UGC NET 2026 (X)
New Delhi: An important update is available for candidates appearing for the University Grants Commission (UGC) National Eligibility Test (NET) in December 2026. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has revised the exam dates and some related rules. The exam will now be held from December 14th to 18th and December 21st, 2026.
The deadline for online applications has been set for October 28th. Candidates will be provided with pens at the exam center. Instructions have also been issued regarding selecting an exam city, providing additional time for candidates with disabilities, and providing essential items for candidates with diabetes.
The application process for UGC NET December 2026 began on October 8th. Candidates can apply without late fees until October 28th. After this, they will have the opportunity to fill out the form from October 29th to 31st with an additional late fee of ₹500. The last date for submitting the application fee is October 31st. Corrections to any errors in the form will be available from November 2nd to 4th. Exam city information is expected to be released on November 23rd, while admit cards may be available from December 7th.
According to the revised instructions, candidates will not be required to bring their own pens to the examination center. Pens will be provided at the center for use during the examination. Candidates will be able to select four examination cities during the application process. These cities must be within the state or union territory of their permanent or current address. If sufficient options are not available, a nearby examination center may be assigned.
Eligible candidates with disabilities may be provided with a scribe and additional time as per the rules. Certain other eligible candidates may also avail of these facilities based on a medical certificate. Additional time of 20 minutes per hour may be granted as per the prescribed rules. This time limit can be up to a maximum of 60 minutes for a three-hour exam.
Candidates with diabetes may carry sugar tablets, whole fruit, and a transparent water bottle as per the prescribed rules. Footwear guidelines have also been issued. Low-heeled shoes are permitted, but tall boots and heavy shoes are not permitted.
The application fee for UGC NET is decided category wise.
Late applications will cost an additional ₹500. The fee for filing objections to any question after the answer key is released is ₹200 per question.
General and EWS category candidates must have a minimum of 55 percent marks in a master's degree in a relevant subject. For OBC-NCL, SC, ST, differently-abled, and third-gender candidates, the minimum marks are 50 percent. Candidates in the final year of a master's degree may also apply, subject to the prescribed criteria.
Candidates pursuing a four-year undergraduate program generally require a minimum of 75% marks. Eligible reserved categories may receive a 5% relaxation as per the rules. Candidates eligible based on this qualification can apply for JRF and PhD admissions, but a four-year undergraduate degree alone will not be eligible for an Assistant Professor position.
Candidates must check all the instructions regarding eligibility, required documents and exam in the official notification before applying.
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