Teaching & Higher Studies · Updated 19 October 2026
UGC NET 2026Exam Date, Eligibility, Pattern, Syllabus, Cut-Off and Free Mock Test
Conducted biannually by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the UGC, the UGC-NET determines national eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), Assistant Professor appointments, and Ph.D. admissions across Indian universities and colleges in 83 humanities, commerce, social science, and computer science subjects. The 3-hour exam combines a general teaching/research aptitude Paper I with a domain-specific Paper II.
- Type
- Eligibility & certification
- Level
- National
- Conducting body
- Higher studies
Start for free with UGC NET syllabus study notes, solved previous year papers, real-pattern mock tests and AI Tutor support.
Coming up: Online application (window open now), 8 to 28 October 2026 (till 11:50 PM). Every mock test you take before then shows you where you stand. See all dates
UGC NET exam overview and highlights
About UGC NET
The UGC National Eligibility Test is conducted by the National Testing Agency on behalf of the University Grants Commission to determine eligibility for Assistant Professor posts and for the Junior Research Fellowship in Indian universities and colleges. It is also accepted for admission to PhD programmes. The test covers more than 80 subjects and is held twice a year.
The examination process for UGC NET comprises 1 stage: Computer-based test. The official syllabus tests candidates across 5 core areas — Teaching Aptitude, Research Aptitude, Comprehension, Communication and Reasoning, ICT, Environment and Higher Education, Paper 2 (subject-specific) — focusing on conceptual clarity, speed, and accuracy. Candidates must score at least the minimum aggregate percentage across both papers, after which a subject-wise and category-wise cut-off decides who qualifies for JRF, assistant professor eligibility or PhD admission.
Key subjects
- Teaching Aptitude
- Research Aptitude
- Comprehension, Communication and Reasoning
- ICT, Environment and Higher Education
- Paper 2 (subject-specific)
What clearing UGC NET leads to
- Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) with fellowship for PhD research
- Eligibility for Assistant Professor posts
- Eligibility for PhD admission
- Certification & Career Benefit: Eligibility for assistant professor posts; JRF with a monthly fellowship for research
- Official qualifying certificate issued by National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the University Grants Commission (UGC) recognised across recruiting boards
- Validity & Eligibility Window: The JRF offer is valid for three years from the date of the JRF award letter. For candidates who qualify for Assistant Professor and PhD, or PhD only, the NET marks can be used for PhD admission for one year from the result date
Quick facts
- Conducting body
- National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the University Grants Commission (UGC)
- Frequency
- Twice a year (June and December cycles)
- Exam mode
- Online (computer-based test)
- Languages
- English and Hindi (language subjects are tested in the respective language)
- Stages & papers
- 1 stage (2 papers total)
- Negative marking
- None
- Official website
- ugcnet.nta.ac.in
UGC NET — Key Highlights & Official Particulars
Complete snapshot of UGC NET conducting authority, frequency, mode, stages, negative marking and official portal.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | UGC NET |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the University Grants Commission (UGC) |
| Exam Category | Teaching & Higher Studies |
| Exam Level | National level |
| Exam Type & Purpose | Eligibility & certification (Eligibility & Fellowship Certification) |
| Exam Frequency | Twice a year (June and December cycles) |
| Usual Notification & Exam Window | June and December cycles, with notifications usually a couple of months before each |
| Mode of Application | Online on ugcnet.nta.ac.in |
| Mode of Examination | Online (computer-based test) |
| Medium / Exam Languages | English and Hindi (language subjects are tested in the respective language) |
| Selection Stages | 1 Stage (2 Papers Total): Computer-based test |
| Negative Marking | None |
| Selection / Merit Process | Candidates must score at least the minimum aggregate percentage across both papers, after which a subject-wise and category-wise cut-off decides who qualifies for JRF, assistant professor eligibility or PhD admission. |
| Educational Qualification | Master's degree with at least 55% marks for General and General-EWS candidates, and 50% for OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD/PwBD and third gender candidates. Final-year postgraduate students can apply. Candidates with a four-year bachelor's degree need 75% (5% relaxation for some categories); if they qualify they can get JRF and PhD admission, but not Assistant Professor eligibility. |
| Age Limit | Up to 30 years for JRF (with relaxation); no upper age limit for Assistant Professor eligibility or PhD admission |
| Qualification & Fellowship Benefit | Eligibility for assistant professor posts; JRF with a monthly fellowship for research |
| Scorecard / Certificate Validity | The JRF offer is valid for three years from the date of the JRF award letter. For candidates who qualify for Assistant Professor and PhD, or PhD only, the NET marks can be used for PhD admission for one year from the result date. |
| Competition Scale | Several lakh candidates appear in each cycle; only a small percentage qualify, and a smaller share get JRF |
| Official Website | ugcnet.nta.ac.in |
Summary for orientation only, last reviewed October 2026. Check eligibility, dates and pattern in the official notification.
