, understanding the official unit-wise syllabus is the first and most important step. This guide gives you a structured, easy-to-read breakdown of all 10 units covered in Paper 2.
UGC NET Computer Science Paper 2 – Overview
- Subject Code: 087 (Computer Science and Applications)
- Number of Units: 10
- Exam Mode: Computer Based Test (CBT)
- Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Focus Areas: Core CS theory, programming, algorithms, systems, networks, AI, and software engineering
The syllabus is broadly divided into core undergraduate and postgraduate computer science concepts. (NTA UGC NET)
Unit 1: Discrete Structures and Optimization
This unit forms the mathematical foundation of computer science.
Topics include:
- Mathematical logic (propositional & predicate logic)
- Sets, relations, and functions
- Counting techniques and combinatorics
- Mathematical induction and discrete probability
- Graph theory (trees, traversal, shortest paths, graph coloring)
- Basics of optimization concepts
Unit 2: Computer System Architecture
Focuses on how computers are designed and organized internally.
Topics include:
- Digital logic and Boolean algebra
- Data representation and computer arithmetic
- Register transfer and micro-operations
- CPU organization and instruction formats
- Memory hierarchy and cache
- I/O organization and interrupts
- Pipelining and parallel processing
Unit 3: Programming Languages and Computer Graphics
This unit mixes programming paradigms with graphics fundamentals.
Topics include:
- Programming language concepts and paradigms
- Data types and binding concepts
- C and C++ programming fundamentals
- Object-oriented programming concepts
- Web programming basics (HTML/XML etc.)
- 2D and 3D transformations
- Graphics algorithms and viewing pipeline
Unit 4: Database Management Systems (DBMS)
Covers relational databases and modern data technologies.
Topics include:
- DBMS architecture and data models
- Entity-Relationship model
- Relational algebra and calculus
- SQL queries, triggers, procedures
- Normalization and functional dependencies
- Transactions and concurrency control
- Data warehousing, data mining, and NoSQL basics
Unit 5: System Software and Operating Systems
One of the most important scoring areas.
Topics include:
- Assemblers, loaders, linkers
- Process and thread management
- CPU scheduling algorithms
- Synchronization and deadlocks
- Memory management (paging, segmentation)
- File systems and I/O systems
- Virtual machines and distributed systems
- Security fundamentals
Unit 6: Software Engineering
Focuses on the software development lifecycle.
Topics include:
- Software process models (Agile, Scrum, XP etc.)
- Requirement engineering and SRS
- Software design concepts and architecture
- Quality assurance and risk management
- Software testing (white box & black box)
- Estimation models like COCOMO
- Configuration and version management
Unit 7: Data Structures and Algorithms
Highly important for conceptual and problem-solving questions.
Topics include:
- Arrays, stacks, queues, linked lists
- Trees, B-trees, graphs and hashing
- Sorting and searching techniques
- Asymptotic analysis and complexity
- Divide & conquer, greedy, dynamic programming
- Graph algorithms (BFS, DFS, MST, shortest path)
- NP-Completeness and complexity theory
Unit 8: Theory of Computation and Compilers
A theoretical yet high-weightage unit.
Topics include:
- Finite automata and regular languages
- Context-free grammars and pushdown automata
- Turing machines and undecidability
- Chomsky hierarchy
- Lexical analysis and parsing concepts
- Basics of compiler design
Unit 9: Data Communication and Computer Networks
Covers networking fundamentals from physical to application layers.
Topics include:
- Data transmission and encoding
- Analog vs digital communication
- Network topologies and switching
- OSI and TCP/IP models
- Flow and error control
- Routing and multiple access protocols
- Wireless networks and internet basics
Unit 10: Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Modern and increasingly important unit.
Topics include:
- AI approaches and intelligent agents
- Search algorithms and game playing
- Knowledge representation
- Expert systems
- Planning and natural language processing
- Fuzzy logic and genetic algorithms
- Artificial neural networks and learning paradigms
Preparation Tips
- Focus first on Units 1, 2, 7, and 8 — they carry conceptual questions frequently.
- Practice previous year questions to understand trend patterns.
- Create short notes for formulas, algorithms, and definitions.
- Revise AI and networking topics regularly, as they evolve in importance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the UGC NET Computer Science syllabus changed recently?
The core unit structure remains consistent and includes 10 units covering major CS domains. (NTA UGC NET)
How many units are in Paper 2?
There are 10 units, covering core and advanced computer science topics. (NTA UGC NET)
Is Paper 2 technical or theoretical?
It is a balanced mix — conceptual theory plus applied computer science.
Final Words
The UGC NET Computer Science syllabus is broad but very structured. Once you understand the unit hierarchy, preparation becomes much more manageable. Use this guide as your syllabus roadmap and build your study plan unit by unit.
