UGC-NET 2026 Notification: Application Process, Fees and Eligibility
Updated: By NaukriZila Editorial
- Last Date
- 28 Oct 2026
- 12 days left
- Application Fee
- ₹ 1150/-
- General/Unreserved
- Age Limit
- — – 30 years
The National Testing Agency has released the UGC-NET 2026 notification for candidates seeking eligibility for Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellowship positions. Online applications are accepted from 8 October 2026 to 28 October 2026, with a fee of ₹1150 for General/EWS candidates and reduced fees for reserved categories, and candidates must hold a Master’s degree with at least 55% marks (or 50% for reserved categories).
This page provides all essential details about the UGC-NET 2026 examination conducted by the National Testing Agency, including important dates, application procedure, fee payment modes, eligibility requirements and selection process.
Important Dates
| Application Start | 08 Oct 2026 |
|---|---|
| Application End | 28 Oct 2026 |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 28 Oct 2026 |
| Late Application Start | 29 Oct 2026 |
| Late Application End | 31 Oct 2026 |
| Application Correction Window Start | 02 Nov 2026 |
| Application Correction Window End | 04 Nov 2026 |
| Intimation of Exam Cities | 23 Nov 2026 |
| Admit Card Download Start | 07 Dec 2026 |
| Exam Start | 14 Dec 2026 |
| Exam End | 21 Dec 2026 |
| Display of Recorded Responses and Provisional Answer Keys | To be announced later |
| Declaration of Result | To be announced later |
Application Fee
Payment: Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, UPI
Age Limit
— – 30 years(as on 01 Dec 2026)
Up to 5 years for OBC-NCL/SC/ST/PwD/PwBD/Third gender and women applicants; relaxation for research experience, armed forces, LL.M. degree etc.
Eligibility
- Master’s degree with at least 55% marks (General/EWS) or 50% marks (OBC-NCL/SC/ST/PwD/PwBD/Third gender).
- Candidates appearing for final year Master’s degree can apply provisionally.
- Ph.D. degree holders whose Master’s level examination completed by 19 September 1991 eligible for 5% relaxation in aggregate marks.
- Candidates with four-year bachelor’s degree need 75% marks (with relaxations).
- Third gender category eligible for same fee, age and eligibility relaxation as SC/ST/PwD/PwBD.
Selection Process
- 1Based on aggregate marks in Paper I and Paper II.→
- 2Qualifying criteria: 40% aggregate for General/EWS, 35% for reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD/PwBD/Third gender).→
- 3Selection for JRF and Assistant Professor as per UGC regulations.→
- 4Result includes percentile score and normalisation for multi-shift subjects.
How to Apply
- 1Visit https://ugcnet.nta.nic.in/ and click on online registration.
- 2Fill in the online application form, upload photograph, signature, and required certificates.
- 3Pay examination fee via Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, or UPI.
- 4Download confirmation page after successful payment.
- 5Make corrections during the correction window if needed.
- 6Download admit card from 07 December 2026.
- 7Appear for the exam on the scheduled date and shift as per admit card.
Important Links (Official)
Official government links only. NaukriZila never charges any fee.
Should You Apply?
Candidates with a Master’s degree in any subject who meet the minimum percentage criteria should apply, especially those aiming for lectureship or JRF. Preparation should focus on Paper I (teaching and research aptitude) and Paper II (subject-specific syllabus), practising previous years’ papers and taking mock tests to improve speed and accuracy, as selection is based on aggregate marks with qualifying cut‑offs of 40% for General/EWS and 35% for reserved categories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last date to submit the UGC-NET 2026 application?+
The last date for regular application is 28 October 2026, with payment accepted until 11:50 P.M. on the same day.
What is the age limit for UGC-NET 2026 and are there any relaxations?+
The maximum age is 30 years as on 1 December 2026, with a relaxation of up to 5 years for OBC‑NCL, SC, ST, PwD, PwBD, third‑gender and women applicants, plus additional relaxations for research experience, armed forces service and LL.M. degree.
How much is the application fee for different categories?+
General/EWS candidates pay ₹1150, Gen‑EWS/OBC‑NCL pay ₹600, and SC/ST/PwD/PwBD/third‑gender candidates pay ₹325.
What are the eligibility criteria for UGC-NET 2026?+
Candidates must hold a Master’s degree with at least 55% marks (General/EWS) or 50% marks (OBC‑NCL/SC/ST/PwD/PwBD/third‑gender); final‑year Master’s students may apply provisionally, and Ph.D. holders whose Master’s exam was completed by 19 September 1991 receive a 5% mark relaxation.
How is the selection made for UGC-NET 2026?+
Selection is based on aggregate marks in Paper I and Paper II, with qualifying cut‑offs of 40% for General/EWS and 35% for reserved categories; the result determines eligibility for Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellowship as per UGC regulations.
Questions & Answers
Information is taken from the official notification. Always verify on the official website before applying.