UGC NET December 2026 Notification Out: Apply Online, Exam Date, Fees and Last Date
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the official notification for the UGC NET December 2026 examination. The online application process began on 8 October 2026, and eligible candidates can submit their applications through the official website, ugcnet.nta.nic.in.
The UGC National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) is conducted for candidates seeking eligibility for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), Assistant Professor positions, and admission to PhD programmes in Indian universities and colleges. The December 2026 examination will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode for 87 subjects.
Candidates who have completed or are pursuing postgraduate studies and wish to pursue academic or research careers should check the eligibility requirements, application fees and important dates before applying.
UGC NET December 2026: Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Examination Name | UGC NET December 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Examination Authority | University Grants Commission (UGC) |
| Notification Date | 8 October 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Examination Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Number of Subjects | 87 |
| Application Start Date | 8 October 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 28 October 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 28 October 2026 |
| Late Application Window | 29–31 October 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | 2–4 November 2026 |
| Examination Dates | 14–19 December 2026 |
| Official Website | ugcnet.nta.nic.in |
UGC NET December 2026: Important Dates
Candidates should note the following dates to complete their applications on time.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Begins | 8 October 2026 |
| Last Date for Online Application | 28 October 2026, up to 11:50 PM |
| Last Date for Examination Fee Payment | 28 October 2026, up to 11:50 PM |
| Application with Late Fee | 29–31 October 2026 |
| Last Date for Late Fee Payment | 31 October 2026, up to 11:50 PM |
| Correction Window | 2–4 November 2026 |
| Examination City Intimation | To be announced |
| Admit Card Release | To be announced |
| UGC NET Examination | 14–19 December 2026 |
Candidates are advised to complete registration and payment well before the deadline. Any changes to the schedule should be checked on the official NTA website.
UGC NET December 2026 Application Fee
The examination fee varies according to the candidate’s category.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / Unreserved | ₹1,150 |
| General-EWS / OBC-NCL | ₹600 |
| SC / ST / PwD / Third Gender | ₹325 |
The application fee can be paid using credit cards, debit cards, net banking or UPI. Candidates applying during the late registration window must also pay the applicable late fee of ₹500.
UGC NET December 2026: Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must check the detailed eligibility conditions in the official information bulletin before submitting the application.
Educational Qualification
Candidates seeking eligibility for UGC NET should review the prescribed postgraduate qualification and minimum marks requirements. The applicable requirements may differ for candidates belonging to different categories.
Candidates who are pursuing postgraduate studies should check the specific provisions in the official information bulletin to confirm whether they are eligible to apply.
Who Should Apply for UGC NET?
UGC NET may be relevant to candidates who want to:
Qualify for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF).
Pursue research in universities and higher education institutions.
Establish an academic career as an Assistant Professor, subject to applicable recruitment rules.
Seek admission to PhD programmes through the relevant UGC NET qualification category.
Build a career in teaching and research after postgraduate studies.
Important: Qualifying for PhD admission only does not automatically provide eligibility for JRF or appointment as an Assistant Professor. The outcome depends on the qualification category and applicable rules.
Candidates should refer to the official information bulletin for the exact educational qualifications, minimum marks, age limits and relaxation provisions applicable to their category.
How to Apply for UGC NET December 2026
Eligible candidates can follow these steps to submit their applications:
Visit the official website: https://ugcnet.nta.nic.in/
Open the UGC NET December 2026 application link.
Complete the registration process using the prescribed online registration system.
Fill in the application form with the required personal and academic details.
Select the appropriate subject and provide the information requested in the form.
Upload the required documents and images according to the official instructions.
Pay the examination fee through an available online payment method.
Review the entered details carefully before final submission.
Submit the application and save a copy of the confirmation page for future reference.
Candidates must submit only one application. The NTA advises applicants to use an accessible email address and mobile number belonging to themselves or their parents/guardians, as applicable, for official communications.
UGC NET December 2026: Official Application Link
Candidates can access the official website and application portal through the link below.
Official Website: https://ugcnet.nta.nic.in/
Information Bulletin: https://ugcnet.nta.nic.in/information-bulletin/
Applicants should read the official information bulletin carefully before completing registration. The examination city information and admit card release dates will be announced separately by the NTA.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When did UGC NET December 2026 registration begin?
The online registration process began on 8 October 2026.
2. What is the last date to apply for UGC NET December 2026?
The last date for submitting the regular online application and paying the examination fee is 28 October 2026, up to 11:50 PM.
3. Can candidates apply for UGC NET after the last date?
According to the notification, applications with a late fee of ₹500 can be submitted from 29 to 31 October 2026, up to 11:50 PM on the final date.
4. When will the UGC NET December 2026 examination be conducted?
The examination is scheduled from 14 to 19 December 2026.
5. What is the application fee for UGC NET December 2026?
The fee is ₹1,150 for General/Unreserved candidates, ₹600 for General-EWS/OBC-NCL candidates, and ₹325 for SC/ST/PwD/Third Gender candidates.
6. Is UGC NET useful for PhD admission?
Yes. UGC NET has qualification categories for admission to PhD programmes. Candidates should check the relevant category and the admission requirements of their chosen institution.
7. Does UGC NET provide eligibility for Assistant Professor positions?
UGC NET determines eligibility for Assistant Professor appointments, subject to applicable UGC regulations and recruitment requirements.
8. Where can I apply for UGC NET December 2026?
Candidates must apply online through the official website: https://ugcnet.nta.nic.in/
Conclusion
The UGC NET December 2026 examination is an important opportunity for eligible postgraduate candidates who wish to pursue research, apply for Junior Research Fellowship opportunities, seek PhD admission or build an academic career.
Candidates should verify the eligibility criteria, select the appropriate subject and complete the online application before the deadline. For official updates regarding examination cities, admit cards and other announcements, regularly visit the NTA UGC NET website.
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Disclaimer: Applicant Path provides educational and examination-related information for candidates. Applicants should verify all eligibility conditions, dates, fees and instructions in the official NTA notification before applying.