UGC NET December 2026 Registration: Dates, Fees & Apply Online

UGC NET December 2026 Registration opened on 8 October 2026, and candidates can submit their applications by 28 October 2026. The National Testing Agency (NTA) will conduct the examination from 14 to 19 December 2026. Check the official dates, application fees, eligibility criteria and online application process before submitting your form.

UGC NET December 2026 Registration: Important Dates

The NTA has announced the registration schedule for the December session. Candidates should follow the official NTA notification dated 8 October 2026 to complete their applications on time.

Candidates should check the official UGC NET website for updates to the exam city announcement, admit card and examination schedule.

UGC NET December 2026 Application Fee

NTA charges different application fees according to the candidate’s category. Candidates must pay online through an available payment method.

Payment gateway charges and applicable GST may apply separately. Candidates who miss the regular deadline can apply during the late application window by paying an additional ₹500.

Read the official UGC NET December 2026 Information Bulletin before paying. It contains the examination fee, category requirements and application instructions.

For Personalized Guidance
Get in Touch with a Counsellor

UGC NET December 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Candidates should verify their educational qualifications and age limits before starting the UGC NET Application Form 2026.

Educational qualifications

The official Information Bulletin specifies the following minimum marks:

• General/Unreserved and General-EWS candidates: At least 55% marks in a master’s degree or an equivalent qualification.
• OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD/PwBD and Third Gender candidates: At least 50% marks in a master’s degree or an equivalent qualification.
• Final-year postgraduate students: Candidates awaiting their results or pursuing their master’s degree can apply provisionally, subject to the conditions and deadlines specified by NTA.
• Four-year undergraduate degree holders: Eligible candidates who meet the prescribed marks requirement may qualify for JRF and PhD admission through this route. This qualification alone does not establish eligibility for Assistant Professor appointments.

Candidates should select the appropriate subject based on their postgraduate qualification and the options available in the application portal.

Age limit for JRF and Assistant Professor

• Junior Research Fellowship (JRF): The upper age limit is 30 years as of 1 December 2026, subject to the applicable relaxation rules.
• Age relaxation: Eligible candidates from specified categories, including OBC-NCL, SC, ST, women and PwD/PwBD categories, may receive relaxation under NTA rules.
• Assistant Professor eligibility: NTA does not prescribe an upper age limit for candidates applying for Assistant Professor eligibility.
• PhD admission: NTA does not prescribe an upper age limit for candidates appearing for PhD admission through UGC NET.

Candidates should read the eligibility and age-relaxation sections of the official Information Bulletin to confirm their eligibility.

UGC NET December 2026 How to Apply Online

Candidates must complete UGC NET December 2026 Registration through the official NTA portal. Follow these steps to submit your application.

Step 1: Visit the official website

Open the UGC NET website and select the application link for the December 2026 examination. Read the official notification and Information Bulletin before proceeding.

Step 2: Complete registration

Follow the portal’s registration instructions and use the required authentication process through Meri Pehchaan. New applicants must create the required login credentials and enter their details accurately.

Keep your registered mobile number and email address accessible for examination updates and other communications.

Step 3: Fill in the application form

Enter the required personal, educational and examination details. Select your subject, category and examination city preferences. Review every entry before moving to the next stage.

Step 4: Upload the required photograph and documents

Follow the image specifications in the current Information Bulletin. NTA requires candidates to provide the specified photograph and signature files and upload applicable certificates where required.

Check the photograph size, signature dimensions, file format and certificate requirements on the official portal. Incorrect uploads may cause application problems.

Step 5: Pay the application fee

Choose the correct category and pay the applicable amount using an available online payment method. Check your transaction status before leaving the portal.

Step 6: Download the confirmation page

Save the confirmation page after successful submission and payment. Keep your application number, payment receipt and confirmation page accessible until the examination process ends.

Candidates should follow the official application instructions if they face payment or submission problems.

Have You Applied Before? What Returning Candidates Should Know

Candidates who appeared in an earlier UGC NET session must submit a fresh application for December 2026. An application from a previous session does not register a candidate for the new examination.

Returning applicants should access the current application portal, follow its login instructions, review their personal and academic details, select their examination preferences and pay the applicable fee.

Candidates should not submit duplicate applications for the same session. They should download the new confirmation page after completing the process.

UGC NET December 2026 Correction Window

NTA has scheduled the UGC NET December 2026 Correction Window from 2 to 4 November 2026. The window closes at 11:50 PM on 4 November.

Candidates should review their application carefully after submission. They can use the correction facility to edit only the fields NTA permits under the current notification.

Check the official UGC NET website for the correction link and applicable instructions. Do not assume that every personal detail, category or uploaded document can be changed.

Candidates should correct permitted errors within the specified period and save any revised application record.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Registration

Candidates can prevent common application problems by checking these details before final submission:

• Incorrect personal information: Match your details with the relevant official documents.
• Wrong category selection: Confirm that you meet the applicable category requirements.
• Incorrect document uploads: Follow the photograph, signature and certificate specifications.
• Incomplete payment: Confirm successful payment and download the confirmation page.
• Missed deadlines: Submit the form before the regular deadline wherever possible.
• Duplicate applications: Complete only one application for the December 2026 session.

Use the official NTA portal for application instructions instead of relying on unverified information.

Explore our guide to teaching, research and academia careers in India to understand the opportunities ahead.

How Career Plan B Helps

Preparing for UGC NET can also involve planning your academic future. 

• Personalized Career Counselling helps you explore suitable options, while 
• PsycheIntel and Career Assessment Tests offer insights into your strengths. 
• Admission and Academic Profile Guidance supports academic planning, and 
• Career Roadmapping helps you define your next steps. 

Get In Touch With Us

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the UGC NET December 2026 Last Date?
The regular application deadline is 28 October 2026 at 11:50 PM. NTA permits late applications until 31 October with an additional ₹500 fee.

Q2. What is the UGC NET December 2026 Application Fee?
The fee is ₹1,150 for General candidates, ₹600 for General-EWS and OBC-NCL candidates, and ₹325 for SC, ST, PwD/PwBD and Third Gender candidates. Payment charges and GST may apply separately.

Q3. When is the UGC NET December 2026 Exam Date?
NTA has scheduled the examination from 14 to 19 December 2026. Check the official website for your assigned date, shift and examination centre.

Q4. When is the UGC NET December 2026 Correction Window?
The correction window runs from 2 to 4 November 2026 and closes at 11:50 PM on the final day.

Q5. Can previous candidates apply through UGC NET New Registration 2026?
Yes, candidates who appeared in earlier sessions can apply again by submitting a fresh application for December 2026.

Q6. Where can I find the UGC NET December 2026 Notification?
Visit the official UGC NET website to access the December 2026 notification, Information Bulletin and application link.

Conclusion

UGC NET December 2026 Registration is an important step towards teaching, research and PhD opportunities. Check your eligibility, verify the deadlines and complete the form through the official portal. Ready to plan your next academic step? Explore our personalized guidance and start building your future.