UGC NET Dec 2026: Apply by Oct 28
In short
- The online application window for UGC NET December 2026 closes on 28 October 2026, with a late fee option available until 31 October 2026.
- As of 23 October 2026, approximately 2.19 lakh candidates have submitted applications for UGC NET and Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2026.
- The Computer Based Test (CBT) for UGC NET December 2026 is scheduled from 14-18 December and on 21 December 2026.
- A live photo capture is mandatory for the application, alongside scanned passport-size photograph and signature.
- The application fee ranges from ₹325 for SC/ST/PwD/Third Gender candidates to ₹1150 for General/Unreserved candidates.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) is currently accepting online applications for the University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) December 2026, with the deadline for submission set for 28 October 2026. The application process, which commenced on 8 October 2026, is entirely online and can be completed through the official portal, ugcnet.nta.nic.in.
As of 23 October 2026, a total of 1,86,301 candidates have submitted application forms for UGC NET December 2026, while 32,660 forms have been received for Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2026, bringing the combined total to approximately 2.19 lakh applications. The UGC NET is conducted for eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), Assistant Professor, and PhD admission.
Revised Schedule and Application Process
The NTA released the UGC NET December 2026 notification on 8 October 2026, followed by a corrigendum on 16 October 2026, which updated several key dates and rules. Candidates who miss the 28 October deadline have a late fee window from 29 to 31 October 2026, incurring an additional ₹500 over the category-wise exam fee. The examination will be conducted in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode.
The revised exam dates for UGC NET December 2026 are 14-18 December and 21 December 2026. The city intimation slip will be released on 23 November 2026, and admit cards will be available for download from 7 December 2026. The correction window for application particulars will open on 2 November.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| UGC NET December 2026 Application Starts | 8 October 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 28 October 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 28 October 2026 |
| Application with Late Fee | 29 to 31 October 2026 |
| Late Submission of online application Form with Late Fee Rs. 500/- | 29 October 2026 to 31 October 2026 (up to 11:50 P.M.) |
| Last Date of Successful Transaction with Late Fee through Credit/ Debit Cards/Net-Banking/UPI | 31 October 2026 (up to 11:50 P.M.) |
| Correction in the Particulars of Application Form online only | 02 November |
Mandatory Live Photo Capture and Document Requirements
A crucial requirement for the UGC NET December 2026 application is a live photo capture, which must be completed directly on the official application portal. This is besides uploading scanned documents, including a passport-size photograph and a scanned signature. The scanned photograph must be in JPG/JPEG format, between 10 KB and 200 KB, with 80% of the face visible against a white background. The scanned signature must also be in JPG/JPEG format, ranging from 10 KB to 50 KB.
For the UGC NET June 2026 session, special facilitation was introduced on 9 May 2026, for visually impaired candidates facing issues with live photo uploads. Candidates are advised to ensure all document specifications are met to avoid application rejection. The application fee varies by category, with General/Unreserved candidates paying ₹1150, EWS/OBC-NCL candidates ₹600, and SC/ST/PwD/Third Gender candidates ₹325.
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / Unreserved | ₹1150/- |
| EWS / OBC–NCL | ₹600/- |
| SC / ST / PwD / Third Gender | ₹325/- |
Examination Structure and Rules
The UGC NET December 2026 exam will consist of two papers, with a total of 150 questions for 300 marks. Paper I will have 50 questions for 100 marks, and Paper II will have 100 questions for 200 marks. The total exam duration will be 180 minutes without any break. There will be no negative marking for incorrect responses, according to the NTA.
The NTA’s revised notification also details changes in exam rules, including the medium of paper, city choice, evaluation of questions, and result format. Papers will be bilingual (English and Hindi), except for language papers. The result will be provided in marks along with a Percentile Score, with qualification and cut-offs based on aggregate marks of Paper I and Paper II. Candidates are permitted to bring water in transparent bottles and diabetic candidates are allowed sugar tablets and unpacked whole fruits.
| Particulars | Earlier Notification | Revised Notification |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Dates | 14–19 December 2026 (buffer dates: 20–21 December) | 14–18 December and 21 December 2026 |
| City Intimation Slip | To be intimated later | 23 November 2026 |
| Admit Card Download | To be intimated later | 7 December 2026 |
| Late Fee | ₹500 late fee mentioned | ₹500 is an additional late fee over and above the category-wise exam fee, applicable to all candidates |
| Fee Refund | No refund under any circumstances | No refund for a successful single payment; failed or duplicate transactions are refunded through a verified refund procedure |
| Correction Window | No change accepted at any stage | No change after the correction window closes, and only in NTA’s permitted fields |
| Medium of Paper | Option once chosen cannot be changed | Papers are bilingual (English and Hindi), except language papers |
| City Choice | Four cities from the permanent or present address state only | If fewer than four cities are available in the state, candidates can choose from the cities shown. Preferences can be revised in the correction window. |
| Evaluation of Questions | No marks for unanswered, unattempted or marked-for-review questions | Answered or attempted questions are evaluated even if marked for review. Unanswered questions are not evaluated. |
| Result Format | Result in percentile with marks or normalised marks | Result in marks along with a Percentile Score |
| Qualification and Cut-off | Based on percentile (lowest percentile as cut-off in multi-shift cases) | Based on aggregate marks of Paper I and Paper II (normalised marks for multi-shift subjects). The Percentile Score is shown on the scorecard but not used for cut-offs. |
| Answer Key Challenge Fee | ₹200 per answer key | ₹200 per question challenged |
| Pen | Pen listed as a barred item | Pen is provided at the centre; candidates need not bring one |
| Gate Closing | Late reporting not allowed | Gates close before the exam begins. Late reporting is not allowed, and forceful entry or arguing with staff may be treated as unfair means. |
| Footwear | Slippers and low-heeled sandals allowed; heavy shoes not allowed | Normal shoes, slippers and low-heeled sandals allowed; long boots not allowed |
| Diabetic Candidates | No provision | Sugar tablets and unpacked whole fruits (banana, apple, orange) allowed |
| Drinking Water | Water barred | Water in transparent bottles allowed for all candidates |
Further reading
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