The National Testing Agency (NTA) has opened the online registration portal for UGC NET December 2026. The public notice was issued on 8th October 2026. Interested candidates can submit the online application form on the official website. Earlier the NTA released calender specifying various exam dates.
NTA conducts the test on behalf of the University Grants Commission (UGC). UGC NET December 2026 will be held in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode for 87 subjects from 14th December 2026 to 19th December 2026.
Also read: Joint CSIR UGC-NET December 2026: Notification out; Apply online for JRF and Assistant Professor
UGC NET December 2026 Exam Details
UGC NET is a test to determine the eligibility of Indian nationals for Junior Research Fellowship, Assistant Professor appointment and Ph.D. admission in Indian universities and colleges. The key details of UGC NET December 2026 are given below.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | UGC NET December 2026 |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Number of Subjects | 87 |
| Date of Examination | 14th December 2026 to 19th December 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online only |
Purpose of UGC NET December 2026
As per the public notice, the test determines eligibility of Indian nationals for the following:
- Award of Junior Research Fellowship and appointment as Assistant Professor
- Appointment as Assistant Professor and admission to Ph.D.
- Admission to Ph.D. only
How to Apply for UGC NET December 2026
Candidates can apply for UGC NET December 2026 only in the online mode. Application forms submitted in any other mode will not be accepted. The following points should be kept in mind while applying.
- Visit the application portal by clicking on the link given below in the “Important Links” section.
- Complete the registration. The facility is available through the Meri Pehchan single sign-on service of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
- Fill in the online application form carefully, as no changes will be allowed after final submission.
- Use Aadhaar verification while completing the form as far as possible. This will help in the registration and examination process, particularly at the examination centres, and in the processing of JRF.
- Provide an e-mail address and mobile number that belong to the candidate or the parents/ guardians and are accessible. NTA will send all communication only on these details.
- Pay the application fee online through Credit Card/ Debit Card/ Net Banking/ UPI.
- Submit only one application, as multiple applications are not allowed.
Candidates must strictly follow the instructions given in the Information Bulletin available on the NTA website. Those not complying with the instructions shall be summarily disqualified.
UGC NET December 2026 Application Fee
The application fee depends on the category of the candidate, as given below.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General/ Unreserved | Rs. 1,150/- |
| General-EWS/ OBC-NCL | Rs. 600/- |
| SC/ ST/ PwD/ Third Gender | Rs. 325/- |
Candidates applying late, from 29th October 2026 to 31st October 2026, will have to pay an additional late fee of Rs. 500/-.
UGC NET December 2026 Important Dates
The schedule for UGC NET December 2026 is given below. The dates are tentative, and applicants will be informed in case of any change.
| Events | Last date |
|---|---|
| Submission of Online Application Form | 8th October 2026 to 28th October 2026 (up to 11:50 PM) |
| Last Date for Payment of Examination Fee | 28th October 2026 (up to 11:50 PM) |
| Late Submission of Online Application Form with Late Fee Rs. 500/- | 29th October 2026 to 31st October 2026 (up to 11:50 PM) |
| Last Date of Successful Transaction with Late Fee | 31st October 2026 (up to 11:50 PM) |
| Correction in Particulars in Online Application Form | 2nd November 2026 to 4th November 2026 (up to 11:50 PM) |
| Announcement of Exam City | To be intimated later |
| Downloading of Admit Card | To be intimated later |
| Date of Examination | 14th December 2026 to 19th December 2026 |
| Centre, Date and Shift | As indicated on Admit Card |
| Display of Recorded Responses and Answer Key(s) | To be announced later on the website |
UGC NET December 2026 Important Links
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the last date to apply for UGC NET December 2026?
The last date to submit the online application form is 28th October 2026 (up to 11:50 PM). The last date for payment of the examination fee is also 28th October 2026.
Can candidates apply late for UGC NET December 2026?
Yes. Late submission is allowed from 29th October 2026 to 31st October 2026 with a late fee of Rs. 500/-. The last date of successful transaction with late fee is 31st October 2026 (up to 11:50 PM).
When will UGC NET December 2026 be held?
The examination will be conducted from 14th December 2026 to 19th December 2026 in CBT mode. The centre, date and shift will be indicated on the admit card.
When can candidates make corrections in the UGC NET December 2026 application form?
The correction window will remain open from 2nd November 2026 to 4th November 2026 (up to 11:50 PM).
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