UGC-NET December 2026: Apply by 28 October 2026 — Fees, Exam Dates (14–19 December 2026) and a Form-Filling Checklist

UGC-NET December 2026: Apply by 28 October — Fees, Exam Dates and Form-Filling Checklist

Candidates planning to qualify for Assistant Professor eligibility, Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) or PhD admission can now apply for the UGC-NET December 2026 examination. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has opened the online application window, with the regular deadline set for 28 October 2026.

The examination is scheduled from 14 to 19 December 2026 and will be conducted in computer-based test (CBT) mode. Before applying, candidates should check their eligibility, select the correct subject and category, prepare the required images and verify every detail before final submission.

Official application portal: ugcnet.nta.nic.in

UGC-NET December 2026: Important dates

The dates below are from the NTA’s December 2026 Information Bulletin. Candidates should check the official portal for any subsequent notices or changes.

The late application window carries an additional ₹500 late fee. Do not treat it as an extension of the regular deadline without a penalty. Applying early gives you more time to address payment or upload issues.

The examination date range does not mean every candidate will appear on all six days. Your allotted examination date, shift and centre will be stated on your admit card.

Official reference: UGC-NET December 2026 Information Bulletin

UGC-NET December 2026 application fees

The examination fee depends on the candidate’s category.

Applicable payment gateway or processing charges and GST are payable in addition to the examination fee.

Important: Candidates claiming OBC-NCL benefits must check the Central List of OBCs. A state-list OBC candidate who is not eligible under the Central OBC-NCL list must select the category specified by NTA’s rules rather than assuming the concession applies.

Payment options listed by NTA include debit card, credit card, net banking and UPI through the application portal. Keep the transaction reference and payment confirmation for your records.

Who is eligible for UGC-NET December 2026?

Check the official eligibility rules before paying the fee.

Educational qualification

For candidates applying on the basis of a master’s degree or equivalent qualification:

• General / Unreserved and General-EWS: At least 55% marks in the qualifying master’s degree or equivalent examination.
• OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD/PwBD and Third Gender categories: At least 50% marks, subject to the official rules.

Candidates pursuing their master’s degree, appearing in the final examination or awaiting results may also apply provisionally, provided they fulfil the prescribed conditions and complete the qualification within the applicable time limit.

Candidates with a four-year or eight-semester bachelor’s degree may also be eligible under separate rules. The required marks and the qualifications available to them differ from the master’s-degree route. In particular, qualification through a four-year bachelor’s degree can provide eligibility for JRF and PhD admission, but not appointment as Assistant Professor under the current rules.

Age limit

The age limit depends on the purpose for which you are applying:

• JRF: An upper age limit applies, with relaxations for eligible categories and specified circumstances.
• Assistant Professor eligibility: There is no upper age limit for appearing in UGC-NET for this purpose.
• PhD admission: There is no upper age limit for appearing in UGC-NET for this purpose.

Check the December 2026 Information Bulletin for the exact JRF age calculation date and applicable relaxations.

What does UGC-NET qualify you for?

UGC-NET determines eligibility under three broad result categories:

1. JRF and Assistant Professor: Candidates qualifying in this category may be eligible for the Junior Research Fellowship, Assistant Professor eligibility and PhD admission, subject to the applicable rules.
2. Assistant Professor and PhD admission: This category does not provide JRF.
3. PhD admission only: This category does not provide JRF or Assistant Professor eligibility.

Qualifying UGC-NET does not automatically appoint a candidate as a lecturer or Assistant Professor. Recruitment remains subject to the rules and selection process of the relevant university or institution. PhD admission also depends on the institution’s applicable admission process.

UGC-NET December 2026 exam pattern

The examination will be conducted in computer-based test mode. It consists of two compulsory sections in a single three-hour session, with no break between the papers.

Each correct answer carries two marks. There is no negative marking for an incorrect answer under the published scheme. Unanswered questions receive no marks.

The question paper is generally available in English and Hindi, except for language papers. Candidates must choose the examination medium carefully because the selected option cannot be changed later under the bulletin’s instructions.

Use the official syllabus for your subject rather than relying only on coaching notes or generic preparation material.

Official syllabus information: UGC-NET syllabus

How to apply for UGC-NET December 2026 online

Apply only through the official NTA UGC-NET website.

Step 1: Read the notification and Information Bulletin

Visit ugcnet.nta.nic.in and open the December 2026 application link. Read the Information Bulletin, including eligibility, category rules, examination cities and upload specifications.

Step 2: Complete registration

Register using your own active email address and mobile number. Keep access to both throughout the application and examination process because NTA may send important communications to your registered contact details.

Note down the application number and login credentials securely.

Step 3: Fill in personal and educational details

Enter your name, date of birth, contact details, category, educational qualifications and other requested information exactly as required by the form and supporting records.

