More than 1.5 lakh candidates walked into test centres this week for the Joint CSIR-UGC NET June 2026 Examination, the science qualifier that decides who moves ahead to research fellowships, teaching posts and doctoral study. The National Testing Agency (NTA) ran the test as a Computer-Based Test (CBT) on 17 and 18 July 2026. It closed without a hitch across all sessions.
The exam matters for anyone eyeing a science career in academia. Clearing it opens three doors: the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), appointment as an Assistant Professor, and admission to Ph.D. programmes at institutions around the country.
Here is how the numbers stacked up. A total of 1,87,739 candidates registered across five science subjects, and 1,50,057 actually turned up, an overall attendance close to 80 per cent.
Subject-wise breakup
| Date | Subject | Session (Shift · Timing) | Registered | Appeared | Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17.07.2026 | Life Sciences | Shift 1 · 09:00 AM–12:00 Noon | 83,546 | 67,650 | 81.0% |
| 17.07.2026 | Mathematical Sciences | Shift 2 · 03:00 PM–06:00 PM | 31,574 | 24,964 | 79.1% |
| 17.07.2026 | Physical Sciences | Shift 2 · 03:00 PM–06:00 PM | 27,791 | 21,810 | 78.5% |
| 18.07.2026 | Chemical Sciences | Shift 1 · 09:00 AM–12:00 Noon | 38,740 | 30,885 | 79.7% |
| 18.07.2026 | Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean & Planetary Sciences | Shift 1 · 09:00 AM–12:00 Noon | 6,088 | 4,748 | 78.0% |
| TOTAL | 1,87,739 | 1,50,057 | 79.9% |
Life Sciences pulled the biggest crowd by far, with 83,546 registrations and the highest attendance of the lot at 81 per cent. Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean & Planetary Sciences drew the smallest batch, 6,088 registered.
NTA said security, verification and candidate facilitation were all covered, and that every session ran smoothly.
What test-takers should know
A quick word on the exam itself for those new to it. CSIR-UGC NET is the National Eligibility Test in science subjects, jointly held for the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the University Grants Commission (UGC). It is the standard gateway for research fellowships and college-level teaching in the sciences.
Candidates with questions can reach the helpdesk. The helpline numbers are 011-40759000 and 011-69227700. Queries can also go by email to csirnet@nta.ac.in.
For updates, results and further notices, keep an eye on the official portal at csirnet.nta.nic.in. That is where the next set of announcements, including the answer key and results, will show up.