UGC NET December 2026: Application Form, Eligibility, Exam Dates and How to Apply

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has opened the online application process for the UGC NET December 2026 examination. The test is conducted to assess candidates’ eligibility for Assistant Professor positions, Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), and PhD admission under the applicable categories. Candidates planning to appear should read the official information bulletin carefully before completing the application.

According to the UGC NET portal and current examination updates, the application window opened on October 8, 2026. The examination is scheduled to be conducted in computer-based test mode from December 14 to December 19, 2026, across 87 subjects. Candidates should verify the deadline, fee details and correction-window dates in the official notification before submitting their forms. The latest notice and bulletin are available at https://ugcnet.nta.nic.in/.

UGC NET December 2026: Eligibility

Candidates applying for Assistant Professor and JRF categories generally need a master’s degree or an equivalent recognised qualification. The usual minimum marks requirement is 55% for candidates in the General or General-EWS category and 50% for eligible reserved categories, including OBC-NCL, SC, ST, and PwD candidates, subject to the official rules.

Candidates appearing in their qualifying postgraduate examination may also be eligible under the conditions specified in the information bulletin. Applicants should check the subject-wise eligibility requirements and ensure that their postgraduate subject is appropriate for the NET subject they intend to select.

For JRF, an upper age limit generally applies, with relaxations for eligible categories. There is ordinarily no upper age limit for Assistant Professor eligibility. The exact age cut-off date, relaxations and exceptions must be checked in the December 2026 bulletin.

Important Exam Dates

The application process opened on October 8, 2026, and current reporting lists October 28, 2026, as the last date to apply. The examination is scheduled for December 14–19, 2026. Dates for fee payment, correction of application details, examination-city information and admit cards should be confirmed through official notices.

Do not rely on screenshots or forwarded messages for deadlines. NTA may issue updates, so check the official portal regularly.

How to Apply Online

Visit the official UGC NET website and select the December 2026 application link. Register using a valid email address and mobile number, then save the application number and password securely.

Complete the online form with your personal information, academic details, category and examination preferences. Select the subject carefully and check that the information matches your certificates. Upload the photograph, signature and any other documents in the prescribed format.

Pay the examination fee through the available online payment methods. Before final submission, review the complete form for spelling errors, incorrect category details or mismatched academic information. Download the confirmation page and retain a copy of the fee receipt.

Preparation Tips for Candidates

Start with the official syllabus for your selected subject and the UGC NET Paper I syllabus. Paper I tests teaching and research aptitude, reasoning, comprehension, communication and related areas. Prepare a realistic weekly timetable, practise previous-year questions and take timed mock tests.

Analyse every mock test to identify weak topics instead of merely counting the score. Keep revision notes for concepts, definitions, dates and frequently confused terms. Avoid collecting too many study materials close to the examination.

What Candidates Should Remember

Submitting an application does not guarantee eligibility. NTA’s rules, document verification and the final examination process determine whether a candidate can proceed. Check the official bulletin for the latest fee, subject list, eligibility conditions and examination instructions.

Official resource: https://ugcnet.nta.nic.in/