Candidates preparing for the University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) December 2026 session should take note of the revised examination schedule and upcoming application deadlines. The National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts the national-level eligibility examination, has updated its information bulletin with changes to the examination calendar and other candidate instructions.

The online application process opened on October 8, 2026. Eligible candidates can submit their applications through the official UGC NET website, with the regular registration window closing on October 28, 2026. Aspirants are advised to complete the process well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical difficulties.

UGC NET December 2026: Revised Examination Schedule

According to the revised schedule, the UGC NET December 2026 examination will be conducted on December 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 21. The test will take place in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode across designated examination centres in India.

The revised dates are important for candidates who may have begun preparing according to the earlier schedule. Aspirants should consult the latest information bulletin rather than relying on older announcements or unofficial examination calendars. The subject-wise timetable and individual examination details should also be checked through official notifications when available.

The examination covers 87 subjects and is intended to assess candidates seeking eligibility for Assistant Professor positions, Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), and admission to PhD programmes, in accordance with the applicable UGC-NET rules.

Important Dates for UGC NET December 2026

Candidates should keep the following dates in mind while completing their applications and preparing for the examination:

• Application commencement: October 8, 2026
• Last date for regular registration: October 28, 2026
• Application with late fee: October 29–31, 2026, subject to the official notification
• Application correction window: November 2–4, 2026, as per the revised schedule
• Advance examination city intimation: From November 23, 2026
• Admit card availability: From December 7, 2026
• Revised examination dates: December 14–18 and December 21, 2026

Candidates should verify the applicable deadlines, correction rules and examination instructions in the latest NTA bulletin before taking action.

How to Apply for UGC NET December 2026

Applicants should visit the official UGC NET website and open the December 2026 application link. New candidates must complete the registration process and provide the required personal and academic information. They should select the appropriate examination subject and examination-city preferences, upload the prescribed documents and photograph, and pay the application fee through the available online payment options.

Before submitting the form, candidates should carefully review their names, date of birth, category details, educational qualifications, and contact information. Any discrepancy could create difficulties during subsequent verification or the examination process.

After successful submission, applicants should save or download the confirmation page and payment receipt for future reference. They should also monitor the registered email address, mobile number, and official website for further announcements.

Preparation Advice for Aspirants

With the examination scheduled for December, candidates have an important preparation period ahead. A structured study plan can help them balance subject-specific preparation with the general paper. Regular revision, practice tests, previous-year question papers, and time-management exercises can help identify weaker areas and improve examination readiness.

Candidates should also read the revised information bulletin carefully, particularly any updated rules concerning examination-day procedures, permitted items, accessibility arrangements, and evaluation.

Conclusion

The UGC NET December 2026 examination is an important opportunity for postgraduate candidates planning careers in teaching, research and higher education.

With the application deadline approaching on October 28 and the revised examination dates now announced, timely registration and careful planning are essential. Candidates should rely on the official NTA portal for the latest instructions and avoid depending solely on older notifications.