The National Testing Agency (NTA) will close the online application process for the University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) December 2026 on October 31, 2026. Eligible candidates who have not submitted their applications can complete the registration process through the official website, ugcnet.nta.nic.in, by 11:50 PM. The deadline for payment of the examination fee is also October 31, 2026, at 11:50 PM.The December 2026 examination determines eligibility for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), appointment as Assistant Professor and admission to Ph.D. programmes across 87 subjects. NTA released the notification on October 8, 2026, and subsequently issued a corrigendum along with an updated Information Bulletin on October 16, 2026.UGC NET December 2026 application deadline and important datesAccording to the revised schedule, the application window will close today. Candidates must complete both registration and fee payment within the prescribed deadline. The correction facility will be available after the application window closes.
| Event | Date |
| Notification released | October 8, 2026 |
| Updated Information Bulletin | October 16, 2026 |
| Online registration begins | October 8, 2026 |
| Last date to apply | October 31, 2026 |
| Fee payment deadline | October 31, 2026 |
| Application correction window | November 2–4, 2026 |
| Exam city intimation slip | November 23, 2026 |
| Admit card release | December 7, 2026 |
| Examination dates | December 14–18 and 21, 2026 |
UGC NET December 2026 application feeCandidates must pay the applicable examination fee according to their category. NTA has also specified an additional late fee of Rs. 500 for applications submitted between October 29 and October 31, 2026.
| Category | Application fee |
| General/UR | Rs. 1,150 |
| General-EWS/OBC-NCL | Rs. 600 |
| SC/ST/PwD/Third Gender | Rs. 325 |
| Late fee (additional) | Rs. 500 |
Payment must be completed through the online payment facility.
How to apply for UGC NET December 2026
Candidates can complete their applications by following these steps:Step 1: Visit the official website, ugcnet.nta.nic.in.Step 2: Open the UGC NET December 2026 registration link.Step 3: Complete the registration using the required personal details.Step 4: Log in with the generated application credentials.Step 5: Fill in the application form and select the examination subjects and centres.Step 6: Upload the required documents in the prescribed format.Step 7: Pay the application fee online.Step 8: Submit the form and download the confirmation page.Revised examination scheduleThe UGC NET December 2026 examination will take place from December 14 to 18 and on December 21, 2026. The city intimation slip is scheduled for November 23, while admit cards are expected on December 7.The October 16 corrigendum also revised the result reporting format. NTA will declare candidates’ results in marks alongside their Percentile Scores.