by The UGC NET December 2026 examination is an important opportunity for postgraduate students and aspiring researchers who want to pursue careers in teaching, research or doctoral studies. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has opened the online application process, and candidates can apply through the official UGC NET website.
The December session examination is scheduled to take place from 14 December to 19 December 2026 in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. Candidates should check the application deadline, eligibility requirements, examination fee and paper pattern before submitting their forms.
This guide covers the key details of UGC NET December 2026, including how to apply, category-wise fees, qualification requirements and preparation-related information.
UGC NET December 2026: Latest Update
The National Testing Agency conducts the University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test to determine candidates’ eligibility for specific academic and research opportunities in Indian universities and colleges.
Depending on their qualification category and result, candidates may become eligible for:
- Junior Research Fellowship (JRF).
- Appointment as an Assistant Professor.
- Assistant Professor eligibility and admission to a PhD programme.
- Admission to a PhD programme only.
The December 2026 examination will cover 87 subjects and will be conducted in CBT mode. Candidates should refer to the official notification and information bulletin for the latest instructions.
UGC NET December 2026 Important Dates
Candidates should keep track of the application schedule to avoid missing a deadline.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online application begins | 8 October 2026 |
| Last date to submit the application | 28 October 2026 |
| Last date for payment with late fee | 31 October 2026 |
| Application correction window | 2–4 November 2026 |
| Examination dates | 14–19 December 2026 |
These dates are based on the published December 2026 schedule. Candidates should check the NTA website for any revised notice or extension before acting on a deadline.
UGC NET Application Form 2026: How to Apply Online
Eligible candidates can complete their applications online through the official portal. Keep your educational details, identification information and required documents ready before starting.
Follow these steps to apply:
- Visit the official website: https://ugcnet.nta.nic.in/
- Open the application link for UGC NET December 2026.
- Complete the registration process using the required personal and contact details.
- Log in using your registration credentials.
- Fill in your personal information, educational qualifications and examination preferences carefully.
- Upload the photograph, signature and other documents in the prescribed format.
- Pay the application fee applicable to your category.
- Review the details before submitting the form.
- Download and save the confirmation page for future reference.
Important: Check your name, date of birth, category, subject selection and educational details before final submission. Keep your application number and payment confirmation safe.
UGC NET December 2026 Application Fee
The application fee depends on the candidate’s category.
| Category | Examination fee |
|---|---|
| General / Unreserved | ₹1,150 |
| General-EWS / OBC-NCL | ₹600 |
| SC / ST / PwD / Third Gender | ₹325 |
Candidates should verify their category and the applicable fee in the official information bulletin before making payment. Any late fee or additional payment conditions should also be checked on the application portal.
UGC NET Eligibility Criteria 2026
Before applying, candidates should confirm that they meet the educational and other requirements specified by NTA.
Educational qualification
For candidates applying through the postgraduate route:
- General and General-EWS candidates generally need at least 55% marks in a master’s degree or an equivalent recognised qualification.
- Candidates belonging to OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD/PwBD and Third Gender categories generally need at least 50% marks, subject to the applicable rules.
- Candidates who are appearing in their final year of a qualifying master’s programme may be eligible under the conditions specified in the information bulletin.
Eligibility through a four-year bachelor’s degree
Certain candidates with a four-year bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification may also be eligible under the prescribed rules, including the applicable minimum marks and category relaxations.
However, qualifying through this route can have different implications for JRF, PhD admission and Assistant Professor eligibility. Candidates must read the current NTA information bulletin carefully rather than assuming that every qualification route provides the same eligibility.
Subject selection
Candidates should select the subject that aligns with their qualifying degree and the rules specified by NTA. Before submitting the application, review the official subject list and eligibility instructions.
UGC NET December 2026 Exam Pattern
The UGC NET examination consists of two papers conducted in a single session.
| Paper | Questions | Maximum marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I | 50 | 100 |
| Paper II | 100 | 200 |
| Total | 150 | 300 |
The combined examination duration is three hours, with no break between the two papers.
Paper I
Paper I assesses general teaching and research aptitude. Its topics include reasoning, comprehension, communication, data interpretation, logical thinking and related areas.
Paper II
Paper II tests the candidate’s knowledge of the subject selected for the examination. Candidates should prepare according to the official syllabus for their chosen subject.
Marking scheme
Each question carries two marks. There is no negative marking for incorrect answers under the stated examination pattern. Candidates should still check the current information bulletin for any applicable instructions.
UGC NET December 2026 Subjects
The December 2026 session covers 87 subjects. Candidates must choose the appropriate subject from the official list while completing the application.
The subject list includes disciplines across humanities, social sciences, languages, commerce, management, education and other academic areas. The availability and exact naming of a subject should be confirmed through the NTA portal and information bulletin.
Selecting the right subject is important because Paper II is based on the chosen discipline. Candidates should review the prescribed syllabus before finalising their selection.
How to Prepare for UGC NET December 2026
With the examination scheduled for December, candidates should organise their remaining preparation time around the official syllabus and their individual strengths.
1. Download the latest syllabus: Use the official syllabus for your selected subject rather than relying only on older notes.
2. Divide your preparation between both papers: Paper I covers general aptitude, while Paper II requires subject-specific knowledge.
3. Practise previous-year questions: This can help you understand question styles, identify weaker topics and improve time management.
4. Take timed mock tests: Simulate the three-hour examination to practise maintaining concentration and managing the paper.
5. Revise consistently: Keep short notes for important concepts, theories, formulas, definitions and frequently confusing topics.
6. Follow official updates: Check the NTA website for examination-city information, the subject-wise timetable, admit cards and any changes to the schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the last date to apply for UGC NET December 2026?
The scheduled last date for submitting the application is 28 October 2026. The late-fee payment window is scheduled to remain open until 31 October 2026. Confirm the latest dates on the official website.
2. When will UGC NET December 2026 be conducted?
The examination is scheduled for 14 December to 19 December 2026 in Computer-Based Test mode.
3. What is the UGC NET December 2026 application fee?
The listed fee is ₹1,150 for General/Unreserved candidates, ₹600 for General-EWS/OBC-NCL candidates and ₹325 for SC/ST/PwD/Third Gender candidates. Check the official bulletin for the applicable category rules.
4. What is the minimum qualification for UGC NET 2026?
Under the postgraduate route, the general minimum is typically 55% marks for General and General-EWS candidates and 50% for specified reserved categories. Other qualification routes and conditions may apply.
5. Is there negative marking in UGC NET?
The stated examination pattern does not include negative marking for incorrect answers. Candidates should verify the current information bulletin for the applicable instructions.
6. How many papers are there in UGC NET?
There are two papers. Paper I has 50 questions for 100 marks, and Paper II has 100 questions for 200 marks. Both are completed within a combined duration of three hours.
7. Where can I apply for UGC NET December 2026?
Candidates can access the application and official updates at https://ugcnet.nta.nic.in/.
Final Words
The UGC NET December 2026 examination offers eligible candidates an opportunity to pursue academic and research pathways in higher education. Before applying, carefully review the official notification, verify your eligibility, select the correct subject and complete the form within the prescribed deadline.
After submitting your application, save the confirmation page and monitor the NTA website for updates regarding the examination city, subject-wise schedule and admit card.
For the most reliable information, refer to the official UGC NET portal and its December 2026 information bulletin.
