The National Testing Agency (NTA) has opened applications for the UGC NET December 2026 examination. The examination determines eligibility for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), Assistant Professor positions, and PhD admissions, depending on the qualification category.
Candidates interested in pursuing Psychology research, teaching, or doctoral studies can apply online through the official NTA website. The application window is open from 8 October to 28 October 2026, with a late application window available until 31 October 2026 upon payment of an additional fee.
Here’s everything you need to know about the eligibility criteria, examination pattern, syllabus, age limits, fees, important dates, and application process for UGC NET December 2026.
Eligibility Criteria for UGC NET December 2026
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has outlined the following eligibility criteria for UGC NET December 2026:
Educational Qualification – Master’s Degree Route
- Candidates must have a Master’s degree or equivalent from a university recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
- Minimum required marks:
- 55% for General/Unreserved and General-EWS candidates
- 50% for OBC-NCL (Central List), SC, ST, PwD, PwBD, and Third Gender candidates
- The minimum percentage is calculated without rounding off.
Final-Year and Result-Awaiting Candidates
Candidates pursuing their Master’s degree who are in their final year, have appeared for their qualifying examination and are awaiting results, or whose results have been delayed, may also apply provisionally. However, they must complete their degree with the required percentage within:
- Two years from the date of the NET result for JRF and Assistant Professor eligibility.
- One year from the date of the NET result for candidates qualifying for PhD admission only.
Failure to meet these requirements will result in disqualification.
Relaxation for PhD Holders: Candidates who hold a PhD degree and completed their Master’s-level examination by 19 September 1991 are eligible for a 5-percentage-point relaxation in aggregate marks (from 55% to 50%) for appearing in UGC NET, irrespective of when their results were declared.
Four-Year Bachelor’s Degree Route
Candidates who have completed a 4-year/8-semester Bachelor’s degree may still be eligible to apply, even without a Master’s degree.
- Must have secured at least:
- 75% aggregate marks or an equivalent grade (General category)
- A relaxation of 5 percentage points is available to eligible categories
- Candidates qualifying through this route may only be eligible for:
- Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), &
- PhD admission
- But will not be eligible for:
- Assistant Professor position, based on this qualification alone.
Undergraduate students in their final semester or year may also apply provisionally, subject to fulfilling the applicable requirements within the prescribed period:
- Two years from the NET result for JRF eligibility.
- One year for PhD admission only.
Subject Selection
- Candidates are advised to appear for UGC NET in the subject of their postgraduate degree. If their postgraduate subject is not available in the NET subject list, they may select a related subject.
- Candidates applying through the four-year Bachelor’s degree route may select the subject in which they intend to pursue their PhD, irrespective of their undergraduate discipline
Other Eligibility Instructions
- Indian postgraduate diplomas: Candidates should verify whether their qualification is recognised as equivalent to a Master’s degree for UGC NET eligibility through the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).
- Foreign qualifications: Candidates should obtain equivalence of their qualification from the UGC, as advised in the Information Bulletin.
- Candidates do not need to send their documents to NTA during application. However, they must ensure that they meet all eligibility conditions, as candidature remains provisional until eligibility is verified.
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Examination Pattern, Marking Scheme & Syllabus for UGC NET December 2026
UGC NET December 2026 will be conducted as a Computer-Based Test (CBT). The examination consists of two compulsory sections, Paper I and Paper II, with no break between them.
