The National Testing Agency has released the UGC NET December 2026 notification. Online applications are open from 8 to 28 October 2026, and the computer-based exam will be held from 14 to 19 December 2026. This guide covers dates, fees, eligibility, the JRF age limit, exam pattern, qualification categories and how to apply.
Quick answer
The National Testing Agency (NTA) released the UGC NET December 2026 notification on 8 October 2026. Candidates can apply online at ugcnet.nta.ac.in until 28 October 2026 (11:50 PM). A late window with an extra ₹500 fee runs from 29 to 31 October. The exam will be held as a computer-based test from 14 to 19 December 2026, with 20 and 21 December kept as buffer days. UGC NET decides eligibility for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), Assistant Professor posts and PhD admission in Indian universities and colleges.
UGC NET December 2026: important dates
| Event | Date |
|---|
| Notification released | 8 October 2026 |
| Online application | 8 – 28 October 2026 (till 11:50 PM) |
| Last date for fee payment | 28 October 2026 (11:50 PM) |
| Late application (₹500 late fee) | 29 – 31 October 2026 |
| Application correction window | 2 – 4 November 2026 (till 11:50 PM) |
| Exam city intimation slip | To be announced |
| Admit card | To be announced |
| Exam dates | 14 – 19 December 2026 |
| Buffer dates | 20 – 21 December 2026 |
Subject-wise dates and shifts will be announced later through the exam city slip and admit card. Always confirm dates on the official NTA website, since schedules can change.
Application fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|
| General / Unreserved | ₹1,150 |
| General-EWS / OBC-NCL | ₹600 |
| SC / ST / Third Gender | ₹325 |
| PwD / PwBD | ₹325 |
Bank or payment gateway charges and GST are extra. Late applicants pay an additional ₹500.
Eligibility criteria
Educational qualification
- General / Unreserved / Gen-EWS: at least 55% in a Master's degree or equivalent from a recognised university.
- OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD/PwBD and Third Gender: at least 50% in a Master's degree or equivalent.
- Four-year undergraduate degree holders: at least 75% aggregate (with a 5% relaxation for eligible reserved categories) can apply, under the rules for four-year programmes introduced with NEP 2020.
- Final-year students or those awaiting results can apply provisionally, but must meet the required percentage within the time limit set by NTA.
- PhD holders who completed their Master's by 19 September 1991 get a 5% relaxation (55% to 50%).
Age limit
| Qualification | Upper age limit |
|---|
| JRF | 30 years as on 1 December 2026 |
| Assistant Professor | No upper age limit |
| PhD admission only | No upper age limit |
- Up to 5 years for OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD/PwBD, third gender and women candidates
- Relaxation for research experience (up to 5 years)
- 3 years for LL.M. degree holders
- Relaxation for armed forces service
- Total relaxation is capped at 5 years
UGC NET exam pattern 2026
| Paper | Questions | Marks | What it tests |
|---|
| Paper I | 50 | 100 | Teaching and research aptitude, reasoning, comprehension, ICT, higher education system |
| Paper II | 100 | 200 | The candidate's chosen subject |
| Total | 150 | 300 | — |
- Duration: 180 minutes (3 hours), with no break between papers
- Marks: 2 marks per correct answer
- Negative marking: none
- Mode: Computer-Based Test
- Medium: English and Hindi, except language papers
- Subjects: 87 subjects are listed in the information bulletin
Because there is no negative marking, candidates should attempt every question.
Three categories of qualification
Since the 2024 reforms, UGC NET results place qualified candidates in one of three categories:
| Category | Eligible for |
|---|
| Category 1 | JRF + Assistant Professor + PhD admission |
| Category 2 | Assistant Professor + PhD admission (not JRF) |
| Category 3 | PhD admission only |
For Category 2 and 3 candidates seeking PhD admission, universities give 70% weightage to NET marks and 30% to the interview. NET scores for PhD admission are valid for one year from the result date.
How to apply: step by step
- Visit ugcnet.nta.ac.in.
- Click the UGC NET December 2026 registration link.
- Register using your details. The bulletin advises Aadhaar-based verification, and NTA has enabled login through Meri Pehchaan (SSO).
- Fill in the application form: personal details, educational qualifications, subject choice and preferred exam cities.
- Upload your photograph and signature in the prescribed format.
- Pay the fee online.
- Download and save the confirmation page.
Important: Only one application per candidate is allowed. Multiple applications can lead to cancellation.
Why UGC NET matters
- Teaching careers: UGC NET is the main national eligibility test for Assistant Professor posts in universities and colleges (along with recognised state eligibility tests).
- Funded research: JRF holders receive a monthly fellowship to pursue a PhD, which helps many students from modest backgrounds enter research.
- PhD admission: many universities now use NET scores directly for PhD admissions, reducing the number of separate entrance exams.
Preparation tips for the next two months
- Paper I is common to everyone. Strong scores in teaching and research aptitude, data interpretation and reasoning can lift your overall rank.
- Use previous years' papers. NTA's past question papers show patterns in difficulty and topics.
- Mock tests in CBT format. Practise on a computer to build speed for 150 questions in 3 hours.
- Revise the latest syllabus for your subject code from the official bulletin.
- Track deadlines. Missing the 28 October deadline means paying the late fee, and missing 31 October means waiting for the next cycle.
Key facts at a glance
- Exam: UGC NET December 2026
- Conducted by: National Testing Agency
- Apply by: 28 October 2026 (late window to 31 October)
- Exam: 14–19 December 2026
- Pattern: 150 questions, 300 marks, 3 hours, no negative marking
- JRF age limit: 30 years (with relaxations)
- Helpline: 011-40759000 / 011-69227700; email ugcnet@nta.ac.in
Frequently asked questions
What is the last date to apply for UGC NET December 2026?
28 October 2026 (11:50 PM). Late applications with an extra ₹500 are accepted from 29 to 31 October 2026.
When is the UGC NET December 2026 exam?
From 14 to 19 December 2026, with 20–21 December as buffer days. Subject-wise schedules will be released later.
Is there negative marking in UGC NET?
No. Each correct answer earns 2 marks, and there is no penalty for wrong answers.
What is the age limit for UGC NET JRF 2026?
30 years as on 1 December 2026, with relaxations of up to 5 years for eligible categories, including women. There is no age limit for Assistant Professor or PhD-only eligibility.
Can final-year master's students apply?
Yes, provisionally, provided they meet the required percentage within the time limit set by NTA.
Can four-year undergraduate degree holders apply for UGC NET?
Yes. Candidates with a four-year bachelor's degree and at least 75% marks (70% for eligible reserved categories) can apply.
How many subjects are in UGC NET December 2026?
The information bulletin lists 87 subjects.
Conclusion
The UGC NET December 2026 cycle is open, and the key date is 28 October. With the exam in mid-December, candidates have about two months to prepare. Check eligibility carefully, especially the JRF age limit, apply early to avoid last-minute website traffic, and use the remaining weeks for focused practice on Paper I and your subject paper.
Sources
- NTA, UGC-NET December 2026 Information Bulletin (8 October 2026): https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s301eee509ee2f68dc6014898c309e86bf/uploads/2026/10/202610081852912625.pdf
- Testbook, "UGC NET December Notification 2026 Out": https://testbook.com/news/ugc-net-december-notification-2026-out/
- Official website: https://ugcnet.nta.ac.in/
