UGC NET December 2026: Application Process, Important Dates, and Eligibility
Super Admin··8 min read
UGC NET December 2026: Application Process and Important Dates
There is great news for candidates dreaming of becoming an Assistant Professor or securing a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in universities and colleges across the country. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially started the online application process for the UGC NET December 2026 examination. This time, the exam will be conducted in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode for a total of 87 subjects.
If you also want to appear in this prestigious exam, complete your application well in time. The last date to apply has been scheduled for October 28, 2026. In this article, we will provide you with detailed information about all the important dates, application fees, correction window, and the complete application process related to UGC NET December 2026 so that you do not face any issues while filling out the form.
UGC NET December 2026 Important Dates
According to the official notification released by NTA, the examinations will be conducted in mid-December. Candidates are advised to complete their registration well in advance to avoid last-minute technical glitches and heavy traffic on the website. The complete details of the important dates related to the exam can be found in the table below:
| Event | Important Date / Time |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start Date | October 08, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply without Late Fee | October 28, 2026 (up to 11:50 PM) |
| Application Period with Late Fee | October 29 to October 31, 2026 |
| Last Date for Successful Fee Payment | October 28, 2026 (without late fee) / October 31, 2026 (with late fee) |
| Correction Window | November 02 to November 04, 2026 (up to 11:50 PM) |
| Exam Dates | December 14 to December 19, 2026 |
| Mode of Exam | Computer Based Test (CBT Mode) |
| Total Subjects | 87 subjects |
Key Point: If for any reason you are unable to submit your application by October 28, 2026, you will have one last chance to apply from October 29 to October 31, 2026, with an additional late fee of ₹500.
UGC NET December 2026 Application Fee Details
The application fee for the UGC NET December 2026 exam has been determined differently based on various categories. Candidates can pay their exam fee online through Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, or UPI. The fee structure prescribed for different categories is as follows:
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / Unreserved | ₹ 1,150 |
| General-EWS / OBC-NCL | ₹ 600 |
| SC / ST / PwD / Third Gender | ₹ 325 |
*Note: If you apply after the prescribed deadline (October 28), you will have to pay an additional late fee of ₹500 along with your category fee.
Information on Late Fee and Correction Window
NTA has provided some flexibility in the application process for the convenience of candidates. If there is any error or mistake in your application form, you will be given a full opportunity to correct it.
Application with Late Fee
Candidates who miss the October 28, 2026 deadline need not despair. They can complete their registration between October 29 and October 31, 2026, by paying a late fee of ₹500. The final deadline for applying with a late fee and successful payment of the fee is up to 11:50 PM on October 31, 2026.
Online Correction Window
If you make any mistake in your details (such as name, educational qualification, photo, or signature) while applying, you can correct it online from November 02 to November 04, 2026. For this, a special Correction Link will be activated on the official website of NTA. Please note that no corrections in details will be allowed under any circumstances after this period.
Official Helpline Numbers
If you face any issues while applying, making the fee payment, or understanding any other details, you can contact NTA's official helpline numbers:
- 011-40759000
- 011-69227700
How to Apply for UGC NET December 2026? (Step-by-Step Guide)
The entire application process for the UGC NET December 2026 exam is online. Candidates can successfully fill out their form by following the simple steps given below:
- Visit the Official Website: First, visit the official website of NTA at ugcnet.nta.nic.in or www.nta.ac.in.
- New Registration: Click on the "UGC-NET Dec 2026 Application Form" link available on the homepage and enter basic details such as name, email ID, and mobile number to register yourself.
- Login: After successful registration, an application number and password will be sent to your email and mobile. Log in to the portal using these credentials.
- Fill the Application Form: Carefully enter all the required personal and educational information (such as post-graduation marks, subject selection, etc.) in the form.
- Upload Documents: Upload your recent passport-size photograph (using the live photo option or a scanned photo) and signature in the prescribed format.
- Payment of Application Fee: Pay the prescribed exam fee according to your category through online modes (UPI, Debit/Credit Card, or Net Banking).
- Download Confirmation Page: After fee payment, download the confirmation page of the successfully submitted application form and keep a printout safe with you for future reference.
UGC NET Exam Pattern and Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, candidates must have a good understanding of the exam pattern and the required eligibility criteria.
Educational Qualification
- Candidates must possess a Master's Degree or equivalent qualification with at least 55% marks in the relevant subject from a recognized university or institution.
- A relaxation of 5% in minimum marks is provided to candidates belonging to Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL), Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Persons with Disabilities (PwD), and Third Gender, meaning 50% marks are mandatory for them.
- Candidates who are in the final year of their Master's degree or are awaiting results can also apply provisionally for this exam.
Age Limit
- For JRF: The maximum age limit for applying candidates must not be more than 30 years (relaxation in age limit is provided to reserved categories, female candidates, and LLM degree holders as per rules).
- For Assistant Professor: There is no upper age limit prescribed for applying to this eligibility test.
Strengthen Your Preparation with Patamde Study
UGC NET December 2026 is a highly competitive exam that requires a well-planned strategy and continuous practice. To make your exam preparation easy and effective, you can take the help of Patamde Study.
On our website Patamde Study, you will find important study guides, subject-wise notes, previous years' question papers (PYQs), and excellent preparation strategies related to the UGC NET exam. Solve mock tests regularly and pay special attention to time management so that you can achieve great success in this exam to be held between December 14 and December 19, 2026.
Best wishes! Fill out your form in time and give a new direction to your preparation from today itself.
