UGC NET 2026: Over 2.39 lakh candidates have applied for the NET exam; what opportunities open up upon qualifying?
CSIR UGC NET December 2026: Today is the final opportunity to apply for the CSIR UGC NET December 2026 examination. If you have not yet submitted your form, you may complete the process by 11:50 PM on November 9. So far, over 2.39 lakh applications have been received for this examination, with more than 2 lakh candidates having already paid the application fee. Notably, the National Testing Agency (NTA) had previously extended the application deadline from November 5 to November 9 to provide relief to candidates; however, this extended window is now coming to a close. Consequently, candidates who have registered but have not yet paid the fee must complete the entire process by tonight.
Over 2.39 lakh applications; more than 2 lakh candidates have paid the fee
There has been significant participation from candidates for the CSIR UGC NET December 2026 examination. According to the latest data from the NTA, a total of 239,582 application forms have been submitted. Of these, more than 201,464 candidates have completed both their registration and the payment of the application fee. While these figures indicate that a large number of candidates have successfully completed the application process, those who have yet to submit their forms—or whose applications remain incomplete for any reason—have until today to finalize them. Simply registering is not sufficient; the prescribed application fee must also be paid to complete the application process.
Forms can be submitted without a late fee until 11:50 PM tonight.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has set November 9, 2026, as the final date for online applications for the CSIR-UGC NET (December 2026). Candidates can submit their applications without any late fee until 11:50 PM on Monday. The original deadline was November 5, but the NTA subsequently extended it by four days to November 9. Candidates should not expect any further extensions. It is essential to complete the registration and fee payment process by the specified time tonight. As a large number of candidates may access the website simultaneously on the final day, the server could slow down. Therefore, it is advisable for candidates to submit their forms as soon as possible, rather than waiting until the last minute.
In which fields does qualifying for the CSIR-UGC NET open up opportunities?
The CSIR-UGC NET examination is significant for candidates aspiring to build a career in higher education and research. This exam determines a candidate's eligibility for a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), the position of Assistant Professor in Indian universities and colleges, and admission into PhD programs. In other words, success in this examination opens doors for qualified candidates to pursue careers in research and academia. The examination will be conducted in a computer-based (online) mode.
How to Apply for CSIR-UGC NET December 2026
Candidates who have not yet applied can fill out the online form by visiting the official NTA website, csirnet.nta.nic.in. To begin the application process, go to the website's homepage and click on the registration link for the Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2026. Select the 'New Registration' option and enter the required information. Once registration is complete, you will receive an application number and a password, which you will need to log in and proceed with the rest of the application. After logging in, provide your personal details and academic qualifications. Next, upload your passport-size photograph, signature, and any other required documents in the specified format. Pay the application fee according to your category. Once the payment is successful, submit the form. Finally, take a printout of the application form or save a PDF copy for future reference.
Application Fees by Category (General, SC, ST, etc.)
The application fee for the CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 varies by category. Candidates in the General category are required to pay the highest fee of ₹1,150. For candidates belonging to the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL), the fee is set at ₹600, while candidates from the Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Persons with Disabilities (PwD), and the Third Gender category must pay an application fee of ₹325. Candidates should ensure they select the correct category when applying and pay the corresponding fee. After making the payment, please verify that the transaction has been completed.
Avoid these mistakes when filling out the form.
Filling out the form in a rush—especially as the application deadline approaches—can prove costly. Therefore, candidates should enter their personal and academic details with great care. Before submission, thoroughly verify information such as your name, date of birth, academic qualifications, and other provided details. When uploading your photograph and signature, ensure they adhere to the size and format specified by the NTA. After paying the application fee, be sure to confirm that the payment has been successfully processed. Simply completing the registration or filling out the application form does not constitute a complete application; the payment of the fee is also mandatory.
Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from News18 Hindi. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.
