UGC-NET December 2026 Registration Is Live: Key Dates and Crucial Category Choices You Must Know

UGC-NET December 2026 registration is live. Candidates can apply from October 8 to October 28, with a late-fee window from October 29 to October 31. The computer-based test will run from December 14 to 19 across 87 subjects. City intimation and admit cards will follow later, as notified.

The National Testing Agency confirms three qualification outcomes this cycle: Junior Research Fellowship, Assistant Professor with PhD admission, and PhD admission only. Aspirants should select the right option in the form, because eligibility and future opportunities differ by category. Dates are marked tentative and may shift with official updates.

UGC NET December 2026 key dates and deadlines

Remember four cut-offs: apply by October 28, pay fee by October 28, use the correction window from November 2 to 4, and note the exam block on December 14 to 19. Keep checking for the city slip and admit card timelines announced later on the portal. Set calendar alerts now.

Who should choose JRF, Assistant Professor, or PhD in UGC NET 2026?

Category choice shapes your path. JRF opens funded research and also qualifies you for Assistant Professor roles. Assistant Professor plus PhD admission suits teaching-focused candidates without fellowship need. PhD-only suits those targeting doctoral entry. JRF has an age cap; Assistant Professor and PhD routes do not impose upper limits. Read criteria carefully.

UGC NET December 2026 application through Meri Pehchaan SSO: steps

Register via the Meri Pehchaan single sign-on using your mobile and email. Complete eKYC, then fill the form, upload a live photograph, recent photo, and signature as per size rules, and pay online. Use your own contact details to receive updates. Keep Aadhaar details current to ease verification.

UGC NET December 2026 fees, age limits and relaxations

Fees are Rs 1,150 for General, Rs 600 for General-EWS or OBC‑NCL, and Rs 325 for SC, ST, PwD or Third Gender. JRF upper age is 30 years as on December 1, 2026, with five-year relaxations for eligible categories and women. No upper age applies for Assistant Professor or PhD-only options.

With a tight window and a post-correction freeze, finish your form early and double-check category, documents, and subject codes. If needed, use the November 2–4 edit window. Most importantly, submit before October 28 to avoid the late fee, and track portal updates for city slips and admit cards.