The National Testing Agency (NTA) released the notification for UGC NET December 2026 on October 8. As per the notification the applications are open until October 28, 2026, and the computer-based exam is scheduled to be held from December 14 to 19. If you are finishing a master’s degree this year, you can still apply, so this is the week to check your eligibility and gather your documents.
Key Facts
- The NTA conducts the exam; the official website is ugcnet.nta.nic.in.
- The notification and application window opened on October 8, 2026.
- The last date to apply and pay the fee is October 28, 2026, up to 11:50 PM
- Late fee window: October 29–31, 2026, with a late fee of ₹500. Corrections: November 2–4, 2026.
- Exam dates: December 14–19, 2026, in computer-based test (CBT) mode, in English and Hindi.
- The exam has two papers, 150 questions and 300 marks in total, with no negative marking.
What Is UGC NET and Who Is It For?
UGC-NET is a test to determine the eligibility of Indian nationals for ‘ Assistant Professor’ and ‘Junior Research Fellowship and Assistant Professor ’ in Indian universities and colleges. Many students treat it as a teaching-career gate, but the JRF route also funds research. Pick your target before you pick your strategy, because the cutoffs and age limits differ.
The selection of candidates for the following Fellowships of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the Ministry of Minorities Affairs is also made through the UGC-NET:
- National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students (NFSC)
- National Fellowship for Other Backward Classes (NFOBC)
- Maulana Azad National Fellowship for Minority Students (MANF)
The age limit applies only to JRF. It is 30 years, with up to 5 years’ relaxation for reserved categories and women. There is no upper age limit for Assistant Professor or PhD admission.
Who Is Eligible for UGC NET December 2026?
You need a master’s degree or equivalent from a UGC-recognised institution, with at least 55% marks for General and General-EWS candidates and 50% for OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD and third-gender candidates.
Final-year students
Final-year and result-awaited master’s degree students can apply provisionally. You must meet the minimum marks once your result is declared, so keep your final marksheet ready. Read the information bulletin on the official site for the exact cut-off date by which results must be in hand.
Age Limit and Relaxation
The age limit applies only to JRF. It is 30 years, with up to 5 years’ relaxation for reserved categories and women. There is no upper age limit for Assistant Professor or PhD admission.
UGC NET Exam Pattern 2026
The Test will consist of two papers. Both the papers will consist of objective type, multiple choice questions. There will be no break between papers.
- Paper 1 (common to all): 50 questions, 100 marks. It covers teaching and research aptitude, comprehension, reasoning, data interpretation and related areas.
- Paper 2 (your subject): 100 questions, 200 marks. This is based on the subject selected by the candidate and will assess domain knowledge
- Marking: +2 per correct answer; there is no negative marking.
With no penalty for wrong answers, attempting every question is sensible.
Application Fee for UGC NET December 2026
The fee depends on category. ₹1,150 for General (unreserved), ₹600 for General-EWS and OBC-NCL, and ₹325 for SC, ST, PwD and transgender candidates. Fee can be paid using the Payment Gateway(s) integrated to the Online Application through Net Banking Debit Card / Credit Card / UPI).
How to Apply, Step by Step
- Candidates can apply for UGC-NET December 2026 in “Online” mode only.
- Submission of Online Application Form may be done by accessing the NTA website www.ntanet.nic.in & https://ugcnet.nta.nic.in/
- Only one application is to be submitted by a candidate. More than one application i.e. multiple Application Forms submitted by a candidate will not be accepted.
- Candidates must read carefully the Instructions (including how to fill up the Application Form online) given in the Information Bulletin available on the NTA Website
Follow the steps given below to Apply Online:
- Step-1 – Register for Online Registration using your own Email ID and Mobile No. and note down system generated Application Number.
- Step-2 – Complete the Online Application Form and note down the system generated Application Number.
- Step-3 – Upload legible scanned images of: (i) a recent photograph (in jpg/ jpeg file, size 10 Kb – 200 Kb) either in colour or black & white with 80% face (without mask) visible including ears against white background; (ii) candidate’s signature (file size: 4kb – 30kb);
- Step-4 – Pay fee using the Payment Gateway(s)/Payment Modes of concerned Banks/Paytm integrated to the Online Application and keep proof of fee paid.
- All the 4 Steps can be done together or at separate timings.
Prepare the scans today. Photo and signature size errors are a common reason for rejected uploads, and the portal is slowest in the last two days.
What Is Still Unknown
Admit card and exam-city slip dates are listed as “To be Intimated later” on the official notification. The NTA information bulletin is the final word on every date and rule. Candidates are advised to keep visiting the official website for regular updates on admit card and other information.
FAQ
Q. What is the last date to apply for UGC NET December 2026?
Ans. The last date to apply and pay the fee is October 28, 2026, up to 11:50 PM. A late-fee window runs from October 29 to 31, reported at ₹500.
Q. Can final-year master’s students apply for UGC NET?
Ans. Yes. Final-year and result-awaited students can apply provisionally, but they must have the required minimum marks (55% or 50% by category) once results are declared.
Q. Is there negative marking in UGC NET?
Ans. No, there is no negative marking for incorrect response in UGC NET December 2026 exam
Q. When is the UGC NET December 2026 exam?
Ans. The computer-based exam is scheduled for December 14 to 19, 2026.
Q. What is the age limit for JRF?
Ans. The maximum age for JRF is 30, with up to 5 years’ relaxation for reserved categories and women. Assistant Professor and PhD admission have no upper age limit.
Next Steps
Apply well before October 28, confirm your subject code and fee on ugcnet.nta.nic.in, and use the correction window of November 2–4 only as a safety net. Check back for updates once the NTA releases city slips and admit cards.