UGC NET December 2026: important dates, vacancy and application process
Last verified on 19 October 2026 against the official notification. Always confirm dates on the official website before you apply.
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Notification and Information Bulletin | 8 October 2026 | Done |
| Online application (window open now) | 8 to 28 October 2026 (till 11:50 PM) | Upcoming |
| Last date for fee payment | 28 October 2026 | Upcoming |
| Late application with ₹500 late fee | 29 to 31 October 2026 | Upcoming |
| Correction window | 2 to 4 November 2026 | Upcoming |
| Exam city intimation | 23 November 2026 | Upcoming |
| Admit card | 7 December 2026 | Upcoming |
| Exam dates | 14 to 18 December 2026 and 21 December 2026 | Upcoming |
| Provisional answer key and result | To be announced by NTA | Expected |
- Vacancies
- Several lakh candidates appear in each cycle; only a small percentage qualify, and a smaller share get JRF. As a qualifying / fellowship examination conducted by National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the University Grants Commission (UGC), all candidates who meet or exceed the category-wise qualifying marks / JRF merit cut-off earn certification.
- Salary
- No pay is attached to the test itself. JRF qualifiers get a UGC fellowship once placed in a university or institution; the JRF offer is valid for three years from the date of the JRF award letter.
- Application fee
- General/Unreserved: ₹1,150. General-EWS and OBC-NCL: ₹600. SC, ST, Third Gender and PwD/PwBD: ₹325. A late fee of ₹500 is added for applications from 29 to 31 October 2026. Bank and GST charges are extra.
Latest updates
- 8 October 2026: NTA opened applications for UGC NET December 2026 in 87 subjects, in computer-based mode, with the last date 28 October 2026.
- 16 October 2026: An updated Information Bulletin moved the exam to 14 to 18 December and 21 December 2026 (earlier 14 to 19 December) and fixed the city slip for 23 November and admit cards for 7 December 2026.
- 16 October 2026: The same update rewrote the scoring rules: subjects held in one shift get a percentile score, and subjects held in more than one shift are normalised by the equi-percentile method.
- 28 August 2026: NTA declared the UGC NET June 2026 result for 84 subjects; English, Commerce and Sociology were held again on 9 and 10 September 2026.
- 17 September 2026: Results of the June 2026 re-exam in English, Commerce and Sociology were declared.
- 24 September 2026: e-Certificates for UGC NET June 2026 were made available on the UGC NET website.
NTA says all dates are tentative. Exam timings and shift details will appear on the admit card.
Sources: UGC NET official website (NTA), NTA public notice, opening of UGC NET December 2026 application (8 October 2026), Updated Information Bulletin, UGC NET December 2026 (16 October 2026), Corrigendum to the Information Bulletin, UGC NET December 2026 (16 October 2026), NTA press release, UGC NET June 2026 result (28 August 2026), NTA press release, UGC NET June 2026 re-exam result (17 September 2026), NTA public notice, e-Certificates for UGC NET June 2026 (24 September 2026)
How to apply online for UGC NET
One-Time Registration (OTR) & Portal Login
Visit ugcnet.nta.ac.in and complete your candidate registration using a valid email ID, active mobile number, and Aadhaar / government photo ID details. Online on ugcnet.nta.ac.in.
