NTA UGC NET December 2026 – Online Form Out, Exam 14–19 Dec, Apply by 28-10-2026
NTA UGC NET December 2026 registration is live: the National Testing Agency has opened the online application window for the December 2026 National Eligibility Test, the gateway to Junior Research Fellowship, Assistant Professor eligibility and PhD admission. Candidates can apply at ugcnet.nta.nic.in from 08-10-2026 to 28-10-2026, with the computer-based exam scheduled for 14-12-2026 to 19-12-2026.
📌 Overview
| Particular | Detail |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) for UGC |
| Exam | UGC National Eligibility Test (NET) December 2026 |
| Purpose | JRF / Assistant Professor eligibility / PhD admission |
| Exam Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Official Website | ugcnet.nta.nic.in |
📅 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | 08-10-2026 |
| Online Application Starts | 08-10-2026 |
| Last Date to Apply (without late fee) | 28-10-2026 (11:50 PM) |
| Late Application Window (+Rs. 500) | 29-10-2026 to 31-10-2026 |
| Application Correction Window | 02-11-2026 to 04-11-2026 |
| Exam Date | 14-12-2026 to 19-12-2026 |
💸 Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / Unreserved | Rs. 1150 |
| General-EWS / OBC-NCL | Rs. 600 |
| SC / ST / PwD / Third Gender | Rs. 325 |
| Late Fee (29–31 Oct window) | Rs. 500 extra |
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must have passed or be appearing in a master's degree in the concerned subject with at least 55% marks (50% for OBC-NCL/SC/ST/PwD/Third Gender). Holders of a 4-year bachelor's degree are also eligible. There is no upper age limit for Assistant Professor eligibility or PhD admission; for Junior Research Fellowship the maximum age is 30 years as on 01-12-2026, with relaxation as per rules.
🎯 Age Limit
| Particular | Detail |
|---|---|
| JRF Maximum Age | 30 years (as on 01-12-2026) |
| Assistant Professor / PhD | No age limit |
| Age Relaxation | As per UGC-NET rules |
🧾 Exam Pattern
| Paper | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I - Teaching & Research Aptitude | 50 | 100 |
| Paper II - Selected Subject | 100 | 200 |
The test runs for 3 hours in a single sitting with no negative marking.
📥 How to Apply
- Visit ugcnet.nta.nic.in and read the information bulletin.
- Complete registration and fill the form with subject, exam city preferences and documents.
- Pay the category-wise fee online by 28-10-2026 (11:50 PM), or use the late window till 31-10-2026 with Rs. 500 extra.
- Use the 02–04 Nov correction window if any detail needs fixing.
🏢 About Organization
The National Testing Agency conducts the UGC National Eligibility Test twice a year to determine eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship awards, appointment as Assistant Professor, and admission to PhD programmes in Indian universities and colleges.
🔗 Important Links
| Link | Details |
|---|---|
| NTA UGC NET Official Website | ugcnet.nta.nic.in |
| Apply Online | ugcnet.nta.nic.in |
❓ FAQs
What is the last date to apply for UGC NET December 2026?
The regular application window closes on 28-10-2026 (11:50 PM). A late window with Rs. 500 extra fee stays open from 29-10-2026 to 31-10-2026.
When is the UGC NET December 2026 exam?
The computer-based exam will be held from 14-12-2026 to 19-12-2026.
What is the application fee for UGC NET December 2026?
Rs. 1150 for General, Rs. 600 for EWS/OBC-NCL, and Rs. 325 for SC/ST/PwD/Third Gender candidates.
What is the age limit for UGC NET December 2026?
JRF applicants must be at most 30 years old as on 01-12-2026. There is no age limit for Assistant Professor eligibility or PhD admission.
Who is eligible for UGC NET December 2026?
Candidates with a master's degree in the relevant subject (55% marks; 50% for reserved categories) or a 4-year bachelor's degree can apply.
Is there negative marking in UGC NET?
No. Paper I carries 50 questions for 100 marks and Paper II carries 100 questions for 200 marks, with no negative marking.