The National Testing Commission (NTA) has opened an online application form for the UGC NET JRF December 2025 Examination. UGC-NET is an eligibility test for Indian nationals to award Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), and appointment as Assistant Professor; appointment as Assistant Professor and admission in Ph.D. & admission to Ph.D. only in Indian Universities.
Application Process
The application process is through online mode only. Read the instructions carefully before registration. Follow the steps to apply online –
- Register as a New Candidate using your own or your guardian’s Email address and mobile Number through the official website (link provided at the end).
- Complete the registration process and then log in.
- Fill in the demographic and qualification details required in the form.
- Upload scanned images of recent photograph (10kb-200kb), either colored or black and white. 80% of the face, including ears, must be visible with a white background. No mask should be in the photograph. And upload signature (4kb – 30kb).
- Pay the fee using the online mode of transaction.
- Download and save a copy of both the application form and the payment receipt.
Note – The email address and mobile number must be accessible, as any further information will be sent to them only. There is no need to send any hardcopy documents to UGC.
Fees for the Examination
Application fee for various categories is as follows–
- General / Unreserved – Rs. 1150/-
- Gen- Economically Weaker Section (EWS) / Other Backward Classes – Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL) – Rs. 600/-
- Schedule Caste (SC) / Schedule Tribe (ST) / Person with Disability (PwD) / Person with Benchmark Disability (PwBD) / Third Gender – Rs. 325/-
Fees can be paid only in online mode through net banking/credit card/debit card / UPI. Applicable service/processing charges & GST over and above the fee need to be paid by the candidate. The fee is non-refundable.
Eligibility Criteria
- General / Unreserved / General EWS candidates must have a Master’s or equivalent Degree from a UGC recognised Institution with an aggregate of 55% marks without rounding off.
- OBC / NCL / Pwd /PwBD / Third gender must have secured at least 50 % marks without rounding off in a Master’s or equivalent degree from a UGC recognised institution.
- Candidates who are in their final year of Master’s can also apply for the examination; however, they have to complete the eligibility criteria within two years from the date of the result.
- Ph.D degree holder aspirants who have a master’s degree completed by 19th September 1991 shall be eligible with 5% relaxation.
- Aspirants who have completed 4 years or 8 semesters of graduation should have an aggregate mark of 75% with 5% relaxation for reserved categories. Note that the candidate qualifying NET on this eligibility basis will only be applicable for JRF and Ph.D. admission and not for assistant professor.
- Candidates in the last year of an undergraduate program (4-year/8-semester) can also apply for the examination. They would be provisionally admitted; however, they have to complete the eligibility criteria within 2 years from the date of the result.
Note – the aspirant who has completed or is in the process of completing their undergraduate program can apply for any subject for UGC-NET regardless of the discipline in which they are or have obtained their undergraduate degree.
Age Limitation
- For JRF, the candidate must not be more than 30 years old as on the first month in which the examination is concluded, that is, 12th December 2025. Relaxation for the reserved categories would be accounted for by UGC.
- For Assistant Professor and PhD admission, no upper age limits are there.
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Examination Pattern & Marking Scheme
The syllabus for the examination is available on the UGC website. There are two parts of the paper, and both will have Objective-type Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
- Part I – 50 questions for 100 marks, intended to assess the research and teaching aptitude of the candidate. This includes reasoning ability, Divergent thinking, reading comprehension, and general awareness.
- Part II – 100 questions for 200 marks consist of subject knowledge.
- The mode of Examination is Computer-Based Exams (CBT).
- The medium of paper shall be in Hindi or English.
- Duration of Exam is 180 Minutes (No break between paper 1 & 2).
- Each question carries 2 marks, and there is no negative marking for incorrect responses.
- No marks will be awarded for unanswered / un-attempted / marked for review questions.
Seat Reservation
- Schedule Caste (SC) – 15%
- Schedule Tribe (ST) – 7.5%
- Otherwise Backward Classes (OBC) – Non Creamy Layer (NCL) – 27%
- General Economically Weaker Sections (General- EWS) – 10%
- PwD / PwBD – 05%
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Important Dates & Other Details
- Last Date to fill the complete form – 7th November 2025 (till 11:50 PM)
- Last day to do payment – 7th November 2025 (till 11:50 PM)
- Admit card download & Date of Examination – To be Announced Later
Apply for the UGC NET using the following link: Registration for UGC-NET DEC 2025
Need more help?
Feel free to contact us at UPS Education or reach out, using the contact details provided below-
Contact no: +91-9990717772
Website: upseducation.in
FAQs
Q1. What is the purpose of the UGC NET JRF examination?
UGC NET JRF is conducted to determine the eligibility of Indian nationals for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), Assistant Professorship, and admission to Ph.D. programs in Indian universities and institutions.
Q2. Can final-year postgraduate students apply for UGC NET JRF December Exam 2025?
Yes, final-year postgraduate students can apply provisionally. However, they must meet the eligibility criteria within two years from the date of the result.
Q3. Is there any age limit for Assistant Professor eligibility through UGC NET?
No, there is no upper age limit for candidates applying for Assistant Professorship. The age limit applies only for JRF applicants.
Q4. How many papers are there in the UGC NET JRF exam?
The UGC NET exam consists of two papers:
- Paper I (50 questions, 100 marks) tests teaching and research aptitude.
- Paper II (100 questions, 200 marks) tests subject knowledge.
Q5. Is there any negative marking in UGC NET JRF Exam?
No, there is no negative marking for incorrect answers in UGC NET.
Q6. How can candidates pay the UGC NET JRF Exam’s application fee?
Candidates can pay the fee online through net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI. The fee is non-refundable.