Fill Academic, Personal & Exam Centre Preferences
Log in to open the UGC NET application form. Enter your qualifying degree/board details, category/reservation status, medium of examination (English and Hindi (language subjects are tested in the respective language)), and choose 3 to 4 preferred test cities.
Upload Photograph, Signature & Category Certificates
Upload a recent passport-size photograph (in prescribed KB dimensions and light background), scanned running-hand signature, and valid SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwBD/Domicile certificates where applicable.
Online Application Fee Payment & Confirmation Page
Pay the category-wise examination fee via UPI, Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or e-Challan before the closing deadline, then download and preserve the final UGC NET Confirmation Page / Application PDF for admit card and verification stages.
UGC NET eligibility criteria and age relaxation
Candidates applying for UGC NET must fulfil the academic qualification, age limit, nationality and category reservation rules notified by Higher studies.
Educational qualification
Master's degree with at least 55% marks for General and General-EWS candidates, and 50% for OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD/PwBD and third gender candidates. Final-year postgraduate students can apply. Candidates with a four-year bachelor's degree need 75% (5% relaxation for some categories); if they qualify they can get JRF and PhD admission, but not Assistant Professor eligibility.
Age limit & relaxations
Up to 30 years for JRF (with relaxation); no upper age limit for Assistant Professor eligibility or PhD admission.
Number of attempts
Candidates may appear in every scheduled examination cycle subject to meeting the academic year/passing window and age criteria in the official brochure.
Nationality & domicile
Indian citizen.
Other conditions & standards
Candidates must satisfy the prescribed medical fitness, character verification, and document authenticity norms (including valid EWS/OBC-NCL/SC/ST/PwBD certificates in the prescribed format) at the time of verification.
UGC NET — Category-Wise Upper Age Relaxation & Reservation Norms
| Category | Age Relaxation / Rule | Key Conditions & Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor / Teaching Eligibility (All Categories) | No upper age limit for eligibility certification (unless specified for state cadre posts) | Minimum 55% Master's / 50% D.El.Ed or B.Ed marks for Unreserved; 5% marks relaxation for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwBD. |
| Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) — Unreserved / EWS | Up to 30 years for JRF (with relaxation); no upper age limit for Assistant Professor eligibility or PhD admission. | Applies only to candidates opting for JRF fellowship; Lectureship/TET generally carries no upper age cap. |
| OBC-NCL / SC / ST / PwBD / Third Gender & Women Candidates | Up to 5 years upper-age relaxation for JRF + 5% relaxation in minimum qualifying degree marks | Additional relaxation up to 5 years for candidates with LLM or documented research/armed forces experience where applicable. |
UGC NET selection process and exam pattern
Negative Marking & Evaluation Rule: None. Selection & Merit Weightage: Candidates must score at least the minimum aggregate percentage across both papers, after which a subject-wise and category-wise cut-off decides who qualifies for JRF, assistant professor eligibility or PhD admission.
Stage 1: Computer-based test
Online (computer-based test) • 2 Papers (Paper 1: Teaching and Research Aptitude, Paper 2: Subject paper) • 150 Questions • 300 Total Marks • Duration: 3 hours combined • Two papers in a single three-hour session with no break.
Two papers in a single three-hour session with no break. Paper 1 is common to all subjects and Paper 2 is subject-specific. Results place candidates in one of three categories: JRF and Assistant Professor (also eligible for PhD), Assistant Professor and PhD admission, or PhD admission only.
Paper / Section Questions Marks Duration Paper 1: Teaching and Research Aptitude 50 100 3 hours combined Paper 2: Subject paper 100 200 3 hours combined Stage 2: Answer Key Challenge, Normalization & Category-Wise Merit Shortlisting
Official National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the University Grants Commission (UGC) evaluation • Provisional & final answer keys • Normalized score & category cut-off computation
After the examination, National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the University Grants Commission (UGC) publishes the provisional answer key and invites representations before releasing the final answer key, normalized scores, and category-wise merit list.
