If you are aiming for a lecturer's post, a Junior Research Fellowship or a PhD seat, the clock has started ticking. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has opened online registration for UGC NET December 2026, and the last date to apply is October 28, 2026. The computer-based exam is scheduled from December 14 to 19, with two buffer days kept aside.
With just about two weeks left in the application window, here is everything aspirants need to know before filling the form.
UGC NET December 2026: important dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification released | October 8, 2026 |
| Online application | October 8 to October 28, 2026 (till 11:50 pm) |
| Last date for fee payment | October 28, 2026 |
| Late application (Rs 500 late fee) | October 29 to October 31, 2026 |
| Correction window | November 2 to November 4, 2026 |
| Exam dates | December 14 to December 19, 2026 |
| Buffer dates | December 20 and 21, 2026 |
| City slip and admit card | To be announced |
Application fee
- General/Unreserved: Rs 1,150
- General-EWS and OBC-NCL: Rs 600
- SC, ST, PwD/PwBD and Third Gender: Rs 325
Bank charges and GST are extra. Those who miss the October 28 deadline can still apply between October 29 and 31 by paying an additional Rs 500 late fee.
Who can apply
Candidates with a master's degree with at least 55% marks (50% for SC, ST, OBC-NCL, PwD and Third Gender candidates) are eligible. Students in the final year of their master's can also apply provisionally. Candidates with a four-year undergraduate degree can apply too, subject to the minimum marks set in the notification.
JRF age limit
For the Junior Research Fellowship, the upper age limit is 30 years as on December 1, 2026. Women candidates and those from OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD and Third Gender categories get up to five years of relaxation. There is no upper age limit for Assistant Professor eligibility or PhD admission.
Exam pattern
The exam will be held only in computer-based mode and lasts three hours, with no break between the two papers.
- Paper I: 50 questions, 100 marks. Tests teaching and research aptitude, reasoning, comprehension and general awareness.
- Paper II: 100 questions, 200 marks. Tests the subject chosen by the candidate.
- Each question carries two marks, and there is no negative marking.
The notification lists 87 subjects, from Economics and Commerce to Hindi, Telugu, Political Science and Computer Science.
How to apply for UGC NET December 2026
- Visit the official UGC NET website run by the NTA.
- Click on the registration link for the December 2026 session.
- Register with your mobile number and email ID to generate login details.
- Fill in personal, academic and subject details, and choose your preferred exam cities.
- Upload a recent photograph and signature in the prescribed format.
- Pay the application fee online and submit the form.
- Download and save the confirmation page for future use.
Common mistakes to avoid while filling the form
- Wrong subject code: Double-check your Paper II subject before submitting. It can only be changed during the correction window.
- Blurred photo or signature: Upload clear images in the exact size and format given in the notification.
- Waiting till the last day: The website often slows down near the deadline. Apply a few days early to avoid payment failures.
- Category certificates: Keep valid EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST or PwD certificates ready, as fee concessions and age relaxation depend on them.
- Email and phone: Use a mobile number and email that you will keep active, since all updates from the NTA come there.
What it means for aspirants
UGC NET is the gateway to teaching in colleges and universities and is now also used for PhD admissions in many institutions. With exams in mid-December, candidates have about two months to prepare after applying. Experts usually advise finishing Paper I preparation early, since it is common for all and can boost the overall score.
Aspirants should also watch for the NTA's wider reform plans, which have been under discussion after a parliamentary panel's recent recommendations on entrance testing.
What happens next
After the application window closes, the correction facility will open from November 2 to 4. The NTA will then release the exam city intimation slip and admit cards closer to the exam. Candidates should keep checking the official website and their registered email for updates.
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