NTA: UGC NET exam date changed; revisions also made to rules ranging from the application process to exam centers..
Important information has been released regarding the University Grants Commission – National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) for December 2026. The examination dates have been revised; the exam will now be held from December 14 to December 18, and again on December 21, 2026. The deadline for submitting applications is October 28, 2026.
These updates include new provisions, such as the provision of pens at the examination centers, guidelines for selecting examination cities, the allocation of extra time for candidates with disabilities (PwD), and permission for candidates with diabetes to carry certain essential items. Candidates are advised to familiarize themselves with these changes before applying to avoid any difficulties on the day of the examination.
When can you apply?
The application process for UGC-NET December 2026 commenced on October 8. Candidates may submit their applications online within the stipulated timeframe.
Important Activity Date
Last date for online application October 28, 2026
Application with late fee October 29 to October 31, 2026
Last date for submission of application fee October 31, 2026
Corrections to the application November 2 to November 4, 2026 (until 11:50 PM)
Information regarding the examination city November 23, 2026
Tentative date for the release of admit cards From December 7, 2026
Examination dates December 14 to December 18, and December 21, 2026
What are the important instructions regarding the examination?
The revised notification from the NTA includes several key instructions. Candidates should pay close attention to the following:
1. Pens provided at the examination center: Candidates are not required to bring their own pens; pens will be provided at the examination center for use during the test.
2. Rules for selecting examination cities: At the time of application, candidates will have the option to select four examination cities. These cities must be located within the state or union territory of the candidate's permanent or current address. If an insufficient number of cities are available, an examination center may be assigned in a nearby area.
3. Additional time and scribe facility for candidates with disabilities: Eligible candidates with disabilities may avail the facility of a scribe and additional time, in accordance with the prescribed rules. Certain candidates whose disability is less than 40 percent may also be eligible for these facilities, subject to the submission of a medical certificate. As per the established guidelines, the additional time provided will be 20 minutes per hour, amounting to a total of 60 minutes for a three-hour examination. Candidates should carefully review the official instructions regarding their eligibility and the necessary documentation.
4. Items permitted for candidates with diabetes: Candidates suffering from diabetes are permitted to carry certain essential items to the examination center, subject to the prescribed regulations. These include sugar tablets, whole fruits, and a transparent water bottle.
5. Guidelines regarding footwear: Candidates may wear footwear with low heels. However, long boots or heavy, bulky footwear are not permitted.
6. Fee for raising objections to the answer key: Following the release of the examination answer key, candidates may raise objections regarding the answers to specific questions. A fee of Rs 200 per question is applicable for this process.
7. Instructions for photographs and identification: The application process may utilize the ‘Meri Pehchan’ (My Identity) single sign-on system, which integrates services such as Jan Parichay, DigiLocker, and e-Praman. It is mandatory to adhere to the specified guidelines for photographs during the application process. The photograph must feature a light-colored background, and at least 80 percent of the face must be clearly visible.
What is the application fee?
The application fee varies based on the candidate's category.
Category Application Fee
General Category Rs 1,150
General Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and Other Backward Classes (Non-Creamy Layer) Rs 600
Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Third Gender category, and Persons with Disabilities (PwD) Rs 325
An additional late fee of Rs 500 will be charged for late applications. Furthermore, applicable payment processing charges may also apply. Generally, the fees paid will not be refunded. In the event of a double payment, the excess amount will be refunded after verification.
Who can apply for UGC NET?
Candidates applying for UGC NET must possess the prescribed educational qualifications.
Candidates from the general category and the economically weaker section (EWS) must have secured at least 55 percent marks in their postgraduate degree.
For candidates belonging to the Other Backward Classes (OBC) - non-creamy layer, Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), persons with disabilities (PwD), and the third gender category, the minimum requirement is 50 percent marks.
Candidates whose postgraduate examination results have not yet been declared are also eligible to apply, subject to meeting the prescribed conditions.
For candidates with a four-year undergraduate degree or a degree spanning eight semesters, a minimum of 75 percent marks is generally required. Candidates from the respective reserved categories are entitled to a 5 percent relaxation, in accordance with the rules.
Candidates who qualify based on a four-year undergraduate degree are eligible for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and admission to a PhD program; however, they are not eligible for the position of Assistant Professor.
Candidates who completed their postgraduate degree on or before September 19, 1991, and who also hold a PhD, may be granted a 5 percent relaxation in marks, as per the prescribed regulations. Candidates holding foreign degrees or postgraduate diplomas should refer to the rules concerning their recognition and equivalence.
Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Amar Ujala. While we modified it for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.