Pay particular attention to:

• Spelling of your name and date of birth
• Category and reservation claim
• PwD/PwBD status, where applicable
• Postgraduate qualification and subject
• Selected UGC-NET subject and subject code
• Examination medium
• Examination city preferences

Step 4: Upload the photograph, signature and applicable certificate

NTA’s bulletin specifies that candidates must capture a live photograph during the application process. It also requires a scanned photograph and signature, along with a disability or UDID certificate for candidates to whom the relevant requirement applies.

Prepare files in the exact format and size shown on the live portal and in the Information Bulletin. The bulletin specifies:

• Recent photograph: 10 KB–200 KB
• Signature: 10 KB–50 KB
• Disability/UDID certificate, where applicable: PDF of 50 KB–300 KB

The photograph must meet NTA’s stated requirements, including a light-coloured background and clear visibility of the face. Do not upload another person’s photograph, signature or certificate.

Step 5: Choose examination cities carefully

The bulletin asks candidates to select four examination cities in order of preference, subject to the stated rules. City choices are limited by the candidate’s present or permanent address state as described in the bulletin. NTA may allot a different city for administrative or logistical reasons.

Choose practical options and review them before proceeding.

Step 6: Pay the examination fee

Pay the applicable fee through the payment gateway integrated with the application. Check the amount and category before authorising payment.

A payment initiation screen or bank debit alone is not enough to confirm that your application is complete. Check the fee status and ensure the application confirmation page is generated.

Step 7: Download the confirmation page

After successful payment, download and save the confirmation page. Keep a copy of the submitted application and payment record for future reference.

NTA says candidates do not need to send the application form or supporting documents to its office by post, fax, WhatsApp, email or hand delivery.

UGC-NET form-filling checklist

Use this checklist before submitting your application.

• Read the December 2026 Information Bulletin.
• Confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements.
• Check your JRF age eligibility, if applying for JRF.
• Select the correct category using the applicable Central Government rules.
• Confirm your postgraduate subject and subject code.
• Keep your own active email address and mobile number ready.
• Prepare the required photograph and signature files.
• Keep your disability/UDID certificate ready if applicable.
• Capture the live photograph as instructed.
• Verify your name, date of birth and educational details.
• Select the examination medium carefully.
• Choose four permitted examination cities in priority order.
• Check the fee amount before payment.
• Confirm that payment is successful.
• Download and save the confirmation page.
• Check the official portal and registered email for future notices.

What happens after submitting the form?

Once the application is submitted successfully, monitor the official website for the next stages.

Application correction: NTA has announced a correction window from 2 to 4 November 2026. Do not assume every field will be editable. Review the correction notice when it is released and make permitted corrections within the window.

Exam city information: The advance city intimation notice will be issued later. This is not the same as the admit card.

Admit card: Download it from the official website when available. The admit card will specify your examination centre, date, shift and reporting instructions.

Examination and result: The examination is scheduled for 14–19 December 2026. The dates for the answer key, challenges and result will be announced separately.

Keep checking the official portal rather than relying on forwarded messages or unofficial social media posts.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Waiting until the last day: Upload failures, traffic or payment delays can prevent timely submission.
• Selecting the wrong category: Check whether you meet the official Central category requirements.
• Choosing the wrong subject: Match your postgraduate qualification to the subject list and the relevant rules.
• Uploading an unclear photograph or signature: Follow the prescribed dimensions, file size and image requirements.
• Assuming payment means submission is complete: Verify the successful payment status and confirmation page.
• Confusing city intimation with the admit card: Follow the specific instructions in each notice.
• Assuming qualification guarantees a job or PhD seat: Institutions have their own recruitment and admission procedures.

Frequently asked questions

What is the last date to apply for UGC-NET December 2026?

The regular application deadline is 28 October 2026, up to 11:50 PM. A late application window is available from 29 to 31 October with an additional ₹500 late fee, as specified in the bulletin.

What are the UGC-NET December 2026 exam dates?

The examination is scheduled from 14 to 19 December 2026. Your individual date and shift will be shown on the admit card.

What is the UGC-NET December 2026 application fee?

The fee is ₹1,150 for General/Unreserved candidates, ₹600 for General-EWS/OBC-NCL candidates and ₹325 for SC/ST, Third Gender and PwD/PwBD candidates. Payment gateway charges and applicable GST are additional.

Is there negative marking in UGC-NET?

No. Under the published December 2026 examination scheme, each correct answer carries two marks and incorrect answers do not attract negative marks.

Can final-year postgraduate students apply?

Candidates pursuing their master’s degree or awaiting final results may apply provisionally, subject to the conditions and completion deadlines in the Information Bulletin.

Where can I check the official notification?

Use the official UGC-NET website and its Information Bulletin section.

Final reminder for applicants

Do not wait until the final evening to complete your UGC-NET December 2026 application. Confirm your eligibility, select the right subject and category, upload the required files and verify payment before saving your confirmation page.

Regular deadline: 28 October 2026, 11:50 PM.

Examination window: 14–19 December 2026.

For the latest changes, always follow notices published by the National Testing Agency on the official UGC-NET portal.

This article is an informational guide. The official NTA notification and December 2026 Information Bulletin take precedence if any details are updated.