NTA UGC NET December 2026: Apply Online Form, Exam Dates, Eligibility & Notification

The National Testing Agency (NTA), on behalf of the University Grants Commission (UGC), Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India, has officially released the notification for the UGC-NET December 2026 examination. The public notice initiates online registrations for candidates aspiring to qualify for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and faculty appointments across higher education institutions in India.The UGC NET examination is conducted twice a year at the national level and serves as the benchmark eligibility test for three distinct categories: (i) Award of Junior Research Fellowship and appointment as Assistant Professor, (ii) Appointment as Assistant Professor and admission to Ph.D., and (iii) Admission to Ph.D. programs only. The December 2026 cycle covers 87 subjects and will be conducted entirely in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode.Postgraduates, final-year master's students, and candidates completing four-year undergraduate degree programs who wish to pursue academic teaching careers or doctoral research in Indian universities and colleges are eligible to apply. The online application portal remains open from 08 October 2026 to 28 October 2026.Quick Overview Table

Important Dates
Application FeeThe application fee is payable online through Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, or UPI.
Age Limit & RelaxationFor Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)

• Maximum Age: 30 years as of the first day of the month in which the examination concludes (01 December 2026).
• Age Relaxations:

• OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD, Third Gender, and Women Applicants: Up to 5 years relaxation (maximum age: 35 years).
• Candidates with Research Experience: Relaxation equal to the duration spent on research, limited to a maximum of 5 years, on submission of an authorized certificate from the institution head.
• LL.M. Degree Holders: Up to 3 years relaxation in age.
• Armed Forces Personnel: Up to 5 years relaxation subject to the duration of military service.
• Note: The total combined relaxation under all grounds cannot exceed 5 years.

For Assistant Professor & Ph.D. Admission Only

• No Upper Age Limit: There is no age restriction for candidates applying solely for eligibility for Assistant Professor or admission to Ph.D. programs.

Eligibility Criteria & Vacancy DetailsUGC NET is an all-India qualifying examination rather than a direct vacancy placement. Qualifying candidates receive eligibility status across three primary categories based on merit and options chosen during application:

• Category 1: Award of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and appointment as Assistant Professor.
• Category 2: Appointment as Assistant Professor and admission to Ph.D.
• Category 3: Admission to Ph.D. only.

Educational Qualifications

• General / Unreserved / General-EWS Candidates: Must have secured at least 55% marks (without rounding off) in a Master’s Degree or equivalent examination from universities/institutions recognized by the UGC.
• OBC-NCL / SC / ST / PwD / Third Gender Candidates: Must have secured at least 50% marks (without rounding off) in a Master’s Degree or equivalent examination.
• Candidates Appearing in Qualifying Exam: Students who are pursuing their Master’s degree or equivalent, or who have appeared for their final semester examinations and whose results are awaited, are eligible to apply provisionally. Such candidates must complete their Master’s degree within two years from the date of the NET result with the required percentage.
• Four-Year Undergraduate Degree (FYUP) Candidates: Candidates enrolled in or who have completed a 4-year/8-semester bachelor's degree program with a minimum of 75% marks in aggregate (or equivalent grade point) are eligible to appear for the UGC NET to qualify for JRF and Ph.D. admission. A 5% relaxation applies to SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD candidates.

Financial Assistance & Fellowship Structure (JRF)Candidates who qualify for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) receive monthly financial aid when enrolled in a full-time M.Phil./Ph.D. program in recognized universities:

• Junior Research Fellowship (JRF): ₹37,000/- per month for the initial two years.
• Senior Research Fellowship (SRF): ₹42,000/- per month upon evaluation and progression for the remaining tenure.
• Contingency Allowance:

• Humanities & Social Sciences: ₹10,000/- per annum for the first two years, ₹20,500/- per annum for the remaining tenure.
• Science Streams: ₹12,000/- per annum for the first two years, ₹25,000/- per annum for the remaining tenure.