UGC NET subject-wise syllabus and study material
SmartRank organizes chapter-wise study notes for every subject below in 12 languages, with an AI Tutor on hand for doubts. Start exploring for free, and unlock the complete syllabus with Learn or SmartRank Pass.
Teaching Aptitude: Nature, objectives and levels of teaching & Learner characteristics
- Nature, objectives and levels of teaching
- Learner characteristics
- Teaching methods and support systems
- Evaluation systems
Research Aptitude: Types and methods of research & Research ethics
- Types and methods of research
- Research ethics
- Thesis and article writing
- Application of ICT in research
Comprehension, Communication and Reasoning — Part I (Reading comprehension passages)
- Reading comprehension passages
- Verbal and non-verbal communication
- Mathematical reasoning and aptitude
Comprehension, Communication and Reasoning — Part II (Logical reasoning and Indian logic)
- Logical reasoning and Indian logic
- Data interpretation
ICT, Environment and Higher Education — Part I (Basics of ICT, internet and e-governance)
- Basics of ICT, internet and e-governance
- Environmental pollution and climate change
- Natural and energy resources
ICT, Environment and Higher Education — Part II (Institutions of higher learning in India)
- Institutions of higher learning in India
- Policies, governance and administration of higher education
Paper 2 (subject-specific): Ten units covering the full & Core theories and thinkers
- Ten units covering the full postgraduate syllabus of the chosen subject
- Core theories and thinkers
- Recent developments and applications
- Research methods in the subject
Previous Year Trend Analysis & High-Weightage Topics (UGC NET)
- Recurring multi-concept questions from past UGC NET cycles
- High-yield chapters and section-wise mark distribution patterns
- Statement-based, assertion-reason and matching question formats
- Elimination techniques and negative-marking risk management
- Time allocation strategy across sections and papers
UGC NET certificate validity, fellowship & career opportunities
Eligibility for assistant professor posts; JRF with a monthly fellowship for research. Clearing UGC NET establishes statutory eligibility for teaching, research, or professional recruitment across India.
Certification & Fellowship Scope
Eligibility for assistant professor posts; JRF with a monthly fellowship for research.
Issuing Body
National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the University Grants Commission (UGC)
Certificate / Score Validity
The JRF offer is valid for three years from the date of the JRF award letter. For candidates who qualify for Assistant Professor and PhD, or PhD only, the NET marks can be used for PhD admission for one year from the result date.
Applicable Recruiting Sectors
Central universities, KVS, NVS, EMRS, state education boards, colleges, and R&D institutions nationwide.
Key Benefits & Institutional Opportunities
- Official digital e-Certificate issued by the conducting authority after cut-off qualification
- Eligibility to apply directly against permanent government and aided recruitment notifications
- Monthly Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) stipend + HRA and contingency grant (for JRF-qualified candidates)
- Exemption from written entrance tests in Ph.D. admissions or added academic weightage in selection interviews
- Career advancement (CAS) and pay-scale elevation benefits in academic and professional cadres
Academic & Career Progression Roadmap
- Clear UGC NET Category Cut-Off & Download Official Digital Certificate
- Apply for Central / State Recruitment Notifications or University Ph.D. / JRF Admissions
- Clear Mains / Written Recruitment Test, Demo Teaching, or Selection Interview
- Permanent Appointment as Teacher / Assistant Professor / Research Fellow / Certified Professional
- Senior Scale / Selection Grade / Principal / Professor Progression via Career Advancement Scheme
UGC NET cut-off trends, score normalization and safe target score
National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the University Grants Commission (UGC) publishes category-wise qualifying marks and/or aggregate percentile cut-offs alongside the UGC NET result. Candidates must secure both the minimum paper-wise qualifying percentage and the category merit threshold (where applicable for JRF or merit lists) to be declared qualified.
