UGC NET December 2026: Oct 28 Is the Last Date to Apply, Exam from Dec 14 — All Details

The National Testing Agency has opened the registration window for the UGC NET December 2026 exam. You can apply online at ugcnet.nta.nic.in from October 8 to October 28. The computer-based test will be held across 87 subjects from December 14 to 19.

This test decides who qualifies for the Junior Research Fellowship, who becomes eligible to teach as an assistant professor, and who can get admission to PhD programmes in Indian universities. If you missed the June session or this is your first attempt, this window is your chance.

Mark these dates: the complete UGC NET schedule

NTA has released the full timeline, and the gaps between the stages are tight:

• Application window: October 8 to October 28, 2026 (up to 11:50 PM)
• With late fee of Rs. 500: October 29 to October 31, 2026
• Correction window: November 2 to November 4, 2026
• Exam dates: December 14 to December 19, 2026
• Buffer dates: December 20 and December 21, 2026

The safest move is to finish your form well before October 28. Every cycle, students lose out because the portal slows down in the last 48 hours. The late-fee window is a backup, not a plan.

Who can apply for UGC NET December 2026

You need a Master’s degree in a related subject from a recognised university. General and EWS candidates need at least 55 percent marks, while OBC, SC, ST, PwD and Third Gender candidates need 50 percent. Students appearing in the final year of their postgraduate course can also apply.

The best time to submit your form is now, not October 28. Portal traffic in the final days has broken applications before, and the late-fee option is a safety net, not a strategy.

For the Junior Research Fellowship, the upper age limit is 30 years as on December 1, 2026. There is no age limit for assistant professorship or for PhD admission. Reserved-category candidates get age relaxation as per government rules.

If you are comparing national entrance exams, our breakdown of CUET UG 2026 key details explains another major test in simple terms.

How much the application costs

General candidates pay Rs. 1,150, while Gen-EWS and OBC-NCL candidates pay Rs. 600. For SC, ST, PwD and Third Gender candidates, the fee is Rs. 325. The fee is payable only in online mode, through debit card, credit card, net banking or UPI. Applications submitted through any other mode will not be accepted.

How to fill the UGC NET December 2026 form

Applying takes about 30 minutes if your documents are ready. Follow these steps on the official portal:

• Visit ugcnet.nta.nic.in and look for the “UGC-NET Dec 2026 Application form” link on the homepage.
• Register as a new user with your name, a working email address and a mobile number that belongs to you or your parents.
• Log in with your application number and password, then fill the form carefully.
• Upload your photograph, signature and other documents in the size and format given in the information bulletin.
• Pay the application fee online and submit the form. Save the confirmation page and your application number.

Read the information bulletin on the NTA website before you start. NTA has said that candidates who ignore its instructions may be disqualified.

What the exam looks like

The test has two papers. Paper I carries 50 questions on teaching and research aptitude for 100 marks, and Paper II carries 100 questions on your chosen subject for 200 marks. You get three hours in total. There is no negative marking, so answer every question.

For students thinking about research, remember that a NET score is also used for PhD admission in many universities. Clearing the test opens more than one door. You can follow every major campus update on our education news page.

FAQ

What is the last date to apply for UGC NET December 2026? October 28, 2026, up to 11:50 PM. NTA will also accept forms with a Rs. 500 late fee from October 29 to 31.

When will the UGC NET December 2026 exam be held? The exam will run from December 14 to December 19, 2026, in computer-based test mode. December 20 and 21 are kept as buffer dates.

Can final-year postgraduate students apply for UGC NET? Yes. Students appearing in the final year of their Master’s degree can apply, along with those who already hold a Master’s degree with the required marks.

What is the age limit for UGC NET December 2026? There is no age limit for Assistant Professor or PhD admission. For the Junior Research Fellowship, the upper age limit is 30 years as on December 1, 2026, with relaxations as per rules.