UGC NET December 2026: Registration process for University Grant Commission (UGC) National Entrance Test (NET) December 2026 is underway. Meanwhile, a large number of candidates have applied, while many candidates could not apply due to various reasons. Meanwhile, NTA has extended the last date to apply for UGC NET December 2026. Now candidates can apply till 31st October. Earlier 28 October 2026 was the last date.

Let’s know the whole matter in detail. Let’s find out what could be the possible reason for NTA to extend the application last date for UGC NET December 2026. Let’s know how many candidates have applied till now.

Candidates cannot apply due to DigiLocker verification

NTA started the application process for UGC NET December 2026 from October 8, under which the last date to apply was October 28. Meanwhile, many candidates have applied successfully. Many candidates could not apply due to various reasons. Many such candidates recently complained to the NTA about not being able to apply due to lack of DigiLocker verification.

Application till 31st October without late fee

NTA has extended the last date to apply for UGC NET December 2026. Now candidates can apply till 31 October 2026. The last date for fee deposit is 31st October, that means application can be made till 31st October without late fee.

Important Update UGC-NET December 2026 The last date to submit your online application and pay the exam fee is now 31 October 2026, by 11:50 PM. No late fee. UGC-NET December 2026 Application Last Date Extended Apply now till 31st October 2026, 11:50 PM without late fee and submit fee. #UGCNET #UGCNET2026 #NTA #JRF

— National Testing Agency (@NTA_Exams) October 27, 2026

5.5 lakh candidates had applied till 25th October

NTA recently shared information about UGC NET December 2026 applications, under which as of October 25, 5.5 lakh candidates applied for UGC NET December 2026. Out of them 3,73,419 candidates completed the application and paid the fee. Therefore, 1,36,993 candidates were yet to upload their photo and signature and pay the fee, while 31,580 candidates had uploaded the photo and signature, but are yet to pay the application fee.

Is the UGC NET craze dying down?

Is the UGC NET craze dying down? This question is under discussion after the applications received till October 25 for UGC NET December 2026. Actually, a total of 9,93,702 candidates registered for UGC NET December 2025. Out of them 7,35,614 candidates appeared for the exam. While, 5.5 lakh candidates had registered for UGC NET December 2026 till October 25, which is seen to reduce the craze for UGC NET.

Manoj Bhatt

Active in journalism for more than a decade. Navodaya Times, Dainik Jagran, long-term field reporting in Hindustan. Led many issues and news, which remained in discussion. So far he has worked on topics like panchayats, agriculture, primary to higher education, politics, environment, health, elections, business and is interested in writing.