UGC NET JRF/NET December 2026 Examination Details and Application
The National Testing Agency (NTA) is conducting the UGC NET JRF/NET December 2026 examination, with online applications covering candidates who meet the prescribed postgraduate qualification requirements. The examination cycle includes separate deadlines for regular applications, fee payment and late-fee applications, followed by a correction window.
For aspirants, the key eligibility distinction concerns age: JRF carries an upper age limit, while NET does not. Candidates should therefore assess their academic eligibility and intended examination route separately before reviewing the application schedule and required documents.
UGC NET December 2026: Eligibility, Application Schedule and Examination Requirements

This notification concerns an examination rather than recruitment against a stated number of posts. No vacancy total is specified, so candidates should not interpret the application process as a post-wise vacancy exercise.
The practical requirements centre on eligibility, category-based fees, application accuracy and participation in the prescribed examination stage.
Academic Eligibility and the JRF–NET Age Distinction
The educational requirement covers candidates who have passed or appeared for a Master’s degree in the concerned subject. Subject relevance forms part of the qualification rule, alongside the stated minimum marks requirement.
The age provisions differ between JRF and NET, making the intended route an important part of the eligibility assessment.
- Educational qualification: Passed or appeared for a Master’s degree in the concerned subject with at least 55% marks.
- JRF age limit: Maximum age of 30 years.
- NET age limit: No upper age limit.
- Age relaxation: Applicable as per rules.
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The supplied eligibility details do not specify an age-calculation date or category-wise relaxation periods. Candidates seeking age relaxation should consult the applicable provisions in the information bulletin rather than assume a particular relaxation period.
Application Deadlines, Late-Fee Provision and Correction Window
The schedule separates the regular application deadline from the final fee-payment and late-fee deadlines. Candidates need to distinguish these milestones because the later payment date should not be treated as the ordinary application closing date.
The correction window follows the application deadlines and provides a separate period for rectification; it should not be treated as a substitute for completing registration within the applicable deadline.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online application start | 8 October 2026 |
| Regular application closing date | 28 October 2026 |
| Fee-payment deadline | 31 October 2026 |
| Last date with late fee | 31 October 2026 |
| Application correction window | 2–4 November 2026 |
| Examination dates | 14–19 December 2026 |
The examination schedule spans several days rather than a single test date. It does not specify a subject-wise or candidate-wise allocation within that period.
Category-Wise Application Fees
The fee structure assigns different amounts to General, OBC/EWS and SC/ST/PH applicants. Candidates should identify the applicable category before making payment, since the listed amounts are category-specific rather than a uniform examination charge.
A separate late-fee amount is also listed for the late-fee application provision.
| Applicant category or fee type | Amount |
|---|---|
| General | Rs. 1,150 |
| OBC/EWS | Rs. 600 |
| SC/ST/PH | Rs. 325 |
| Late fee | Rs. 500 |
Online Application and Document Preparation
The application mode is online through the designated application portal or the official UGC NET website. Document preparation should accompany the eligibility check so that academic and identity information remains consistent throughout the application.
The required documents cover educational records, identity proof, a photograph and a signature.
- Educational mark sheets and certificates.
- Aadhar Card/PAN Card.
- Passport-size photograph.
- Signature.
Use the educational records to check the subject and qualification entries carefully before submission. Keep the identity document, photograph and signature ready for the online application process.
Prescribed Examination Stage and Preparation Scope
The listed selection stage is a computer-based test (CBT). The examination details supplied do not specify a paper-wise structure, duration, marking scheme or negative-marking rule.
Candidates should therefore distinguish the confirmed examination mode from those additional test parameters and consult the examination instructions before adopting any assumed paper pattern.
Important Links
- Online Apply
- Download Date Extended Notice
- Download Short Notice
- Download Information Bulletin
- Official website
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