The University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) December 2026 application process is conducted online by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Candidates seeking eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), Assistant Professor appointments or PhD admission must submit the application form through the official UGC NET website.

The application window opened on October 8, 2026. The last date for regular registration and examination fee payment is October 28, 2026, at 11:50 PM. Candidates who miss the regular deadline can submit the form during the late-application period from October 29 to October 31, 2026, by paying the applicable examination fee and an additional late fee.

UGC NET 2026 Application Process: Highlights

How to Apply for UGC NET December 2026

Step 1: Visit the Official UGC NET Website

Open the official UGC NET website and access the December 2026 application link. Before starting, download and read the Information Bulletin to check your eligibility, subject selection, document requirements and application deadlines.

Step 2: Complete Online Registration

Register using your own email address and mobile number. The application process uses the Meri Pehchaan National Single Sign-On (NSSO) platform for registration and authentication.

Provide the requested personal and contact details accurately. Keep your login credentials and any system-generated application number safe for future access.

Step 3: Fill in the Application Form

Log in and complete the online application form with your personal details, category, educational qualifications, selected NET subject and preferred examination cities.

Choose the subject carefully according to the subject-selection rules in the Information Bulletin. Review the details before moving to the next step because NTA will treat submitted information as final after the correction window closes, except where specific rules allow otherwise.

Step 4: Upload the Required Photograph and Documents

Candidates must capture a live photograph during the application process and upload the scanned images and certificates required by the bulletin.

The published file requirements include:

The photograph must show approximately 80% of the face, including the ears, without a mask, against a white background. Candidates should follow the current portal instructions for file format and other image specifications.

Candidates claiming PwD/PwBD status must upload the applicable UDID or disability certificate as instructed. Ensure that all uploaded documents belong to the applicant and are clear and legible.

Step 5: Pay the UGC NET Application Fee

Pay the examination fee using an available payment method integrated into the NTA application portal, such as credit card, debit card, net banking or UPI.

The fee varies by category. An additional late fee of ₹500 applies to candidates who submit their applications during the late-registration window.

After payment, verify that the transaction status is successful. A payment deduction alone does not confirm that the application has been submitted successfully.

Step 6: Download the Confirmation Page

After successfully submitting the form and paying the prescribed fee, download and save the confirmation page. Keep a copy of the application form, application number and payment receipt for future reference.

The application process is considered complete only when the required form submission and fee transaction are successful. If the confirmation page is not generated, follow the instructions in the Information Bulletin and contact the payment gateway or relevant helpdesk as applicable.

UGC NET December 2026 Application Dates

Candidates should complete the process early and check the official website regularly for notices about deadlines or application corrections.

UGC NET 2026 Application Correction Window

NTA has scheduled the correction window from November 2 to November 4, 2026. This facility allows candidates to correct eligible fields as specified by NTA.

Not every field may be editable. Candidates should check the correction instructions carefully and submit any permitted changes before the deadline. Requests for changes after the correction period closes may not be accepted.

Important Instructions for Applicants

• Apply only through the official NTA portal.

• Use your own email address and mobile number.

• Check your eligibility and subject selection before submitting the form.

• Upload a live photograph and the required scanned documents according to the bulletin.

• Complete the examination fee payment and confirm that it is successful.

• Download and retain the confirmation page.

• Check the NTA website and registered email for further updates.

The application process is entirely online. Candidates are not required to send the confirmation page or supporting documents to NTA by post, fax, WhatsApp, email or by hand.

Official Website

Apply through the official UGC NET website and consult the December 2026 Information Bulletin for the complete application instructions.

Need Guidance for UGC NET and Higher Education?

Eduspray India can help students understand eligibility requirements, explore academic pathways and organise education-related applications.