UGC NET 2026 Begins Today: Know Key Exam Centre Rules, Reporting Time, Documents To Carry

New Delhi: The National Testing Agency is going to conduct the University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) 2026 exam from June 22. This exam will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode for a total of 87 subjects across the country in two shifts. 

What are the shifts?

The first shift will be from 9 am to 12 noon and the second shift will be from 3 pm to 6 pm.The candidates have been advised to report at their respective examination centres atleast two hours before the exam commences, so as to complete the frisking and registration formalities within time. The registration desk will be closed 30 minutes prior to the examination and no entry will be permitted after the stipulated time mentioned on the admit card for reporting.  

How to download admit card?

Candidates who have not yet received their admit card for the exam are advised to visit the official website and download it. Follow the simple steps below.

• First of all go to the official website of UGC NET.
• Going to the homepageUGC NET Admit Card 2026Click on the Download link.
• Here you have to enter your registration number and password.
• The admit card will appear on your desktop.
• Click on download below and save it on your desktop.

What are the guidelines?

The students have been instructed to follow the established regulations. Candidates should not carry the below mentioned items to the examination centre, as doing so may lead to their expulsion from the examination hall.

• Mobile phones, smartwatches and Bluetooth devices
• Calculators, earphones and electronic gadgets
• Written notes, books, or printed materials
• Bags, Purses & Wallets
• Any communication device or storage media

What is the exam duration?

The UGC NET exam will last for three hours. The exam will carry a total of 300 marks, and there will be no negative marking. The exam will consist of two papers: Paper I will assess teaching and research aptitude, while Paper II will be based on the candidate's chosen subject.

What to carry during examination?

Candidates must carry the following items while entering the examination hall: 

• Admit card- printout from the official website 
• Government issues valid photo ID such as Aadhar card, passport, or voter ID 
• Passport size photo (recent and clear) - same sumbitted for the admit card 
• Other specified documents specified in the Admit Card for specific candidates (Eg. PwD/PwBD certificate for those seeking relaxation under the categories).