Introduction
If you are planning to become an Assistant Professor, apply for a Junior Research Fellowship or start a PhD, the UGC NET is the exam that opens those doors. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has now announced the schedule for the December 2026 session, and the application window is already open.
This guide covers the full NET exam date 2026 schedule, from registration to the exam itself, along with fees, eligibility and a simple nine-step process to apply without mistakes. Dates are based on the NTA notice released in October 2026; always confirm them on the official website before acting.
- Exam dates: 14 to 19 December 2026.
- Last date to apply: 28 October 2026 (late fee window until 31 October).
- Official website: ugcnet.nta.nic.in.
What Is the NET Exam Date 2026?
For the December cycle, the UGC NET exam date 2026 is set as a window from 14 to 19 December 2026. Within this NET exam date 2026 window, your exact date, shift and city will depend on your subject and will be shared through the exam city intimation slip and admit card closer to the exam.
UGC NET is normally held twice a year, in June and December. The June 2026 cycle has already taken place, so the December session is the next opportunity for candidates this year.
- Conducting body: National Testing Agency (NTA).
- Mode: computer-based test (CBT).
- Purpose: JRF, Assistant Professor eligibility and PhD admission.
How Does the NET Exam Date 2026 Schedule Work?
Here is the full UGC NET December 2026 timeline as announced:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification and registration start | 8 October 2026 |
| Last date to apply and pay fee | 28 October 2026 (11:50 pm) |
| Late fee window | 29 to 31 October 2026 |
| Correction window | 2 to 4 November 2026 |
| Exam city slip and admit card | To be announced |
| Exam dates | 14 to 19 December 2026 |
Once the NET exam date 2026 window is fixed, the city slip usually arrives about ten days before the exam, and the admit card a few days before your exam date. Keep checking the official website and your registered email.
1. Check Your Eligibility
You need a master’s degree or equivalent with at least 55 percent marks if you are in the General, Unreserved or EWS category, or 50 percent if you are OBC (NCL), SC, ST, PwD or third gender. Final-year master’s students can also apply, but they must meet the required marks when results come out.
2. Check the Age Limit for JRF
For JRF, the maximum age is 30 years, with relaxation for certain categories as given in the notification. There is no upper age limit for Assistant Professor eligibility or PhD admission, so older candidates can still apply for those.
3. Keep Your Documents Ready
Before you start, keep a recent photograph, your signature, category certificate (if applicable), PwD certificate (if applicable), your master’s marks and a valid ID ready. Scan the photo and signature in the size and format NTA specifies.
4. Register on the Official Website
Go to ugcnet.nta.nic.in and open the December 2026 registration link. Enter your basic details, mobile number and email address. Note down the application number and password you create.
5. Fill In the Application Form
Log in and complete your personal, academic and contact details. Choose your Paper 2 subject carefully, as it decides your entire Paper 2 syllabus. Pick your preferred exam cities as well.
6. Upload Photo and Signature
Upload the scanned photo and signature in the required format. A blurry photo or wrong file size is one of the most common reasons for problems later, so check the preview carefully.
7. Pay the Application Fee
Pay online using a debit card, credit card, net banking or UPI. Make sure the payment shows as successful before you close the page.
8. Download the Confirmation Page
After payment, download and save the confirmation page. Keep a printout and a digital copy, as you may need them if there is any issue later.
9. Use the Correction Window if Needed
If you spot a mistake, use the correction window from 2 to 4 November 2026. Some fields may not be editable, so it is always better to check everything before final submission.
UGC NET December 2026 Application Fee
The application fee depends on your category:
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / Unreserved | ₹1,150 |
| General-EWS / OBC-NCL | ₹600 |
| SC / ST / PwD / Third Gender | ₹325 |
Bank or processing charges may apply on top of these amounts, depending on your payment method.
UGC NET December 2026 Exam Pattern
The exam has two papers in a single three-hour sitting. Paper 1 has 50 questions worth 100 marks and tests teaching and research aptitude. Paper 2 has 100 questions worth 200 marks on your chosen subject. There is no negative marking, so you should attempt every question. Read our detailed UGC NET syllabus guide for the full list of topics.
How to Prepare Before the NET Exam Date 2026
With about two months between the end of registration and the NET exam date 2026, a focused plan matters. Spend the first few weeks on Paper 1 units and the high-weight areas of your Paper 2 subject. Solve at least five previous year papers, and take full mock tests in the last three weeks.
Plan your revision so the final ten days are only for revision and mocks, not new topics. Our exam strategy guide has more tips on structuring the final weeks.
NET Exam Date 2026: June vs December Cycle
UGC NET runs twice a year, so there were two NET exam date 2026 windows: one for the June session, which has already been held, and the December window from 14 to 19 December. The two sessions follow the same syllabus, pattern and eligibility rules. If you missed June or did not clear it, December is your next chance this year.
Many candidates use the June session as practice and aim to clear in December, or the other way round. Either way, the experience of sitting the real exam once is valuable, because you learn how the computer-based interface works and how to pace yourself.
How to Choose Your Exam City
When you fill in the form, you choose preferred exam cities. Pick cities you can reach easily and safely early in the morning. NTA tries to allot one of your choices, but it is not guaranteed. Once the city slip is out, plan your travel and, if needed, a place to stay the night before the NET exam date 2026 shift you are given.
Tips for Exam Day
Reach the centre well before the reporting time printed on your admit card. Carry the printed admit card, a valid original photo ID and anything else the instructions list. Electronic devices, notes and watches are generally not allowed. Inside the exam, read each question carefully, mark tricky ones for review and use the last 15 minutes to go back to them. Since there is no negative marking, never leave a question blank.
What Happens After the Exam?
After the exam, NTA usually releases a provisional answer key and lets candidates challenge answers for a fee. The final result follows a few weeks later, with separate cut-offs for JRF and Assistant Professor eligibility. Qualified candidates download an e-certificate, and JRF awardees receive further instructions about the fellowship.
Common Mistakes When Applying for UGC NET
Avoid these errors that cause trouble every session:
- Waiting until the last day to apply and facing a slow website.
- Choosing the wrong Paper 2 subject.
- Uploading a photo that does not meet the size rules.
- Not checking that the fee payment was successful.
- Missing the correction window.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NET exam date 2026 for the December session?
The NET exam date 2026 for the December session is a window from 14 to 19 December 2026.
What is the last date to apply for UGC NET December 2026?
The last date is 28 October 2026, with a late fee window from 29 to 31 October 2026.
When will the UGC NET admit card be released?
NTA has not announced the date yet. The admit card is usually released a few days before the exam.
Is there an age limit for UGC NET?
Only for JRF, which has a maximum age of 30 years with category relaxations. There is no upper age limit for Assistant Professor or PhD admission.
Can final-year master’s students apply?
Yes. Final-year students and those awaiting results can apply, but must meet the required marks to be declared eligible.
Where can I check official updates?
Only on the official website, ugcnet.nta.nic.in, and the NTA website.
Conclusion
The NET exam date 2026 for the December session is 14 to 19 December, and registration closes on 28 October. Mark the NET exam date 2026 in your calendar, check your eligibility, keep your documents ready and apply early to avoid last-minute problems.
Once you have applied, turn your attention to preparation. Start with our UGC NET syllabus guide, and if you need to convert your marks for eligibility, try our CGPA to percentage calculator.