UGC NET December 2026 Application Closes Tomorrow at 11:50 PM — Apply Now
The National Testing Agency will shut the UGC NET December 2026 application window tomorrow, October 28, 2026, at 11:50 PM. Candidates who have not yet submitted their forms must act immediately. The application portal remains open on the official website, ugcnet.nta.ac.in, for the next 24 hours.
As of October 25, 2026, registration numbers reveal the scale of participation. A total of 5,50,048 candidates have registered for the exam. Among these, 3,73,419 candidates have completed their applications and paid the required fee. However, 1,36,993 candidates still need to upload their photograph and signature while also clearing their fee payment. Additionally, 31,580 candidates have uploaded their documents but have not yet paid the application fee.
Candidates with incomplete applications face a critical decision. They can complete their pending steps and pay the fee by tomorrow’s deadline. Alternatively, they can apply with a late fee of ₹500 extra between October 29 and 31, 2026. However, waiting until the last moment increases the risk of technical issues or payment failures.
UGC NET December 2026 Exam Schedule and Format
The UGC NET December 2026 examination will be conducted from December 14 to 19, 2026. The exam will be held in computer-based mode across multiple test cities. The National Testing Agency will conduct the test for 87 different subjects. City slips and admit cards will be issued on dates to be announced later by the NTA.
Important Dates for UGC NET December 2026 Application
Candidates must note all critical dates to avoid missing deadlines. The application window opened on October 8, 2026. The regular last date to apply and pay the fee is October 28, 2026, at 11:50 PM. A late fee window operates from October 29 to 31, 2026, with an additional ₹500 charge. Candidates can make corrections to their applications from November 2 to 4, 2026.
Eligibility Requirements for UGC NET December 2026
Before applying, candidates must verify their eligibility against the official criteria. A Master’s degree or equivalent from a recognised university or institution is mandatory. Candidates in the final year of their Master’s programme can apply, provided they complete the degree within two years from the NET result announcement.
Minimum marks requirements vary by category. General and General-EWS candidates must have scored at least 55% in their Master’s degree. OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD/PwBD, and third gender candidates require a minimum of 50% marks. Holders of Indian postgraduate diplomas should verify with the Association of Indian Universities whether their qualification is treated as equivalent to a Master’s degree.
Age limits depend on the position sought. Candidates applying for Assistant Professor positions face no upper age limit. Those seeking PhD admission also have no age restriction. However, candidates applying for Junior Research Fellowship must not exceed 30 years of age as on December 1, 2026. Age relaxation applies to eligible categories as per government norms.
How to Apply for UGC NET December 2026
The application process is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail. Follow these steps to complete your registration:
- Visit the official website ugcnet.nta.ac.in
- Click on the link ‘UGC NET December 2026 – Click Here to Register/Login’
- Register a new account or log in with existing credentials
- Fill in personal details exactly as they appear on your Aadhaar or passport
- Enter your academic qualifications and select your subject carefully
- Choose your preferred exam city from the available options
- Upload your recent photograph, signature, and valid ID proof
- Upload category certificate or JRF proof if applicable
- Pay the application fee through the online payment gateway
- Submit the form and download the confirmation page
- Save a printout of the confirmation page and payment receipt
Document preparation is essential before you begin the application. Keep your photograph, signature, ID proof, and category certificate ready. Ensure your photograph meets the specifications set by the NTA. Your signature should be clear and match official records. Valid ID proofs include Aadhaar, passport, or other government-issued documents.
Fill every detail with extreme care. Errors in personal information can cause problems later. Double-check your academic qualifications and subject selection before submission. Pay the application fee on time to avoid the late fee window. Once you submit the form, download and save the confirmation page immediately.
Direct Link to Apply for UGC NET December 2026
Candidates should use only the official NTA portal to apply. The direct application link is available on ugcnet.nta.ac.in. Do not use any third-party websites or links. The official NTA helpline numbers are 011-40759000 and 011-69227700 for any queries or technical issues.
Late Fee and Correction Window Details
Missing the October 28 deadline does not mean you cannot apply. The NTA offers a late fee window from October 29 to 31, 2026. Candidates applying during this period must pay an additional ₹500 along with the regular application fee. However, this option should be used only as a last resort due to the extra cost and reduced time for document uploads.
After the late fee window closes, candidates can still make corrections to their submitted applications. The correction window runs from November 2 to 4, 2026. During this period, you can modify certain details in your application form. However, you cannot change your subject or exam city after submission. Use the correction window only for minor errors like spelling mistakes or date corrections.
Key Reminders for UGC NET December 2026 Applicants
Do not wait until the last moment to apply. Technical glitches or payment failures can occur during peak hours. Submit your application well before the deadline to avoid stress. Keep all your documents and receipts safe for future reference. The confirmation page is your proof of application submission. Download and print it immediately after submission.
Verify your eligibility before applying to avoid rejection. Check the minimum marks requirement for your category. Confirm that your degree is from a recognised institution. If you hold a postgraduate diploma, contact the Association of Indian Universities for verification. Age relaxation details should be checked against your category on the official website.
The UGC NET December 2026 application process is your gateway to becoming a Junior Research Fellow or Assistant Professor. With over 5.5 lakh candidates already registered, competition is intense. Complete your application today on ugcnet.nta.ac.in and secure your spot for the December examination.
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