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

Quick answer

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has opened the online application form for UGC NET December 2026. The test decides eligibility for Assistant Professor and for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in Indian universities and colleges. Reports put the regular application window at 8 to 28 October 2026, with a late-fee window to 31 October 2026. Most reports give the exam as 14 to 19 December 2026, in computer-based mode. Check the information bulletin before you pay.

What is UGC NET?

UGC NET is the national eligibility test run by the University Grants Commission and conducted by NTA. A pass makes you eligible for:

• Assistant Professor in colleges and universities across India, subject to the rules of each institution.
• JRF, a fellowship for research, which carries a monthly stipend while you study for a PhD. The selection of candidates for certain central fellowships for SC, OBC and minority students is also made through this test.

The two outcomes are different. Clearing NET for Assistant Professor does not give you JRF, and the other way round. Read both sets of rules in the bulletin.

Important dates

Today is 27 October 2026. If you have not applied, the regular window closes tomorrow, 28 October. Do not wait for the late fee window.

Eligibility basics

Eligibility depends on the test you choose, the subject, and sometimes the age limit for JRF. Reports say:

• Education: A master's degree or equivalent in the subject you choose, or a final-year master's student who meets the bulletin's rule.
• Age limit for JRF: Reported as 30 years, with relaxation for reserved categories. Check the bulletin for the cut-off date and the relaxation table.
• Nationality: Indian nationals as per the rules.

The bulletin lists the subjects, the codes and the exact rules. Do not rely on a summary.

Exam pattern

Reports say the exam is computer-based, covers about 87 subjects, and has two papers. Paper 1 tests teaching and research aptitude and is common to all subjects. Paper 2 covers the subject you chose. Negative marking is not in the reports we reviewed, so confirm the marking scheme in the bulletin.

Subject-wise shifts and centres were still "to be announced" in one report. Keep checking the NTA site for the city slip and admit card.

How to apply

1. Open the UGC NET site run by NTA and read the information bulletin for December 2026, including the corrigendum.
2. Create your candidate account with a valid mobile number and email.
3. Fill the form. Choose the subject carefully, because your paper depends on it.
4. Upload the photograph, signature and any category or disability certificate in the required format.
5. Pay the fee. Reports say the late-fee window runs to 31 October 2026.
6. Save the confirmation and a PDF copy of the form.

Documents to keep ready

• Master's degree marksheet and certificate, or proof of appearing in the final year
• Photograph and signature in the specified size
• Category certificate, if applicable
• Disability certificate, if applicable
• Aadhaar or other ID as the form asks

Common mistakes

• Choosing the wrong subject. You cannot change it easily after the window closes.
• Missing the regular window. The late fee costs more and comes with the same deadline risk.
• Using an unofficial site to apply. Use the NTA portal only.

Who should apply, and who should wait

Apply if you hold a master's degree or are in the final year and meet the bulletin's rule, and if you want to teach at a college or university or pursue a PhD with a fellowship. Apply if you already work in research and want a stipend, and check that JRF fits your age and category.

Wait or think twice if you are not sure of your subject code, because the subject decides your Paper 2. Wait if you cannot afford the fee and the time for preparation, since the test is competitive and a single attempt is a poor plan without study.

How to choose your subject

Pick the subject where you have the strongest command of the syllabus, not the one with the most seats. Read the subject's syllabus in the bulletin, then compare it with your master's course. If your subject has a code that splits into two papers or specialisations, check which one matches your degree. Once the window closes, changing the subject is not something you can count on.

An eight-week preparation plan

• Weeks 1 and 2: Read Paper 1 topics, including teaching aptitude, research aptitude, reading comprehension and reasoning. Solve one timed set each day.
• Weeks 3 to 5: Work through your Paper 2 syllabus, one unit at a time. Make short notes and revise the previous unit before you start a new one.
• Week 6: Take a full-length mock in the test format and mark the weak units.
• Week 7: Revise the weak units. Solve previous years' papers in the same timing.
• Week 8: Light revision, sleep and a final mock. Do not start new topics in the last three days.

After the exam

The NTA publishes an answer key and a result notice on its portal. Use the key to check your score before you raise a challenge. Reports do not confirm the exact timing for the December 2026 result, so check the NTA site for the notice.

Mistakes that cost candidates a result

• Wrong category or disability certificate. A mismatch can cause rejection or a later correction problem.
• Late photo or signature upload. Use the size and format in the bulletin, and check the preview before you submit.
• Two accounts with one mobile number. Keep one account and one registration.

Related reading on this site

Read the study material and syllabus pages for your subject, and the notes on research aptitude, before you choose your subject code.