• House Rent Allowance (HRA): Provided as per central government norms if university residential accommodation is not provided.
• Assistant Professor Pay Scale: Candidates selected as Assistant Professors in colleges/universities are appointed in UGC Academic Pay Level 10 (Entry Basic Pay: ₹57,700/- up to ₹1,82,400/-) plus applicable DA, HRA, and allowances.

Selection ProcessThe selection for UGC NET December 2026 involves a competitive evaluation in CBT mode:

1. Computer Based Test (CBT): Candidates appear for a single-session examination of 300 total marks covering Paper 1 and Paper 2.
2. Raw Score Compilation & Normalization: For multi-shift subjects, raw marks are converted into percentile scores using standard NTA normalization formulas.
3. Determining Minimum Qualifying Standards:

• General / Unreserved / EWS: Minimum 40% aggregate marks across both papers.
• SC / ST / OBC-NCL / PwD / Third Gender: Minimum 35% aggregate marks across both papers.

1. Allocation of Eligibility Slots:

• Assistant Professor Eligibility: Top 6% of the total candidates appearing in both papers of the NET are declared qualified.
• JRF Awardees: A merit-based subset of Assistant Professor qualifiers is selected based on statutory reservation allocations.
• Ph.D. Only Admission: Candidates who meet the category cutoff for Category 3 can use their percentile score for doctoral admissions in participating institutions for one year.

Exam PatternThe test consists of two papers, administered in a single continuous three-hour session without any scheduled break.

• Type of Questions: Objective Type, Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
• Marking Scheme: Each question carries +2 marks.
• Negative Marking: There is no negative marking for incorrect answers.
• Medium of Paper: Bilingual (English and Hindi), except for language-specific subjects.

Detailed SyllabusPaper 1: General Paper on Teaching and Research Aptitude (Common to All)

• Unit I - Teaching Aptitude: Teaching concepts, objectives, levels of teaching (memory, understanding, and reflective), learner characteristics, factors affecting teaching, methods of teaching, teaching support system, and evaluation systems.
• Unit II - Research Aptitude: Meaning, types, and characteristics of research, positivism and post-positivistic approaches, research methods, thesis and article writing, application of ICT in research, and research ethics.
• Unit III - Comprehension: Passage-based contextual questions.
• Unit IV - Communication: Meaning, types, and characteristics of communication, effective verbal and non-verbal communication, intercultural and classroom communication, and media/society dynamics.
• Unit V - Mathematical Reasoning and Aptitude: Number series, letter series, codes and relationships, fractions, time & distance, ratio & proportion, percentage, profit & loss, interest, and averages.
• Unit VI - Logical Reasoning: Structure of arguments, deductive and inductive reasoning, Venn diagrams, Indian Logic (Pramanas: Pratyaksha, Anumana, Upamana, Shabda, Arthapatti, Anupalabdhi), and Hetvabhasa (fallacies of inference).
• Unit VII - Data Interpretation: Sources, acquisition, classification, quantitative and qualitative data, graphical representation (bar chart, histograms, pie chart), and data governance.
• Unit VIII - Information and Communication Technology (ICT): General abbreviations and terminology, basics of internet, intranet, email, audio and video-conferencing, and digital initiatives in higher education.
• Unit IX - People, Development and Environment: Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), human and environment interaction, environmental pollution, impacts on human health, natural energy resources, and International Environmental Agreements (Montreal Protocol, Paris Agreement, ISA).
• Unit X - Higher Education System: Institutions of higher learning and education in ancient India, evolution of higher learning in post-independence India, oriental, conventional and non-conventional learning programs, professional/technical education, and governance/administration.

