Introduction
The UGC NET December 2026 notification is out, and the application window is already running. If you are aiming for JRF or an Assistant Professor post, the next few days matter the most, because the regular deadline is close.
This guide gives you the latest and most useful updates in one place: dates, fees, eligibility and exam pattern.
NTA released the UGC NET December 2026 notification on 8 October 2026. You can apply till 28 October 2026 (11:50 PM). The exam is scheduled from 14 to 19 December 2026 in computer-based mode. Always confirm details in the official notification.
UGC NET December 2026: Overview
|
Particulars |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Conducting Body |
National Testing Agency (NTA) |
|
Purpose |
Eligibility for JRF, Assistant Professor and PhD admission |
|
Notification Released |
8 October 2026 |
|
Exam Mode |
Computer-based test (CBT) |
|
Number of Subjects |
87 |
|
Exam Window |
14 to 19 December 2026 |
|
Official Portal |
ugcnet.nta.nic.in |
Latest Updates at a Glance
- The notification was released on 8 October 2026.
- The regular application deadline is 28 October 2026 (11:50 PM).
- A late-fee window of 29 to 31 October 2026 is available with an extra fee of ₹500.
- The application correction window is 2 to 4 November 2026.
- The exam is scheduled from 14 to 19 December 2026, with 20 and 21 December kept as buffer dates.
- The exam covers 87 subjects, as per the reports on the notification.
- Candidates with a four-year bachelor's degree can also apply under set conditions.
Important Dates
|
Event |
Date |
|---|---|
|
Application Starts |
8 October 2026 |
|
Last Date to Apply and Pay Fee |
28 October 2026 (till 11:50 PM) |
|
Late Fee Window |
29 to 31 October 2026 |
|
Application Correction Window |
2 to 4 November 2026 |
|
Exam Dates |
14 to 19 December 2026 |
|
Buffer Dates |
20 and 21 December 2026 |
The admit card and exam city details will be announced before the exam. Keep checking the official website.
Application Fee
|
Category |
Fee |
|---|---|
|
General / Unreserved |
₹1,150 |
|
General-EWS / OBC-NCL |
₹600 |
|
SC / ST / PwD / Third Gender |
₹325 |
- The fee is non-refundable.
- You can pay online through card, net banking or UPI.
- If you apply in the late-fee window, an extra ₹500 is charged.
Eligibility
|
Point |
Requirement |
|---|---|
|
Master's Degree |
Minimum 55% marks (50% for OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD and Third Gender candidates) |
|
Final-Year Students |
Those who have appeared or are appearing can apply, as per the notification |
|
Four-Year Bachelor's Degree |
At least 75% aggregate marks, with relaxation for specified categories |
|
JRF Age Limit |
Maximum 30 years, with relaxation as per rules |
|
Assistant Professor Age Limit |
No upper age limit |
Also check: UGC NET December 2026
What the Updates Mean for You
|
If You Are |
What to Do |
|---|---|
|
A JRF aspirant within the age limit |
Apply before 28 October and choose the JRF category if you are eligible |
|
An Assistant Professor aspirant |
Apply before the deadline. There is no upper age limit |
|
A four-year degree candidate |
Check the bulletin carefully, because Assistant Professor appointment is not available through this route |
|
A candidate who missed the regular deadline |
Use the late-fee window from 29 to 31 October with the extra fee |
|
A candidate who made a mistake in the form |
Use the correction window from 2 to 4 November |
Exam Pattern
|
Particulars |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Mode |
Computer-based test |
|
Papers |
Two papers |
|
Total Questions |
150 |
|
Total Marks |
300 |
|
Marking |
2 marks for each correct answer |
|
Negative Marking |
None |
|
Duration |
180 minutes without a break |
|
Medium |
English and Hindi (except language papers) |
Your qualification depends on your combined performance in both papers.
How to Apply
- Visit the official UGC NET website.
- Register with your basic details and verify your mobile number and email.
- Fill in the application form with your qualification, subject and category.
- Upload your photograph and signature as instructed.
- Pay the application fee online.
- Submit the form and download the confirmation page.
What to Do Now
- Before 28 October: Complete the form and pay the fee.
- 29 to 31 October: Use the late-fee window only if you missed the deadline.
- 2 to 4 November: Check and correct your form details.
- Before the exam: Watch for the exam city slip and admit card.
- From now: Practise with mock tests in the same CBT format.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting for the last day and facing website load.
- Choosing the wrong category without checking the age limit.
- Ignoring the subject list and marks requirement.
- Missing the correction window.
- Trusting unofficial websites and paid agents.
Conclusion
The latest UGC NET December 2026 updates are simple: the notification is out, the regular deadline is 28 October, and the exam is from 14 to 19 December. Check your eligibility, choose the right category and complete your form on time.
Since details can change, always confirm dates and rules in the official notification.
College Forum Tip: Apply early, save your confirmation page and use the correction window to double-check every detail. Do not leave it for the last day.