Candidates Raise Concerns Over UGC NET 2026 Sociology Paper
The UGC NET 2026 Sociology paper has come under scrutiny after multiple candidates reported spelling errors and questions that appeared to be generated by artificial intelligence. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has acknowledged the complaints and stated that a review is underway.
Details of the Allegations
According to candidates who appeared for the exam on February 10, 2026, the question paper contained several spelling mistakes and inconsistencies. For instance, the word 'sociology' was misspelled as 'sociolgy' in multiple places. Additionally, some questions were phrased in a way that test-takers described as 'robotic' and lacking contextual relevance, leading to suspicions of AI generation without proper human oversight.
One candidate, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, "The questions seemed out of place and didn't align with the standard syllabus. It felt like someone just fed keywords into an AI tool and printed the output." Another candidate from Delhi noted, "We expect a certain level of quality from a national-level exam. These errors are unacceptable."
NTA Response and Investigation
The NTA issued a statement on February 12, 2026, confirming that they have received feedback from candidates and are examining the paper. "We take all concerns seriously. A committee has been formed to review the Sociology paper and ensure that any discrepancies are addressed," the statement read. The agency also assured that the evaluation process would be fair and that candidates' interests would be protected.
This is not the first time the UGC NET has faced such issues. In 2024, similar complaints were raised about the Commerce paper, leading to a revamp of the question-setting process. However, the current incident has reignited debates about the use of AI in exam preparation and the need for stricter quality checks.
Impact on Candidates and Future Exams
Over 1.2 lakh candidates registered for the UGC NET 2026 Sociology paper, according to official data. Many are now worried that the errors could affect their scores and future academic prospects. The UGC NET is a crucial exam for eligibility for Assistant Professorship and Junior Research Fellowship in Indian universities.
Education experts have called for greater transparency in the question-setting process. Dr. Ramesh Kumar, a former UGC member, said, "The NTA must ensure that human experts review every question before it is included in the paper. AI can be a tool, but it cannot replace human judgment in high-stakes exams."
Broader Implications for AI in Education
The incident has also sparked a wider discussion about the role of AI in education. While AI can help in generating large volumes of content, its use in critical assessments requires careful calibration. The Ministry of Education is reportedly considering guidelines for the use of AI in exam preparation to prevent such occurrences in the future.
As the investigation continues, candidates are advised to stay updated through official NTA channels. The agency has promised to release a detailed report within two weeks.
