UGC NET December 2026 Notification
UGC NET December 2026 Notification
Online Application Form, Eligibility, Exam Date & Fee
Conducting Authority: National Testing Agency (NTA)
The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) to determine eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), Assistant Professor and Ph.D. admission in Indian universities and colleges. Eligible candidates can apply online through the official UGC NET website.
UGC NET December 2026: Overview
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Starts | 08 October 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 28 October 2026, up to 11:50 PM |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 28 October 2026, up to 11:50 PM |
| Late Fee Application Window | 29–31 October 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | 02–04 November 2026 |
| Exam City Intimation | 23 November 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | 07 December 2026 |
| Examination Dates | 14–18 December and 21 December 2026 |
| Answer Key / Result | To be announced by NTA |
Dates are based on the updated Information Bulletin. Candidates should check the official website for any subsequent notice.
Application Fee
| Category | Examination Fee |
|---|---|
| General / Unreserved | ₹1,150 |
| General-EWS / OBC-NCL | ₹600 |
| SC / ST | ₹325 |
| Third Gender | ₹325 |
| PwD / PwBD | ₹325 |
The late application fee is an additional ₹500 over the applicable examination fee. Payment gateway charges and GST, where applicable, are extra.
Educational Qualification
- General/Unreserved and General-EWS candidates must have secured at least 55% marks in a Master’s degree or equivalent examination from a UGC-recognised university or institution.
- OBC-NCL candidates belonging to the Central List, SC, ST, PwD/PwBD and Third Gender candidates must have secured at least 50% marks in their Master’s degree or equivalent examination.
- Candidates pursuing their Master’s degree or awaiting the result may apply provisionally, subject to the conditions and time limits specified in the official bulletin.
- Applicants should select a subject in accordance with their postgraduate qualification and the subject-selection instructions in the official bulletin.
The above is a summary. Equivalent qualifications, qualifying-degree conditions and provisional eligibility must be checked in the official notification.
Age Limit
| Category of Eligibility | Age Rule |
|---|---|
| Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) | Not more than 30 years as on 01 December 2026, subject to applicable relaxations. |
| Assistant Professor | No upper age limit. |
| Admission to Ph.D. | No upper age limit. |
Age relaxation for eligible categories, women applicants and other permitted cases is governed by the official Information Bulletin. Candidates should verify the applicable conditions before applying.
UGC NET December 2026 Exam Pattern
| Particulars | Paper I | Paper II |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Teaching and Research Aptitude | Selected Subject |
| Number of Questions | 50 | 100 |
| Maximum Marks | 100 | 200 |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions | Multiple Choice Questions |
- Total questions: 150.
- Total marks: 300.
- Total examination duration: 180 minutes (3 hours).
- There is no break between Paper I and Paper II.
- Each correct answer carries 2 marks.
- There is no negative marking for incorrect answers.
- The examination is conducted in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode.
- The question paper is generally available in English and Hindi, except for language papers.
Purpose of UGC NET
UGC NET determines eligibility under the following categories:
- Category 1: Award of JRF and appointment as Assistant Professor.
- Category 2: Appointment as Assistant Professor and admission to Ph.D.
- Category 3: Admission to Ph.D. only.
Qualification depends on the applicable subject-wise and category-wise criteria announced by UGC/NTA. Merely appearing in the examination does not guarantee qualification.
How to Apply Online
- Visit the official website: ugcnet.nta.nic.in.
- Open the UGC NET December 2026 application link.
- Complete registration using your own mobile number and email address.
- Fill in personal details, educational qualifications, category and examination subject carefully.
- Upload the live photograph and required scanned documents in the prescribed format.
- Pay the examination fee through an available online payment method.
- Review the application and submit it.
- Download and save the confirmation page after successful fee payment.
Documents Required
- Valid mobile number and email address.
- Personal and educational qualification details.
- Live photograph and scanned photograph as required by the portal.
- Scanned signature.
- Category certificate, if applicable.
- Disability/UDID certificate, where applicable.
- Payment details and application confirmation page.
Follow the file-size, format and identity-verification requirements in the updated bulletin. The list above is indicative and may not cover every case.
Important Instructions
- Submit the application before the deadline.
- Use your own active mobile number and email address.
- Check your name, date of birth, category and subject before final submission.
- Keep a copy of the confirmation page and payment receipt.
- Download the admit card when it becomes available and check the centre, date and shift printed on it.
- Do not rely on unofficial websites for application or examination updates.
Important Links
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Updated Information Bulletin | View Notification |
| Official UGC NET Website | Visit Website |
| NTA Official Website | Visit NTA |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When does the UGC NET December 2026 application close?
The application deadline is 28 October 2026, up to 11:50 PM, as per the updated bulletin.
What is the UGC NET December 2026 examination date?
The examination is scheduled for 14–18 December and 21 December 2026.
What is the application fee for General category candidates?
The examination fee for General/Unreserved candidates is ₹1,150, excluding applicable processing charges and GST.
Is there negative marking in UGC NET?
No. The updated bulletin specifies 2 marks for each correct answer and no negative marking for incorrect answers.
Where can candidates apply for UGC NET?
Candidates can access the application portal through the official website, ugcnet.nta.nic.in.
Source: National Testing Agency (NTA) — Official UGC NET Website.