Paper 2: Domain-Specific Syllabus (87 Subjects)Paper 2 questions test in-depth postgraduate knowledge in the specific subject opted for by the candidate, such as Commerce, Economics, History, Political Science, English, Hindi, Education, Computer Science, Environmental Sciences, Law, Sociology, and Management. The syllabus corresponds to the UGC-NET curriculum available on the official UGC portal.How to Apply: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Access the Portal: Visit the official website at ugcnet.nta.nic.in.
2. Registration: Click on "UGC NET December 2026 Registration" and choose your registration authentication mode (using Meri Pehchan single sign-on or standard portal credentials).
3. Fill Application Details: Enter your personal information, communication address, category, academic qualifications, choice of exam cities, and subject paper selection.
4. Select Eligibility Category: Select whether you are applying for (i) JRF and Assistant Professor, (ii) Assistant Professor and Ph.D., or (iii) Ph.D. Only.
5. Upload Documents: Upload clear scanned copies of your passport-size photograph, signature, and category/PwD certificates (if applicable) in the specified dimensions.
6. Fee Payment: Pay the applicable examination fee using Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI.
7. Download Confirmation Page: Once the transaction is successful, download and print the application confirmation page for your records.

Required Documents Checklist

• Valid email ID and active mobile number.
• Government-authorized Photo Identity Proof (Voter ID, Passport, PAN Card, Driving License, or verified government ID).
• Class 10 (Matriculation) certificate for verification of name and date of birth.
• Master's degree mark sheets, provisional certificates, or final semester enrollment proofs.
• Four-year undergraduate degree mark sheet (if applying under the FYUP provision).
• Recent passport-size photograph (in JPG/JPEG format, white background, 80% face visible).
• Scanned specimen signature on plain white paper (in JPG/JPEG format).
• Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/General-EWS) issued by a competent authority, if claiming reservation.
• PwD Certificate from a competent medical board, if applicable.

Important Instructions for Candidates

• Single Application Submission: Candidates must submit only one application form. Multiple submissions by a candidate can lead to cancellation of all applications.
• Contact Information: Ensure that the email address and mobile number provided belong directly to you or your parents/guardians, as all notifications and verification OTPs are delivered via these channels.
• Accuracy of Particulars: Cross-check personal data carefully before submitting; modifications are only allowed during the correction window from 02 to 04 November 2026.
• Late Fee Provision: If you miss the initial deadline of 28 October 2026, forms can be submitted between 29 October and 31 October 2026 with an additional late fee of ₹500/-.
• Helpline Assistance: In case of technical difficulties, candidates can contact NTA at 011-40759000 / 011-69227700 or write to ugcnet@nta.ac.in.

Important Links Table
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When does the UGC NET December 2026 application process start and close? 

The online application process started on 08 October 2026 and closes on 28 October 2026 at 11:50 PM. A late submission window with a ₹500/- late fee is available from 29 October to 31 October 2026.

2. What are the examination dates for UGC NET December 2026? 

The examination is scheduled to be held from 14 December 2026 to 19 December 2026 in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode.

3. What is the application fee for the General category? 

The application fee for General/Unreserved candidates is ₹1,150/- without late fee.

4. Is there negative marking in the UGC NET exam?

No, there is no negative marking for incorrect answers in both Paper 1 and Paper 2.

5. What is the age limit for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)?

The upper age limit for JRF is 30 years as of 01 December 2026. A 5-year relaxation is applicable to OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD, Third Gender, and female candidates.

6. Is there an age limit to apply for Assistant Professor? 

No, there is no upper age limit for candidates applying for Assistant Professor eligibility or Ph.D. admission only.

7. Can students in the final year of a Master's degree apply for UGC NET?Yes, candidates who are in their final year or awaiting their final Master's semester results can apply provisionally. They must complete their degree with the requisite percentage within two years of the declaration of the NET result.

8. How many subjects are included in the UGC NET December 2026 exam? 

The examination will be conducted across 87 different subjects.

9. Can students with a four-year bachelor's degree apply?

Yes, candidates with a four-year undergraduate degree with at least 75% marks in aggregate are eligible to appear for JRF and Ph.D. admissions.

10. When will the correction window open for UGC NET December 2026?

 The correction window for updating application particulars will be available from 02 November 2026 to 04 November 2026 (up to 11:50 PM).