Exam Pattern
| Sections | Number of Questions | Marks | Focus Area | What It Assesses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | 50 | 100 | Teaching & Research Aptitude | Teaching and research aptitude, including reasoning ability, reading comprehension, divergent thinking, and general awareness. |
| Paper II | 100 | 200 | Subject-Specific | Subject-specific knowledge. (Psychology candidates must prepare according to the prescribed UGC NET Psychology syllabus.) |
Duration & Key Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Examination Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Total Duration | 3 hours (180 minutes) |
| Total Questions | 150 |
| Maximum Marks | 300 |
| Question Type | Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Compulsory Questions | Yes (All questions are mandatory) |
| Break Between Papers | No break |
| Medium | English and Hindi (except for language-specific papers) |
| Choice of Medium | Must be selected while filling the application form; cannot be changed later |
| Answering Language | Candidates must answer in the selected medium only |
| In Case of Discrepancy | The English version of the question will be considered final; decision of the National Testing Agency (NTA) will be binding |
UGC NET Marking Scheme
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Answering Method | Candidates must select one option as the correct answer for each question |
| Marks per Question | 2 marks |
| Correct Response | +2 marks awarded |
| Incorrect Response | 0 marks; No negative marking |
| Unattempted / Marked for Review | 0 marks; No marks awarded |
| Multiple Correct Options | +2 marks awarded to candidates who have marked any of the correct options |
| All Options Correct | +2 marks awarded to all candidates who attempted the question |
| No Correct Option / Question Dropped | +2 marks awarded to candidates who attempted the question |
| Preparation tip | Since there is no negative marking, candidates are advised to attempt all questions by choosing the most appropriate answer |
Syllabus
The Psychology syllabus covers the subject-specific areas prescribed by UGC for Paper II. Candidates can access the syllabus through the following resources:
Age Limit & Relaxation for UGC NET December 2026
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has specified separate age criteria for different eligibility categories for UGC NET December 2026.
Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)
- Candidates must be not more than 30 years of age as on 1 December 2026.
- Up to 5 years of age relaxation is available to:
- OBC-NCL (as per the Central List)
- SC / ST
- PwD / PwBD
- Third Gender
- Women candidates
- Research Experience Relaxation:
- Based on the actual duration of eligible research experience in the relevant or related subject, subject to prescribed conditions.
- Maximum relaxation: 5 years.
- Research experience must be supported by a certificate from a recognised Indian university, an Institute of National Importance, a foreign university duly approved or recognised in its own country, or a government/Public Sector Undertaking.
- Note: Research undertaken as part of an undergraduate or postgraduate degree will not be considered.
- Armed Forces Personnel: Relaxation of up to 5 years, depending on the length of service and subject to applicable conditions.
- Important: The total age relaxation across all applicable grounds cannot exceed 5 years.
Assistant Professor and PhD Admission
- There is no upper age limit for candidates applying for Assistant Professor eligibility or PhD admission through UGC NET December 2026.
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Seat Reservation for UGC NET December 2026
The Government of India’s reservation policy applies to UGC NET. For seats in Central Universities and institutions deemed to be universities, the applicable GOI reservation percentages are as follows:
| Category | Reservation |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 15% |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 7.5% |
| Other Backward Classes – Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL) | 27% |
| Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) | 10% |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) | 5% horizontal reservation (Applicable to candidates with 40% or more disability) |
Important Notes:
- OBC-NCL reservation applies to candidates included in the Central List of OBCs. Candidates whose caste appears only on a state list should not claim OBC-NCL status unless they meet the applicable Central List requirements.
- Candidates claiming reservation must possess valid supporting certificates and produce them when required. PwBD candidates should consult the Information Bulletin for details regarding disability certification, scribes, compensatory time, and other examination accommodations.
How to Apply for UGC NET December 2026
Candidates can apply for UGC NET December 2026 online only through the Official NTA Application Submission Portal. Before applying, candidates should read the Information Bulletin carefully and confirm their eligibility.
Follow these steps to complete the application:
- Online Registration: Register using your own email address and mobile number. Registration is also supported through the Meri Pehchaan Single Sign-On (SSO) platform.
- Fill in the Application Form: Enter the required personal, contact, educational, and category details. Note down the system-generated Application Number.
- Upload Photograph and Documents: Upload a live photograph and the required scanned images & documents. The photograph must be 10–200 KB, the signature 10–50 KB, and the Disability/UDID certificate, where applicable, 50–300 KB in PDF format.
