Last updated: 6 November 2026
Quick answer: UGC NET December 2026 will be held on 14 to 18 December and 21 December 2026 in computer based mode, as per NTA’s information bulletin. The exam city slip is due on 23 November and admit cards from 7 December. With about five weeks left, focus on Paper 1 basics, your Paper 2 core units and timed mock tests.
Key highlights
- Exam dates: 14 to 18 December 2026 and 21 December 2026 (computer based test, 87 subjects)
- Exam city intimation slip: 23 November 2026; admit card: from 7 December 2026
- Pattern: Paper 1 (50 questions, 100 marks) + Paper 2 (100 questions, 200 marks) in one 180 minute sitting
- No negative marking; each correct answer carries 2 marks
- Application and correction stages are over (correction window closed on 4 November 2026)
- JRF age limit: not more than 30 years as on 1 December 2026, with relaxations for eligible categories
When is UGC NET December 2026?
NTA’s first public notice on 8 October 2026 had listed the exam window as 14 to 19 December 2026. The information bulletin now lists the dates as 14 to 18 December and 21 December 2026, so 19 December is no longer an exam day. Your exact date, shift and centre will be printed on your admit card, and the subject-wise schedule is expected to come separately.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online application window | 8 to 31 October 2026 (with late fee from 29 October) |
| Last date for fee payment (extended) | 1 November 2026 |
| Correction window | 2 to 4 November 2026 (closed) |
| Exam city intimation slip | 23 November 2026 |
| Admit card download | From 7 December 2026 |
| UGC NET December 2026 exam | 14 to 18 December and 21 December 2026 |
| Answer key and result | To be announced |
NTA describes these dates as tentative. Always confirm the latest schedule on ugcnet.nta.nic.in before you plan travel.
What is the UGC NET exam pattern?
| Paper | What it tests | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (common for all) | Teaching and research aptitude: reasoning, reading comprehension and general awareness | 50 | 100 |
| Paper 2 (your subject) | Domain knowledge of the subject you chose | 100 | 200 |
| Total | Both papers in one sitting of 180 minutes, no break | 150 | 300 |
Since there is no negative marking, never leave a question blank. If you are unsure, eliminate the options you can and make your best guess.
JRF, Assistant Professor or Ph.D.: what can you qualify for?
NTA declares results in three categories. Category 1 qualifies you for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), Assistant Professor and Ph.D. admission. Category 2 qualifies you for Assistant Professor and Ph.D. admission, without JRF. Category 3 makes you eligible for Ph.D. admission only.
- Minimum aggregate: to be considered, General and EWS candidates need at least 40% aggregate in both papers together, and reserved category candidates need at least 35%.
- Number of Assistant Professor slots: equal to 6% of the candidates who appeared in both papers, divided among categories as per reservation policy.
- JRF validity: the JRF offer is valid for three years from the date of the JRF award letter.
Cut-offs differ by subject and category, so check the official cut-off list when results are out rather than relying on predictions.
How to prepare for UGC NET in the last five weeks
Five weeks is enough to make a real difference if you stop collecting material and start revising what you have. Here is a simple plan you can adjust to your subject.
| Week | Paper 1 focus | Paper 2 focus |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 (6 to 12 Nov) | Teaching aptitude, research aptitude | List all units; mark your strong, average and weak ones |
| Week 2 (13 to 19 Nov) | Reasoning, data interpretation, mathematical reasoning | Revise strong units quickly, start average ones |
| Week 3 (20 to 26 Nov) | Comprehension, communication, ICT | Average units plus previous year questions unit by unit |
| Week 4 (27 Nov to 3 Dec) | People, development and environment; higher education system | Selective work on weak units; two full mocks this week |
| Week 5 (4 Dec onwards) | Short notes and quick facts | Full-length mocks in your shift timing, revision of mistakes |
- Use previous year papers: they show you which units come up often and how questions are framed.
- Take mocks for 180 minutes at a stretch: since both papers come together, build the stamina to stay sharp for three hours.
- Analyse every mock: note why you got each question wrong, whether it was a concept gap, a silly error or a time issue.
- Make one page of notes per unit: these become your revision kit for the last week.
- Look after yourself: sleep well and keep short breaks. A tired mind loses easy marks.
What should candidates do next?
- Keep your application number and password handy, and make sure you can log in to ugcnet.nta.nic.in.
- Download the exam city intimation slip when it is released around 23 November, and plan travel early if your city is far.
- Download the admit card from 7 December and read the instructions carefully, especially reporting time and ID requirements.
- Keep a valid original photo ID ready and match its details with your admit card.
- For help, contact the NTA helpline at 011-40759000 or write to ugcnet@nta.ac.in.
FAQs on UGC NET December 2026
What are the UGC NET December 2026 exam dates?
As per the NTA information bulletin, the exam will be held on 14 to 18 December 2026 and 21 December 2026. Your own date and shift will be on your admit card.
When will the UGC NET city intimation slip and admit card come out?
The bulletin lists 23 November 2026 for the exam city intimation slip and 7 December 2026 for the admit card. Both will be available only on ugcnet.nta.nic.in.
Is there negative marking in UGC NET?
No. Each correct answer carries 2 marks and there is no penalty for a wrong answer, so attempt every question.
What is the age limit for JRF in UGC NET December 2026?
For JRF, you should not be more than 30 years old as on 1 December 2026. Relaxation of up to 5 years applies to eligible categories, including OBC (NCL), SC, ST, PwD, third gender and women candidates. There is no upper age limit for Assistant Professor or Ph.D. admission.
Can I still correct my UGC NET application form?
No. The correction window ran from 2 to 4 November 2026 and NTA said no corrections would be accepted after 11:50 PM on 4 November.
What marks are needed to qualify UGC NET?
You need at least 40% aggregate (General and EWS) or 35% (reserved categories) across both papers to be considered. Final cut-offs vary by subject and category, so confirm them on the official website when results are announced.
Official links and sources
- UGC NET official website (NTA)
- UGC NET December 2026 Information Bulletin (with revised dates)
- NTA public notice, 8 October 2026: registration opens
- NTA public notice, 1 November 2026: fee payment extension
- NTA public notice, 2 November 2026: correction window
