UGC NET December 2026: NTA extends application deadline to October 31; exam from Dec 14

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has extended the last date to submit the online application form for the University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) December 2026. Eligible candidates can now complete the application process and pay the examination fee by October 31, 2026, up to 11:50 pm, without a late fee. The revised deadline applies to both online application submission and examination fee payment. Interested candidates can apply through ugcnet.nta.nic.in.

NTA will conduct UGC NET December 2026 exam from December 14 to 18 and then on December 21, 2026. Candidates are advised to complete application process before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.

UGC NET December 2026 application fee

The application fee for UGC NET December 2026 varies by category.

Fee must be paid online.

UGC NET December 2026: Where and how to apply

Candidates can register for the examination through the official website, ugcnet.nta.nic.in. They can follow the steps below to complete the application process.

• Go to the official website ugcnet.nta.nic.in
• On homepage, click on the UGC NET December 2026 application link
• Complete the registration process and generate login credentials
• Log in using the application number and password and fill in the application form
• Upload required documents, photograph and signature
• Verify the details entered in form and pay examination fee
• Submit the form and download confirmation page for future references

Also read At 7 IITs, 1,495 reserved SC, ST, OBC faculty posts vacant; IIT Kharagpur alone has 710, reveals RTI data

Candidates should select four convenient examination cities from Annexure III, in order of priority. The choices will be restricted to the state of the candidate's permanent or present address. If fewer than four cities are available in the relevant state or Union Territory, candidates may choose from the available options displayed on the portal. Eligible candidates may revise their preferences during the correction window.

UGC NET December 2026 exam day instructions

• NTA has revised the bulletin, including changes to certain examination instructions and procedures. The barred-items section lists a pen among the restricted items as candidates will be provided with a pen at the examination centre. 
• Questions answered or attempted will be evaluated, irrespective of whether they are marked for review. Unanswered or unattempted questions will not be evaluated, irrespective of whether they are marked for review.
• Examination centre gates will close 30 minutes before the commencement of the examination. Candidates arriving after the gate closing time will not be allowed to appear for the examination. Forceful entry or arguments with examination functionaries may be treated as an instance of unfair means (UFM)
• Normal shoes, slippers and sandals with low heels are permitted. Long boots are not allowed. 

Candidates should refer to latest information bulletin for complete details.