The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially opened the registration window for the University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) December 2026 examination. Aspiring candidates can submit their applications online starting October 8, 2026, with the deadline set for October 28, 2026, at 11:50 pm.
Examination Details and Purpose
The UGC NET December 2026 examination will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode, covering a total of 87 subjects. The tests are scheduled to take place between December 14 and December 19, 2026. This crucial examination serves multiple academic and career pathways, including:
- Eligibility for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)
- Appointment as Assistant Professors in Indian universities and colleges
- Admission to PhD programmes
Candidates are strongly advised to thoroughly review the official information bulletin provided by the NTA to understand the detailed eligibility criteria, age limits, and other specific provisions before applying.
Important Dates for UGC NET December 2026
Key dates for the application and examination process are as follows:
- Registration Begins: October 8, 2026
- Last Date to Apply: October 28, 2026 (until 11:50 pm)
- Last Date for Fee Payment: October 28, 2026 (until 11:50 pm)
- Application with Late Fee: October 29–31, 2026
- Last Date for Fee Payment with Late Fee: October 31, 2026 (until 11:50 pm)
- Application Correction Window: November 2–4, 2026
- Examination Dates: December 14–19, 2026
A late fee of Rs 500 will be applicable for submissions made during the late registration period. The NTA has indicated that these dates are tentative and may be subject to revision.
Application Fee Structure
The application fee varies based on the candidate's category:
- General/Unreserved: Rs 1,150
- General-EWS/OBC-NCL: Rs 600
- SC/ST/Persons with Disabilities (PwD/PwBD)/Third Gender: Rs 325
Applicable service charges and Goods and Services Tax (GST) on payment transactions must be paid separately. Fees can be paid using various online payment options, including debit cards, credit cards, net banking, and UPI.
How to Apply for UGC NET December 2026
Candidates can follow these steps to complete their application:
- Visit the official UGC NET website.
- Complete the online registration using a valid email address and mobile number.
- Fill out the application form with all necessary personal, educational, and examination-related details.
- Upload required documents, including photograph, signature, and relevant certificates, in the specified format.
- Pay the examination fee through an available online payment method.
- Submit the application form and download the confirmation page for future reference.
Applicants are advised to verify all entered details carefully before final submission and retain proof of fee payment. Regular checks of the official website and registered email address are recommended for important updates.