UGC NET December 2026 Notification Out: Apply Online, Exam Date
UGC NET December 2026 Notification Out: Apply Online, Exam Date
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced the UGC NET December 2026 examination cycle, inviting eligible candidates to submit their applications online. The University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) is conducted nationally for candidates seeking eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), Assistant Professor, and admission to Ph.D. programmes, wherever applicable under the prevailing UGC rules.
As per the details available for the December 2026 examination, the online application window will remain open from October 8, 2026, to October 28, 2026.
The examination is expected to be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode during December 2026. Candidates are advised to carefully read the official information bulletin and complete the application process within the prescribed schedule.
Application Form
The online registration process for UGC NET December 2026 has commenced from October 8, 2026. Eligible applicants can access the application form through the official UGC-NET examination portal operated by NTA.
While filling out the form, candidates should provide accurate personal information, educational qualifications, category details and examination preferences. Any discrepancy in the information submitted may create problems during subsequent stages of the examination process.
Candidates are also advised not to wait until the closing date to submit their forms. Completing the application early can help avoid difficulties caused by heavy website traffic, payment failures or other technical issues.
Important Dates
The important dates for the December 2026 examination cycle are as follows:
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Online Application Starts: October 8, 2026
Last Date to Apply Online: October 28, 2026
UGC NET Examination: December 14 to December 19, 2026
Candidates should regularly check the official NTA/UGC-NET portal for updates regarding corrections, examination city information, admit cards or any changes to the announced schedule.
UGC NET December 2026 Apply Online
Candidates who meet the prescribed eligibility requirements can complete their registration through the official UGC-NET portal.
Eligible candidates can submit their application through the official UGC-NET/NTA application portal.
Official UGC-NET website: ugcnet.nta.ac.in
Application Portal: UGC NET December 2026 Apply Online
Candidates should make sure that the application portal corresponds to the December 2026 UGC-NET examination before entering their details.
Applicants should use only the official NTA website and application portal while registering for the examination. Before submitting the form, candidates should verify that they are applying for the December 2026 cycle.
Steps to Apply for UGC NET December 2026
Candidates can complete the registration process by following the steps given below:
1. Open the Official UGC-NET Portal
Visit the official UGC-NET website operated by the National Testing Agency and locate the application link for the December 2026 examination.
2. Register as a New Candidate
Click on the registration option and enter the basic information requested by NTA. Candidates should provide a valid mobile number and email address because these may be used for important examination-related communication.
3. Log In and Complete the Form
After successful registration, use the login credentials generated during the registration process to access the application form. Enter your personal and educational information carefully.
4. Enter Examination Details
Select the appropriate UGC-NET subject and provide the examination-related information requested in the application form.
5. Upload Documents
Upload the required photograph, signature and other documents or details in the format and size specified by NTA.
6. Pay the Examination Fee
Proceed to the payment section and pay the applicable UGC-NET examination fee using one of the online payment methods provided on the portal.
7. Check All Details
Before submitting the form, thoroughly review all information entered in the application. Special attention should be given to the candidate’s name, date of birth, category, academic qualifications and selected subject.
8. Submit the Application
After confirming that all details are correct, submit the application form. Candidates should download and preserve the confirmation page and payment receipt for future use.
Application Fee
The examination fee applicable in recent UGC-NET cycles has generally been structured according to the candidate’s category.
The fee has been:
General/Unreserved Candidates: ₹1,150
General-EWS/OBC-NCL Candidates: ₹600
SC/ST/PwD/Third Gender Candidates: ₹325
However, candidates should verify the exact fee applicable to the December 2026 examination on the official NTA application portal or information bulletin before completing payment. NTA may revise fee-related provisions from one examination cycle to another.
Candidates may also be required to pay applicable payment gateway charges and taxes, wherever prescribed.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must fulfil the eligibility requirements prescribed by the University Grants Commission and National Testing Agency for the December 2026 examination.
Educational Qualification
Generally, candidates applying for UGC NET are required to possess a Master’s degree or an equivalent qualification from a recognised university or institution.
Under the prevailing eligibility criteria, candidates belonging to the General/Unreserved category generally need a minimum of 55% marks in the qualifying Master’s degree.
Candidates belonging to eligible reserved categories, including SC, ST, OBC-NCL, PwD/PwBD and Third Gender, are generally required to have at least 50% marks in the qualifying examination.
Candidates Appearing in Final-Year Master’s Examination
Candidates who are currently pursuing their Master’s degree or are awaiting their final-year results may also be permitted to apply, subject to the conditions, deadlines and other requirements prescribed by UGC and NTA.
Such candidates must fulfil the prescribed qualification requirements within the applicable period specified by the examination authorities.
Purpose of the UGC NET Examination
UGC NET is a national-level eligibility examination conducted by the National Testing Agency on behalf of the University Grants Commission.
The examination is primarily used to determine eligibility for:
Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)
Assistant Professor
Ph.D. admission, wherever applicable under the relevant UGC regulations
The examination is conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode, with candidates appearing for the subject selected during the application process.
Important Instructions for Applicants
Candidates applying for UGC NET December 2026 should keep the following points in mind:
Submit the application before the prescribed deadline.
Use an active mobile number and email address during registration.
Enter all personal and academic details correctly.
Upload documents according to NTA’s prescribed specifications.
Check the selected subject carefully before final submission.
Verify the examination fee before making payment.
Keep a copy of the completed application and confirmation page.
Regularly monitor the official NTA website for further announcements.
Key Highlights
The UGC NET December 2026 examination provides eligible postgraduate candidates with an opportunity to qualify for JRF and Assistant Professor eligibility and, where applicable, pursue Ph.D. admission through the relevant provisions.
With applications opening on October 8, 2026, candidates should complete their registration well before the October 28, 2026 deadline. Applicants should rely on the official NTA information bulletin for the final eligibility conditions, fee structure, examination instructions and any subsequent changes.
Candidates are advised to keep checking the official UGC-NET portal for updates regarding the admit card, examination city intimation slip, answer key and result.