- Pay the Examination Fee: Pay online through the available payment methods and retain proof of successful payment.
- Download the Confirmation Page: Save and print the Confirmation Page generated after successful payment. The application is considered complete only after all required steps, including fee payment, have been completed successfully.
Important application instructions:
- The photograph must show 80% of the face, including the ears, without a mask, against a white background.
- Candidates must upload their own photograph, signature, and certificates. Incorrect or fraudulent submissions may lead to action under the rules on Unfair Means Practices.
- Ensure that all information entered in the application form is correct. Requests to change details after the correction window closes will not be entertained.
- Candidates do not need to send the application form, Confirmation Page, or other documents to NTA by post, email, fax, WhatsApp, or by hand.
- Keep checking the official NTA website and your registered email address for updates.
Choice of Exam City
- While filling out the application form, candidates must select four preferred examination cities in order of priority from the list provided in the Information Bulletin. The selected cities must be within the state of their permanent or present address.
- NTA will try to allot an examination center according to the candidate’s preferences. However, administrative or logistical reasons may require NTA to allot a different city. The decision regarding examination city and center allotment will be final.
- NTA will also make efforts to consider candidates’ convenience, including that of PwD/PwBD candidates, when allotting examination centers.
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Examination Fee for UGC NET December 2026
- The examination fee varies according to the candidate’s category:
| Category | Examination Fee |
|---|---|
| General/Unreserved | Rs 1,150 |
| General-EWS / OBC-NCL | Rs 600 |
| SC / ST / Third Gender / PwD / PwBD | Rs 325 |
- Candidates can pay the fee online through Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, or UPI. Applicable service or processing charges and GST are payable in addition to the examination fee.
- Candidates applying during the late application window must pay an additional late fee of Rs 500. The examination fee is non-refundable.
Important Dates & Other Details
Important Dates for UGC NET December 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Registration and Application Submission | 8 October to 28 October 2026, up to 11:50 PM |
| Last Date to Pay the Examination Fee (without late charges) | 28 October 2026, up to 11:50 PM |
| Late Application Window | 29 October to 31 October 2026, up to 11:50 PM |
| Last Date to Pay the Fee (with Late Charges) | 31 October 2026, up to 11:50 PM |
| Application Form Correction Window | 2 November to 4 November 2026, up to 11:50 PM |
| Intimation of Examination City | To be announced |
| e-Admit Card Availability | To be announced |
| UGC NET December 2026 Examination | 14 December to 19 December 2026 |
| Examination Duration | 3 hours (180 minutes), without a break |
| Examination Timing | To be announced |
| Examination Centre, Date and Shift | As mentioned on the e-Admit Card |
| Recorded Responses and Provisional Answer Keys | To be announced |
| Result Declaration | To be announced |
Note: Candidates should regularly check the official UGC NET website for updates regarding examination cities, admit cards, answer keys, and results.
e-Admit Card
- The e-Admit Card for UGC NET December 2026 will be available for download on the official NTA website. Admit cards will not be sent by post, and the release date will be announced separately.
- Candidates must appear at the examination centre on the date, shift, and time mentioned on their e-Admit Card. Entry will not be permitted after the gate-closing time.
- If candidates are unable to download their e-Admit Card or notice discrepancies in their particulars, photograph, or signature, they should contact the NTA Help Desk at 011-40759000 / 011-69227700, between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM, or email ugcnet@nta.ac.in.
- Candidates should appear for the examination with their downloaded e-Admit Card even if a discrepancy has been reported.
Important Instructions for Candidates
Candidates appearing for UGC NET December 2026 should follow these important instructions on the day of the examination:
- Reporting time: Reach the examination centre approximately two hours before the examination begins.
- Documents required: Carry a printed copy of the e-Admit Card with the completed Self-Declaration (Undertaking), one passport-size photograph matching the uploaded application photo, and an original, valid photo ID accepted by NTA. Candidates claiming PwD/PwBD benefits must carry the relevant certificate. Those whose names have changed must bring supporting legal documents.
