The Uttarakhand State Eligibility Test (USET) is a key examination for aspiring Assistant Professors in the state of Uttarakhand. Managed by Kumaun University, USET serves as a crucial benchmark for candidates who wish to join the academic field. USET 2025 promises to maintain the standards of its previous editions while introducing minor updates to keep up with evolving educational practices.
The Uttarakhand State Eligibility Test (USET) 2025 is a state-level examination organized by Kumaun University, Nainital. The test aims to determine the eligibility of candidates for the role of Assistant Professor in various colleges and universities within Uttarakhand. Following the guidelines set by the University Grants Commission (UGC), USET 2025 is set to be held across 16 cities in Uttarakhand and will cover 27 subjects, making it a vital examination for those seeking a career in academia.
Overview of USET 2025
As in previous years, USET 2025 will consist of two papers, both of which will be objective and multiple-choice based. Candidates will be assessed on their general aptitude as well as their knowledge in specific subjects of their choice. Those who successfully pass the test will be eligible to apply for Assistant Professor positions in colleges and universities across Uttarakhand.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| USET Full Form | Uttarakhand State Eligibility Test or USET |
| Session | January 2024 |
| Type of Exam | State Eligibility Test (SET) |
| Level of Exam | State Level |
| Conducting Body | Kumaun University, Nainital |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Mode of Exam | Offline |
| Total Subject | 27 |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours |
| Official Website | www.kunainital.ac.in |
The USET 2025 examination will be conducted in bilingual format (English and Hindi), except for language-specific subjects such as Hindi, English, and Sanskrit. Additionally, papers in technical subjects such as Computer Science, Environmental Science, and Life Sciences will be offered exclusively in English.
USET 2025 Important Dates
The following are the tentative important dates for USET 2025 based on the previous year’s schedule:
| Event | Tentative Date |
|---|---|
| Fee Submission Start | November 2024 |
| Online Application Start | November 2024 |
| Last Date for Fee Submission | December 2024 |
| Last Date for Online Application | December 2024 |
| Application Correction Window | December 2024 |
| Admit Card Release | January 2025 |
| USET 2025 Exam Date | January 2025 |
These dates will be finalized in the official notification expected from Kumaun University closer to the examination.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates aspiring to appear for USET 2025 must meet the following eligibility criteria:
Educational Qualification:
- Candidates must have a Master’s Degree from a recognized university, approved by the UGC. Candidates with equivalent postgraduate diplomas or foreign qualifications should ensure their degrees are equivalent to a Master’s degree as per the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).
- A minimum of 55% marks is required for general category candidates, while candidates belonging to OBC (Non-Creamy Layer), SC, ST, and PWD categories need at least 50% marks.
Relaxation for PhD Holders:
- PhD holders whose Master’s level examination was completed before September 19, 1991, are eligible for a 5% relaxation in aggregate marks.
Final Year Candidates:
- Candidates appearing for the final year of their Master’s degree are also eligible to apply. However, they must secure the minimum required marks within two years of the USET result to maintain their eligibility.
Age Limit:
- There is no upper age limit for appearing in USET 2025.
Reservation:
- Reservations will follow Uttarakhand State Government policies. Vertical reservations include 19% for SC, 4% for ST, and 14% for OBC candidates. Horizontal reservations include 30% for women, 10% for EWS, and additional reservations for PWD and ex-armed forces personnel.
Vertical Reservations:
| Reservation Category | Percentage of Seats |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Castes (SC) | 19% |
| Scheduled Tribes (ST) | 04% |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) | 14% |
Horizontal Reservation
| Reservation Category | Percentage of Seats |
|---|---|
| Women | 30% |
| Person with Disability (PWD) | 03% |
| Dependent of Freedom Fighter (DFF) | 02% |
| Ex-Indian Armed Forces | 05% |
| General Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) | 10% |
Exam Pattern and Syllabus
The USET 2025 will follow a two-paper format:
| Paper | Marks | Number of Questions | MCQ | Total Duration | Time Slot | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | 100 | 50 | Yes | 3 hours (180 minutes) | 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM | Assesses teaching/research aptitude, reasoning ability, reading comprehension, divergent thinking, and general awareness. |
| II | 200 | 100 | Yes | 2 hours (120 minutes) | 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM | Based on the subject selected by the candidate. |
The USET 2025 will follow a two-paper format:
Paper I:
- This paper is designed to test the candidate’s teaching and research aptitude. It includes questions on reasoning ability, comprehension, general awareness, and divergent thinking.
- It will consist of 50 multiple-choice questions, each carrying 2 marks.
Paper II:
- This paper will be subject-specific, covering the entire syllabus of the candidate’s chosen subject.
- It will consist of 100 multiple-choice questions, each carrying 2 marks.
The total duration for both papers will be 3 hours without any break.
USET 2025 Application Fees
The application fee can be paid online or through a bank challan at any SBI branch. The fees are as follows:
Here’s the information about the fees for different categories in a table format:
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General Category | Rs. 1400 (excluding bank charges, if any) |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) / SC / ST / PWD (Persons with Disability) | Rs. 840 (excluding bank charges, if any) |
their Category (SC/ST/PH/VH/OBC/GENEREL).
Here’s an easy-to-follow guide for paying USET fees:
- The examination fee can be paid online or by cash through a challan at any State Bank of India (SBI) branch. Keep a printout of your application form and the challan/fee receipt.
