Status (as of 16 October 2026): Applications for the December 2026 cycle are open from 7 October to 5 November 2026 (till 11:50 pm) on csirnet.nta.nic.in.

The CSIR NET application is completely online. Only one application per candidate is allowed; multiple applications can lead to cancellation. Keep your documents ready and set aside about 30–40 minutes.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for CSIR NET December 2026

1. Visit the official website: Go to csirnet.nta.nic.in and open the “Registration for Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2026” link.

2. Register: Enter your basic details, valid email ID and mobile number, and create a password. Note the application number generated.

3. Fill the application form: Enter personal details, category, PwD status, educational qualifications, the subject you will appear in, and the exam cities you prefer (you choose 4 cities within your state of residence).

4. Check your eligibility details: Answer the questions on qualifying degree, marks and date of birth carefully — they decide whether you can be considered for JRF, Assistant Professor and/or PhD.

5. Upload documents: Recent photograph, signature and any certificate the form asks for (such as a PwD certificate), in the format specified in the bulletin.

6. Pay the fee online through debit/credit card, net banking or UPI.

7. Download the confirmation page and keep at least two printouts. You do not need to send it to NTA.

Correction Window

NTA allows one-time corrections from 10 to 12 November 2026. Only the fields enabled by NTA can be edited. After the window closes, no changes are accepted.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Selecting the wrong subject — changes are possible only if the correction window allows it.

• Entering a wrong date of birth — it decides whether you are considered for JRF.

• Using someone else’s email or mobile number — all NTA communication goes there.

• Paying twice because the status was not updated — wait and check with your bank first.

Key Takeaways

• Apply online at csirnet.nta.nic.in between 7 October and 5 November 2026.

• You choose 4 exam cities within your state.

• Correction window: 10–12 November 2026.

• Only one application per candidate.

Pro Tip: Fill the form on a laptop rather than a phone, and keep scanned copies of your photograph and signature ready before you start.

Source: Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 Information Bulletin and public notice, NTA (07.10.2026)

Frequently Asked Questions

Status (as of 16 October 2026): The December 2026 fee below is official, from the NTA Information Bulletin.

CSIR NET December 2026 Application Fee

Processing charges and GST, as applicable, are payable by the candidate in addition to the fee.

Late Fee

Candidates applying in the late window (6 – 9 November 2026) must pay an additional ₹500 as late fee.

Other Fees in the CSIR NET Cycle

Payment Tips

• Pay only through the payment gateway on csirnet.nta.nic.in.

• If the amount is debited but the status is not updated, wait for the bank to settle before paying again; contact NTA if it does not update.

• Keep the payment confirmation and transaction ID safe.

Key Takeaways

• General: ₹1,150 · EWS / OBC-NCL: ₹600 · SC / ST / PwD / Third gender: ₹325.

• ₹500 late fee for applications between 6 and 9 November 2026.

• Bank charges and GST are extra.

Pro Tip: Reserved-category candidates should have a valid category certificate. You do not upload all certificates to NTA, but you will need them at the time of JRF joining or PhD admission.

Source: Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 Information Bulletin, NTA

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CSIR NET application fee for General candidates?

What is the fee for OBC and SC/ST candidates?

Is there a late fee for CSIR NET December 2026?