UGC NET — Qualifying Standards & Safe Target Benchmarks
| Category | Qualifying Floor / Standard | Recommended Safe Target |
|---|---|---|
| General / Unreserved (UR) | 40% to 60% Aggregate (as per paper rules) | 65%+ Aggregate Marks for comfortable qualification / JRF contention |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) & GEN-EWS | 35% to 55% Aggregate (5% relaxation) | 60%+ Aggregate Marks |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) / PwBD | 35% to 55% Aggregate (5% relaxation) | 55%+ Aggregate Marks |
Score Normalization & Marking Impact
When UGC NET is conducted across multiple shifts or sessions, National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the University Grants Commission (UGC) applies standard score normalization (Equi-Percentile or Mean-Standard Deviation method) to account for any variation in paper difficulty across shifts. Because raw marks are governed by none, maintaining high accuracy (85%+) significantly boosts your normalized score.
Factors Determining UGC NET Cut-Off
- Total number of notified vacancies / available seats across participating cadres and institutions
- Total number of registered vs actual appearing candidates in the UGC NET cycle
- Relative difficulty level of the question paper (and shift-wise variation in multi-shift CBT exams)
- Category-wise vertical (UR, EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST) and horizontal (PwBD, ESM, Women) reservation ratios
- Previous year cut-off trajectory and candidate score distribution at the top percentiles
UGC NET admit card, answer key and result guide
City slip 10–15 days prior • Admit Card 4–10 days before exam
UGC NET Exam City Intimation & Admit Card
National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the University Grants Commission (UGC) releases the advance Exam City Intimation Slip followed by the official UGC NET Hall Ticket / e-Admit Card on ugcnet.nta.ac.in. No hard copy is sent by post; candidates must log in with their Registration Number and Date of Birth / Password to download it.
- Clear A4 printout of the UGC NET e-Admit Card with visible barcode and photograph
- Original valid Government Photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence, or PAN Card)
- 2 recent passport-size photographs matching the image uploaded in the online application
- PwBD / Scribe certificate and undertaking (if availing compensatory time or scribe facility)
Within 3–10 days after the examination
UGC NET Provisional Answer Key & Objection Window
After conclusion of the objective test, National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the University Grants Commission (UGC) uploads the candidate response sheet and Provisional Answer Key on ugcnet.nta.ac.in. Candidates can calculate their raw score and submit online representations against any ambiguous question or key discrepancy within the stipulated 48–72 hour window.
- Download your recorded Response Sheet PDF and match Question IDs with the Master Answer Key
- Calculate raw score using the official positive and negative marking formula
- Attach standard textbook / NCERT / official gazette proof if challenging any provisional key
- Review the Final Answer Key published after subject-expert scrutiny of all representations
3–6 weeks after stage completion
UGC NET Result, Scorecard & Merit List / Counselling
National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the University Grants Commission (UGC) declares the UGC NET result as a stage-wise Merit List PDF (with roll numbers and category cut-offs) and individual Normalized Scorecards on ugcnet.nta.ac.in. Shortlisted candidates proceed to the next stage, Document Verification, or Centralised Counselling.
- Download and save your official UGC NET Scorecard / Rank Letter PDF immediately upon release
- Verify category-wise and sectional cut-off marks in the official result write-up notice
- Keep original matriculation, degree, caste/EWS, and domicile certificates ready for verification
- Track reserve list / multi-round seat allotment updates on the official website
UGC NET mock tests
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UGC NET Full Mock Test 1
Computer-based test · 50 questions · 3 hours combined
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UGC NET Full Mock Test 2
Computer-based test · 50 questions · 3 hours combined
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UGC NET Full Mock Test 3
Computer-based test · 50 questions · 3 hours combined
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UGC NET Full Mock Test 4
Computer-based test · 50 questions · 3 hours combined
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UGC NET Full Mock Test 5
Computer-based test · 50 questions · 3 hours combined
UGC NET previous year papers
Papers come with a solution for every question. Read them, or attempt them as timed tests. See all UGC NET previous year papers by year
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Recent UGC NET question papers
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Complete 10-year UGC NET paper archive
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Predicted questions for UGC NET
High-probability questions and topics for your next exam
How to prepare for UGC NET
- Paper 1 is common and scoring; master its ten units because they repeat across cycles with little change.