- For online payment, go to the U-SET website (https://www.usetonline.co.in) and click on the ‘PAY FEE’ link on the homepage. Choose your payment method (net banking, credit card, or debit card) and follow the instructions. Print the fee receipt after completing the transaction.
- If paying by challan, generate and print the challan from the SBI website. Deposit cash at any SBI branch using the challan. Keep the stamped challan as proof of payment.
- You can apply for U-SET one day (24 hours) after paying the fee. If the payment is confirmed by the bank, you can submit your application form online by clicking ‘APPLY ONLINE’ on the U-SET website. If the payment is not confirmed yet, you may need to wait a day.
- Do not use money orders, demand drafts, or IPOs to pay the fee, as these will be rejected. Fees are non-refundable, so make sure to follow all steps carefully.
USET 2025 Application Form
Here’s a simple guide on how to apply for the U-SET exam:
Visit the U-SET Website:
- Go to the U-SET website: http://www.usetonline.co.in. There is also a link available on the Kumaun University website: https://www.kunainital.ac.in.
Deposit the Fee:
- Before applying, deposit the required fee. Click on the ‘PAY FEE’ button on the U-SET website. This will take you to the payment gateway.
- Choose between paying online or by cash using a challan at any State Bank of India (SBI) branch. Follow the instructions based on your chosen payment method.
Provide Personal Details:
- When depositing the fee, you will need to enter personal details such as Category, name, father’s name, mother’s name, Date of Birth, Aadhar Number, Gender, Mobile Number (use only one personal mobile number), Email address, and Fee Amount.
- Ensure that all information is accurate as it will be saved in your U-SET record and cannot be changed later.
Receive Bank Transaction Number:
- After completing the payment, you will receive a unique 10-character Bank Transaction Number (e.g., DU12345678). This number will be used to verify your payment.
Wait for Fee Confirmation:
- The U-SET nodal agency will receive your fee details from the bank within 24 hours. You can only submit your online application once your fee details are confirmed.
Apply Online:
- Enter the Bank Transaction Number and Date of Birth on the U-SET website to start filling out your application.
- The system will verify your fee payment details. If they match the database, you will be allowed to proceed with the application.
Prepare Scanned Images:
- Before applying, ensure you have scanned images of the following:
- Passport-sized photograph in JPG format (minimum 4kb to 40kb, dimensions: 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm).
- Signature in JPG format (minimum 4kb to 30kb, dimensions: 3.5 cm x 1.5 cm).
Complete the Application:
- Fill in all required details for the online application and confirm their accuracy.
- Once completed, the system will generate a unique Registration Number and Password. These will be sent to you via SMS and email.
Check Seating Arrangement:
- Note that the U-SET Coordinating Institution will not separately inform you about the seating arrangement or exam venue.
Test Centers
The USET 2025 examination will be conducted across 16 centers in Uttarakhand, including major cities such as Dehradun, Nainital, and Haridwar. Candidates can select their preferred test center during the application process. If there is an insufficient number of candidates at a center, the exam may be shifted to a nearby city.
| City Code | City Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Almora |
| 2 | Nainital |
| 3 | Pantnagar (U.S. Nagar) |
| 4 | Haldwani |
| 5 | Pithoragarh |
| 6 | Bageshwar |
| 7 | Champawat |
| 8 | Gopeshwar |
| 9 | Tehri Garhwal |
| 10 | Srinagar Garhwal |
| 11 | Dehradun |
| 12 | Haridwar |
| 13 | Roorkee |
| 14 | Uttarkashi |
| 15 | Rudraprayag |
| 16 | Kotdwar |
USET 2025 Subjects
As per UGC NET Bureau Accreditation Number F. 7-1/2010 (NET/SET) Dated 25th November, 2014 the
U-SET will beconducted in the following subjects only.
| Code | Subject |
|---|---|
| 01 | Hindi |
| 02 | English |
| 03 | Sanskrit |
| 04 | Geography |
| 05 | Economics |
| 06 | Political Science |
| 07 | Sociology |
| 08 | History |
| 09 | Education |
| 10 | Psychology |
| 11 | Physical Education |
| 12 | Home Science |
| 13 | Defence and Strategic Studies |
| 14 | Music |
| 15 | Earth and Atmospheric Science |
| 16 | Mathematical Science |
| 17 | Law |
| 18 | Physical Science |
| 19 | Chemical Science |
| 20 | Life Science |
| 21 | Commerce |
| 22 | Computer Science and Applications |
| 23 | Environmental Science |
| 24 | Management |
| 25 | Visual Arts |
| 26 | Philosophy |
| 27 | Library and Information Science |
Admit Card
The USET 2025 admit card will be released online in January 2025. Candidates must download their admit card from the official USET website. They must bring a printed copy of their admit card along with a valid photo ID (such as Aadhar, PAN, or passport) to the examination center.
On the exam day, candidates are required to reach the examination hall 30 minutes prior to the commencement of the exam. The use of electronic devices, calculators, or other unauthorized materials is strictly prohibited. Additionally, there will be no negative marking for incorrect answers.
Result Declaration
The results of USET 2025 will be declared based on the following criteria:
- Top 6% of the candidates who appear in both papers and secure a minimum of 40% marks (General category) or 35% marks (reserved categories) will be declared qualified.
- The result will be published online on the official USET website, and certificates will be issued to the qualifying candidates.
Conclusion
USET 2025 is a significant opportunity for aspiring Assistant Professors in Uttarakhand to advance their academic careers. With a clear understanding of the eligibility criteria, exam pattern, and application process, candidates can efficiently prepare and increase their chances of success.
