UGC-NET and CSIR-NET December 2026: dates, fees and how to apply

What the tests are for

UGC-NET decides whether Indian nationals are eligible for the Junior Research Fellowship and appointment as Assistant Professor, for appointment as Assistant Professor and admission to a PhD, or for PhD admission only, in Indian universities and colleges. The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts it for the University Grants Commission.

The December 2026 session covers 87 subjects and is a computer-based test. The Joint CSIR-UGC NET is a separate test, with its own registration and website.

UGC-NET: the dates

According to NTA's public notice of 8 October 2026, the online application form is open from 8 October to 28 October 2026, up to 11:50 pm, and the exam fee must also be paid by 28 October. Late applications, with a late fee of ₹500, are accepted from 29 to 31 October.

Applicants can correct their details from 2 to 4 November. The exam is scheduled from 14 to 19 December 2026; the exam city and admit cards will be announced later. NTA says the dates are tentative.

UGC-NET: the fees

The application fee is ₹1,150 for General or Unreserved candidates, ₹600 for General-EWS and OBC-NCL candidates, and ₹325 for SC, ST, PwD and third-gender candidates. It is paid online by credit or debit card, net banking or UPI.

Joint CSIR-UGC NET: the dates

Registration for the Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 began on 7 October, and the last date to apply and pay the fee is 5 November, up to 11:50 pm, Careers360 reported. A late window with a ₹500 late fee runs from 6 to 9 November, and corrections can be made from 10 to 12 November.

The exam is scheduled for 19, 22 and 27 December 2026, as a three-hour computer-based test in two shifts, 9 am to noon and 3 pm to 6 pm, in English and Hindi.

How to apply

Apply only online: UGC-NET at ugcnet.nta.nic.in and the Joint CSIR-UGC NET at csirnet.nta.nic.in. Submit only one application. The email address and mobile number must be your own or a parent's or guardian's, because NTA sends all communication there.

NTA advises using Aadhaar verification where possible, and registration also works through Meri Pehchan, the government's single sign-on. Check every detail before final submission. For help with UGC-NET, NTA's helpline numbers and email address are listed in its public notice and on ugcnet.nta.nic.in.

If you are taking both

The two exam windows overlap on 19 December, when both UGC-NET and the Joint CSIR-UGC NET are scheduled. Candidates who apply for both should check their admit cards closely once NTA releases them.