There is an important update for the candidates appearing in National Eligibility Test (NET) of University Grants Commission (UGC) in December 2026. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has changed some of the exam dates and rules related to the exam. Now the exam will be conducted from 14 to 18 December and 21 December 2026. The last date for online application for this has been fixed on October 28. Pens will be provided to the candidates at the examination centre. Apart from this, instructions have also been issued regarding selection of examination city, giving extra time to disabled candidates and carrying essential items for candidates suffering from diabetes.
Application Dates and Exam Schedule
The application process for UGC NET December 2026 has started from 8th October. Candidates can apply till 28th October without late fee. After this, there will be an opportunity to fill the form from 29th to 31st October with an additional late fee of Rs 500. Last date for deposit of application fee is 31st October. If there is any mistake in the form, time will be given from 2nd to 4th November to correct it. The exam city information is likely to be released on November 23, while the admit card will be made available from December 7.
Pens will be available at the exam center, the rules for selecting the city have changed
As per the revised instructions, candidates will not need to carry their pens to the examination centre. Pens will be made available at the center for use in the examination. Candidates can choose four exam cities during application. These cities should be in the state or union territory of their permanent or current address. If sufficient options are not available, an examination center may be allocated in the surrounding area.
Facilities for candidates with disabilities and diabetes
Eligible candidates with disabilities may get facility of scribe and additional time as per rules. Some other eligible candidates can also avail these facilities on the basis of medical certificate. Under the prescribed rules, an additional time of 20 minutes per hour may be granted. This time can be maximum 60 minutes in a three hour exam.
Candidates suffering from diabetes can carry sugar tablets, whole fruits and transparent water bottles as per prescribed rules. Instructions have also been issued regarding shoes. Low-heeled shoes may be worn, but high boots and heavy shoes will not be permitted.
Objection on application fee and answer key
- The application fee of UGC NET is fixed according to the category.
- General Range: Rs. 1,150
- General-EWS and OBC-NCL: Rs. 600
- SC, ST, Divyang and Third Gender: Rs. 325
In case of late application, additional Rs 500 will have to be paid. After the answer key is declared, the fee for filing objection on any question is fixed at Rs 200 per question.
Who can apply?
General and EWS category candidates must have minimum 55% marks in Post Graduate Degree in relevant subject. The minimum marks for OBC-NCL, SC, ST, Divyang and Third Gender candidates is 50 percent. Candidates studying in the final year of post graduation can also apply as per the prescribed conditions.
Generally 75 percent marks are required for candidates pursuing four years undergraduate course. Eligible reserved categories can get 5 percent relaxation as per rules. Based on this qualification, eligible candidates can apply for JRF and PhD admissions, but based on a four-year bachelor’s degree only, they will not be eligible for the post of Assistant Professor.
Candidates should check all instructions related to eligibility, required documents and examination in the official notice before applying.
