The UGC NET Notification 2026 contains important information for candidates seeking eligibility for Assistant Professor positions, Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), and admission to PhD programmes through the University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test. The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the examination on behalf of the UGC.

For candidates preparing for the December 2026 session, the official notification and Information Bulletin are the primary sources for application dates, eligibility requirements, examination schedules, fees, and other instructions. Candidates should check the latest notices before submitting their application.

UGC NET Notification 2026: Important Dates

The NTA released the UGC NET December 2026 application notice on 8 October 2026. The application window opened on the same day, and the official Information Bulletin provides the examination schedule, fee details, eligibility criteria, and application instructions. Candidates should follow the latest official bulletin and any subsequent corrigenda.

The following table summarises the important dates for the December 2026 session as listed in the official Information Bulletin.

Candidates should verify any subsequent changes through the official UGC NET website.

UGC NET Application Form 2026

Candidates can submit the UGC NET December 2026 application form online through the official NTA portal. Applicants must register, enter their personal and academic details, upload the required documents, pay the examination fee, and save the confirmation page after successful submission.

Follow these steps to apply:

1. Visit the official UGC NET website.

2. Open the December 2026 registration link and complete the registration process.

3. Fill in the application form with accurate personal, educational, category, and subject details.

4. Upload the required photograph, signature, and applicable certificates.

5. Pay the examination fee through an available online payment method.

6. Download and save the confirmation page for future reference.

Candidates should use their own accessible email address and mobile number. Submit only one application and review all details carefully before final submission.

UGC NET Eligibility Criteria 2026

UGC NET eligibility depends on educational qualifications, marks obtained, category, and the qualification category sought. Candidates generally need a recognised master’s degree with the prescribed minimum percentage. Candidates who have completed a four-year undergraduate degree may also be eligible for JRF and PhD admission under separate conditions.

The key educational requirements are summarised below.

Candidates appearing in the final year of their master’s degree may apply provisionally, subject to the conditions and deadlines in the official bulletin.

For candidates seeking JRF, the upper age limit is generally 30 years as of the prescribed cutoff date, with applicable relaxations for eligible categories. There is no upper age limit for applying for Assistant Professor eligibility or admission to PhD programmes through UGC NET. Candidates should check the Information Bulletin for the exact cutoff date and relaxation rules.

UGC NET Exam Pattern 2026

The UGC NET December 2026 examination will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. It consists of two compulsory papers: Paper 1 tests teaching and research aptitude, while Paper 2 assesses knowledge of the selected subject. Both papers are completed in one sitting without a break.

The examination pattern is given below.

Each correct answer carries two marks. There is no negative marking for incorrect answers. The maximum score is 300 marks.

UGC NET Application Fee 2026

The application fee varies by category. Candidates must pay the prescribed amount online before the deadline. Applicable payment gateway charges and GST may be additional.

The official December 2026 notification lists the following examination fees.

An additional late fee of ₹500 applies during the notified late application window. Candidates should confirm their category and payment amount in the official Information Bulletin before paying.

UGC NET Syllabus 2026

The UGC NET syllabus is divided into Paper 1 and Paper 2. Paper 1 covers general teaching and research aptitude, whereas Paper 2 tests the candidate’s chosen subject. The examination includes 87 subjects for the December 2026 session, according to the official NTA notice.

Paper 1 includes the following major areas:

• Teaching aptitude.

• Research aptitude.

• Reading comprehension.

• Communication.

• Mathematical reasoning and aptitude.

• Logical reasoning.

• Data interpretation.

• Information and communication technology.

• People, development and environment.

• Higher education system.

Paper 2 topics depend on the subject selected by the candidate. Download the relevant syllabus from the official UGC NET syllabus portal and prepare according to the prescribed units.

For systematic preparation, candidates can use topic-wise practice questions, previous-year question papers, and free mock tests. Regular practice helps identify weak areas and improve time management.

How to Download the UGC NET Notification 2026 PDF

Candidates can access the official notification and Information Bulletin through the NTA website. The bulletin is the most useful document for checking detailed rules that may not appear in a short public notice.

To download the notification PDF:

1. Visit the NTA official website.

2. Open the latest public notices section.

3. Find the notice for UGC NET December 2026.

4. Open the notification or Information Bulletin PDF.

5. Download the document and check the dates, eligibility requirements, fees, and examination instructions.

Always refer to the latest version if NTA issues a corrigendum or revised notice.

UGC NET Notification 2026 FAQs

1. When was the UGC NET Notification 2026 released?

The NTA released the public notice for the UGC NET December 2026 examination on 8 October 2026. The online application process opened on the same date. Candidates should consult the official NTA website for any revised dates, corrigenda, or additional examination instructions.

2. What is the last date to apply for UGC NET December 2026?

The last date for submitting the regular application form and paying the examination fee is 28 October 2026, up to 11:50 PM. A late application window is scheduled from 29 to 31 October 2026, with an additional fee of ₹500.

3. What is the UGC NET exam date for December 2026?

According to the December 2026 Information Bulletin, the examination is scheduled for 14–18 December and 21 December 2026. Candidates should check the official schedule and admit card for their subject-specific examination date, shift, and centre.

4. What is the minimum qualification for UGC NET 2026?

General and General-EWS candidates generally require at least 55% marks in a recognised master’s degree. OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD/PwBD, and Third Gender candidates generally require 50%. Certain four-year undergraduate degree holders may qualify under separate rules for JRF and PhD admission.

5. Where can I download the UGC NET Notification 2026 PDF?

The notification and Information Bulletin are available through the official UGC NET portal and the NTA website. Candidates should download the latest version and check for corrections before relying on dates or eligibility details.