- No re-test: NTA will not conduct a re-test for candidates who miss their scheduled examination for any reason.
- During the examination: Candidates must use their assigned computer and immediately inform the invigilator if the question paper displayed does not match their selected subject.
- Keep records: Retain copies of the application Confirmation Page, e-Admit Card, and scorecard for future reference.
- Candidates should also ensure that their Aadhaar details, including their photograph and personal information, are up to date for verification at the examination centre. For complete instructions, refer to the official Information Bulletin.
What does qualifying UGC NET mean for you?
Qualifying UGC NET can open up several academic and research opportunities, depending on the category in which a candidate qualifies.
- Junior Research Fellowship (JRF): Eligible candidates may pursue research and receive a fellowship, subject to placement at a participating university or institution and the applicable fellowship conditions.
- Assistant Professor Eligibility: Candidates qualifying under the relevant category may apply for Assistant Professor positions, subject to the recruitment rules of the concerned institution.
- PhD Admission: Candidates qualifying under the applicable PhD-admission categories may use their UGC NET scores in place of a separate university entrance test. Admission is subject to the institution’s selection process, which includes the interview or viva voce.
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Need more help?
Have questions about the UGC NET JRF Psychology exam or need guidance on where to start? Our team at UPS Education is happy to help.
Contact Number: +91-9990717772
Website: upseducation.in
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the last date to apply for UGC NET December 2026?
The last date to submit the application form and pay the regular examination fee is 28 October 2026, up to 11:50 PM. Candidates can apply during the late application window from 29 October to 31 October 2026 by paying an additional late fee of Rs 500.
2. What are the eligibility criteria for UGC NET Psychology December 2026?
Candidates applying through the Master’s degree route need at least 55% aggregate marks for General/Unreserved and General-EWS categories, or 50% for OBC-NCL (Central List), SC, ST, PwD, PwBD, and Third Gender candidates. Candidates with a four-year/ eight-semester Bachelor’s degree may also apply if they meet the prescribed marks and other eligibility requirements. Eligible final-year students may apply provisionally.
3. What is the age limit for UGC NET JRF December 2026?
Candidates must be not more than 30 years old as on 1 December 2026 to be eligible for JRF, subject to applicable age-relaxation rules. There is no upper age limit for Assistant Professor eligibility or PhD admission.
4. Is there negative marking in UGC NET December 2026?
No. UGC NET does not have negative marking. Candidates receive 2 marks for each correct answer, while incorrect and unanswered questions receive no marks.
5. Can final-year postgraduate students apply for UGC NET December 2026?
Yes. Candidates pursuing their Master’s degree, awaiting results, or in their final year may apply provisionally. They must complete their qualification with the required marks within the prescribed period to retain eligibility.
6. What is the examination fee for UGC NET December 2026?
The fee is Rs 1,150 for General/Unreserved candidates, Rs 600 for General-EWS and OBC-NCL candidates, and Rs 325 for SC, ST, Third Gender, PwD, and PwBD candidates. Candidates applying during the late window must pay an additional Rs 500 late fee.
7. When will the NTA conduct the UGC NET December 2026 Exam?
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has scheduled the examination to take place from 14 December to 19 December 2026. NTA will seperatly announce the examination city, admit-card release date, and shift timings.
8. Can candidates choose their preferred examination city?
Yes. Candidates must select four preferred examination cities in order of priority. The choices must be within the state of their permanent or present address. However, NTA may allot a different city for administrative or logistical reasons.
9. Can Students use their UGC NET score for PhD admissions?
Yes. Candidates qualifying under the applicable PhD-admission categories may use their UGC NET scores in place of a separate university entrance test. Admission is subject to the institution’s selection process, including the interview or viva voce. Qualifying UGC NET does not guarantee admission.