- There is no negative marking, so attempt every question in both papers.
- Divide the three hours sensibly, keeping about one hour for Paper 1 and two hours for Paper 2, since the papers are not timed separately.
- Study your subject from the official UGC syllabus unit by unit rather than from random notes.
- Solve previous NTA papers for your subject to identify the units that carry the most questions.
- Go through the official UGC NET syllabus and the qualifying rules, since clearing the category cut-off is your primary goal.
UGC NET FAQs
What is the difference between JRF and NET?
Qualifying NET in the Assistant Professor category makes you eligible for Assistant Professor posts and PhD admission. A third category qualifies you for PhD admission only. JRF goes to top scorers within the age limit and carries a fellowship; JRF holders are also eligible for Assistant Professor posts unless they qualified on the basis of a four-year bachelor's degree.
Is there negative marking in UGC NET?
No. There is no negative marking in either paper.
What is the age limit for UGC NET?
There is no upper age limit for Assistant Professor eligibility. For JRF the limit is usually 30 years with relaxation for certain categories.
Can final-year MA or M.Sc students apply for UGC NET?
Yes. Candidates in the final year of their master's degree can apply, but must complete it within the period stated in the notification.
How many times is UGC NET held in a year?
NTA conducts UGC NET twice a year, in the June and December cycles.
What is the selection process and exam pattern for UGC NET?
UGC NET is conducted by National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the University Grants Commission (UGC) across 1 stage: Computer-based test. Candidates must score at least the minimum aggregate percentage across both papers, after which a subject-wise and category-wise cut-off decides who qualifies for JRF, assistant professor eligibility or PhD admission.
What is the age limit and educational qualification for UGC NET?
Educational Qualification: Master's degree with at least 55% marks for General and General-EWS candidates, and 50% for OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD/PwBD and third gender candidates. Final-year postgraduate students can apply. Candidates with a four-year bachelor's degree need 75% (5% relaxation for some categories); if they qualify they can get JRF and PhD admission, but not Assistant Professor eligibility. Age Limit: Up to 30 years for JRF (with relaxation); no upper age limit for Assistant Professor eligibility or PhD admission.
What is the validity and career benefit of the UGC NET certificate?
Eligibility for assistant professor posts; JRF with a monthly fellowship for research. Validity: The JRF offer is valid for three years from the date of the JRF award letter. For candidates who qualify for Assistant Professor and PhD, or PhD only, the NET marks can be used for PhD admission for one year from the result date.
When is the UGC NET notification released and how can I apply online?
UGC NET is held twice a year (June and December cycles) (June and December cycles, with notifications usually a couple of months before each). Online on ugcnet.nta.ac.in.
Where can I practice free UGC NET mock tests and solved previous year papers?
Select UGC NET as your target exam on SmartRank to get chapter-by-chapter study material built around its syllabus covering Teaching Aptitude, Research Aptitude, Comprehension, Communication and Reasoning, ICT, Environment and Higher Education, solved previous year question papers, topic and full-length mock tests in the exact UGC NET pattern, a timed exam simulator, subject-wise analytics, an adaptive daily study plan and an AI Tutor.
How can I prepare for UGC NET on SmartRank?
Select UGC NET as your target exam on SmartRank to get chapter-by-chapter study material built around its syllabus covering Teaching Aptitude, Research Aptitude, Comprehension, Communication and Reasoning, ICT, Environment and Higher Education, solved previous year question papers, topic and full-length mock tests in the exact UGC NET pattern, a timed exam simulator, subject-wise analytics, an adaptive daily study plan and an AI Tutor.