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What is UGC NET?
UGC NET determines eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship, Assistant Professor appointment and PhD admission in Indian universities and colleges. NTA conducts it twice a year (June and December) as a computer-based test.
Both papers are taken in one 3-hour sitting with no break. Paper 1 is common to all; Paper 2 is in the candidate's chosen subject.
- Conducting body
- NTA
- Qualification
- Master's degree with at least 55% (50% for OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD and third gender), or a four-year undergraduate degree with at least 75% (70% for reserved categories)
- Age limit
- Maximum 30 years
- Exam stages
- 1 stage: Paper 1 + Paper 2 (single sitting)
- 2026 vacancies
- Vacancies to be notified
- Negative marking
- None
UGC NET December 2026: important dates
Applications openFull 2026 details →
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online application starts | 8 Oct 2026 |
| Last date to apply | 31 Oct 2026 (tentative) |
| Correction window | 2 Nov 2026 (tentative) |
| Exam starts | 14 Dec 2026 (tentative) |
| Exam ends | 19 Dec 2026 (tentative) |
Latest UGC NET updates
No UGC NET updates have been published yet. We check the official website twice a day.
How to apply for UGC NET
- 1Register on ugcnet.nta.ac.in with your email address and mobile number
- 2Fill in the UGC NET application form and choose your exam cities
- 3Upload photograph, signature and any category/PwD certificates in the required format
- 4Pay the fee online
- 5Download and keep the confirmation page
Apply on ugcnet.nta.ac.in ↗Official portal. JobJha never collects applications or fees.
UGC NET eligibility
- Educational qualification
- Master's degree with at least 55% (50% for OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD and third gender), or a four-year undergraduate degree with at least 75% (70% for reserved categories).
- Age limit
- Maximum 30 years
- Nationality
- Indian nationals.
Application fee
| Category | Application fee |
|---|---|
| General / Unreserved | ₹1,150 |
| Gen-EWS / OBC-NCL | ₹600 |
| SC / ST / PwD / Third gender | ₹325 |
UGC NET exam pattern
| Stage | Mode | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 + Paper 2 (single sitting) | Computer-based test | 150 | 300 | 180 min |
UGC NET syllabus
Paper 1
Teaching and Research Aptitude
Teaching aptitude, Research aptitude, Comprehension, Communication, Mathematical reasoning and aptitude, Logical reasoning, Data interpretation, Information and communication technology, People, development and environment, Higher education system
Selection process
- 1UGC NET exam
- 2Subject- and category-wise cut-offs
- 3Eligibility certificate / JRF award letter
How to prepare for UGC NET
- Paper 1 is common to all subjects — scoring well here lifts every candidate's total.
Practice for UGC NET
Reading the syllabus is step one. Timed practice under the real UGC NET pattern is what moves your score. Our partner platform EduJha offers practice with instant scoring and explanations.
UGC NET: frequently asked questions
What is the age limit for UGC NET?
The age limit for UGC NET is Maximum 30 years (as on the first day of the exam month (for JRF only)). Upper age relaxation: OBC-NCL / SC / ST / PwD / third gender / women 5 years.
What is the educational qualification for UGC NET?
To apply for UGC NET: Master's degree with at least 55% (50% for OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD and third gender), or a four-year undergraduate degree with at least 75% (70% for reserved categories).
What is the selection process of UGC NET?
The UGC NET selection process is: UGC NET exam → Subject- and category-wise cut-offs → Eligibility certificate / JRF award letter.
Is there negative marking in UGC NET?
No, UGC NET does not have negative marking as per the current pattern.
How to apply for UGC NET?
Apply online on the official portal (https://ugcnet.nta.ac.in): 1) Register on ugcnet.nta.ac.in with your email address and mobile number; 2) Fill in the UGC NET application form and choose your exam cities; 3) Upload photograph, signature and any category/PwD certificates in the required format; 4) Pay the fee online; 5) Download and keep the confirmation page.