The wait for the next UGC-NET cycle is over. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has opened the online application window for the UGC-NET December 2026 examination, and candidates can now fill the form on the official website. The last date to apply is 28 October 2026, up to 11:50 PM.
This round covers 87 subjects and will be held as a Computer Based Test (CBT). The exam itself is scheduled over six days, from 14 December 2026 to 19 December 2026.
UGC-NET is the test that decides eligibility for three things: the award of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) along with appointment as Assistant Professor, appointment as Assistant Professor plus admission to Ph.D., and admission to Ph.D. only, in Indian universities and colleges.
UGC-NET December 2026 application form: key dates
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Submission of Online Application Form | 08 October 2026 to 28 October 2026 (up to 11:50 P.M.) |
| Last date for examination fee (Credit/Debit Card, Net Banking, UPI) | 28 October 2026 (up to 11:50 P.M.) |
| Late submission of 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 | 31 October 2026 (up to 11:50 P.M.) |
| Correction in particulars | 02 November 2026 to 04 November 2026 (up to 11:50 P.M.) |
| Date of Examination | 14 December 2026 to 19 December 2026 |
Missed the main deadline? There’s a short grace window. You can still apply between 29 October and 31 October 2026, but only after paying a late fee of Rs. 500/- on top of the normal fee. Exam city, admit card dates, and the answer key will be announced later on the website.
Application fee for UGC-NET December 2026
The fee changes by category:
- General/Unreserved: Rs. 1150/-
- General-EWS/OBC-NCL: Rs. 600/-
- SC/ST/PwD/Third Gender: Rs. 325/-
Payment can be made through Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, or UPI.
How and where to apply
Applications are accepted online only, through https://ugcnet.nta.nic.in/. A form in any other mode will be rejected. Each candidate may submit just one application.
A few things worth getting right the first time. No changes are allowed once you make the final submission, so fill your details carefully. NTA advises using Aadhaar verification while completing the form, as this smooths the registration and exam process, especially at centres, and helps with JRF processing. Give an email and mobile number that belong to you or your parents or guardians, because every update comes by email and SMS to the registered contact only. Registration has also been enabled through Meri Pehchan, the single sign-on service of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
Candidates facing trouble while applying can call 011-40759000 or 011-69227700, or write to ugcnet@nta.ac.in. NTA has noted that the dates are tentative and applicants will be informed of any change. Candidates should read the Information Bulletin on the NTA website before filling the form, as those who don’t follow the instructions can be disqualified.