The National Testing Agency (NTA) has opened registration for the Joint Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (CSIR-UGC NET) December 2026 examination.The application portal is now available through the official CSIR-UGC NET website, with candidates required to complete their forms and fee payment within the prescribed deadlines.

The Joint CSIR-UGC NET is conducted to determine eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), Assistant Professor appointments and admission to PhD programmes in Indian universities and colleges. The examination is particularly important for postgraduate students and researchers pursuing academic and research careers in science-related disciplines.

Application Schedule

Candidates can submit their applications for the December 2026 examination until November 5, 2026, at 11:50 pm. The regular application period also includes the deadline for successful examination-fee payment. Candidates who miss the regular deadline can use the late application window from November 6 to November 9, with a late fee of ₹500.

NTA will subsequently provide an application correction window from November 10 to November 12, 2026. Candidates are advised to carefully verify their personal, academic and other application details before submitting the form.

The examination will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. According to the information released for the December session, the examination is scheduled for December 19, 22 and 27, 2026. The three-hour test will be conducted in two shifts, from 9 am to 12 noon and 3 pm to 6 pm.

Five Science Subjects

The December 2026 examination will cover five major subject areas: Chemical Sciences; Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences; Life Sciences and Biotechnology; Mathematical Sciences; and Physical Sciences.

The question paper will be available in English and Hindi, allowing candidates to select their preferred language while appearing for the examination.

The CSIR-UGC NET qualification can play an important role in the academic progression of science graduates and postgraduates. Depending on the candidate's qualification and performance, the examination provides pathways towards research fellowships, teaching positions and doctoral studies.

NTA has advised applicants to complete their details and upload the required documents carefully rather than waiting until the final deadline. Candidates should also regularly check the official examination portal for updates concerning the examination city, admit card, answer key and result.

With the December examination approaching, applicants are expected to use the registration period to complete their formalities while beginning focused preparation for their respective subjects. The registration process marks the beginning of another national eligibility cycle for India's science research and higher-education ecosystem.