CSIR UGC NET December 2026 Registration Begins: Check Key Dates

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has commenced the online registration process for the CSIR UGC NET December 2026 examination. Eligible candidates who wish to appear for the Joint CSIR-UGC NET December session can complete and submit their application forms through the official website, csirnet.nta.nic.in.

CSIR UGC NET December 2026 Registration Begins

The registration process started on October 7, 2026, and candidates can submit their applications without a late fee until November 5, 2026, up to 11:50 PM. Those who miss the regular deadline can apply during the late application window from November 6 to 9, 2026, by paying an additional late fee of ₹500.

CSIR UGC NET December 2026 Important Dates

Candidates applying during the late application period will have to pay a ₹500 late fee in addition to the applicable examination fee. The last date for successful fee payment during the late window is November 9, 2026, up to 11:50 PM. The correction facility will be available from November 10 to 12, 2026, up to 11:50 PM.

CSIR UGC NET December 2026 Exam Schedule

The CSIR UGC NET December 2026 examination is scheduled to be conducted on December 19, 22 and 27, 2026. The examination will be held in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.

The test will have a duration of three hours (180 minutes) and will be conducted in two shifts:

• Shift 1: 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon
• Shift 2: 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM

The question paper will be available in English and Hindi. Candidates should carefully check their admit cards for the examination date, shift, reporting time and examination centre.

What is CSIR UGC NET?

The Joint CSIR-UGC NET examination is conducted to determine the eligibility of candidates for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Assistant Professor, as well as for admission to PhD programmes in eligible Indian universities and higher education institutions. Depending on the eligibility category, the examination can also determine eligibility for Assistant Professor and PhD admission or PhD admission only.

Candidates should ensure that they meet the prescribed educational qualification and other eligibility requirements before submitting the application form.

How to Apply for CSIR UGC NET December 2026

Candidates can follow the steps below to complete the registration process:

1. Visit the official CSIR UGC NET website at csirnet.nta.nic.in.

2. Click on the CSIR UGC NET December 2026 registration/application link.

3. Complete the registration process by entering the required personal and contact details.

4.Log in using the generated credentials.

5. Fill in the application form with academic, personal and examination-related information.

6. Upload the required documents, photograph and signature in the prescribed format.

7. Pay the applicable examination fee through the available online payment modes.

8. Review all the details carefully before submitting the form.

9. Submit the application and download the confirmation page.

10. Keep a printed or digital copy of the confirmation page for future reference.

Candidates are advised to complete the application well before the deadline instead of waiting until the final day. They should also retain their application number, payment receipt and confirmation page until the completion of the CSIR UGC NET December 2026 admission and examination process.