UGC NET December 2026: city slip 23 Nov, admit card 7 Dec, exam dates

Quick answer: UGC NET December 2026 exams are on 14–18 and 21 December 2026 in computer-based mode. Applications, fee payment and corrections have closed (the correction window ran 2–4 November). Next, NTA releases the exam city intimation slip on 23 November and the admit card on 7 December 2026, both on ugcnet.nta.ac.in. The fee was ₹1,150 (general), ₹600 (EWS/OBC-NCL) and ₹325 (SC/ST/PwD/third gender).

Key takeaways

• You need a Master's degree with 55% (50% for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD/third gender); final-year students can apply.
• JRF age limit: 30 years (with relaxations). There's no age limit for Assistant Professor and PhD admission.
• The exam has two papers in one 3-hour sitting: Paper 1 (50 questions) and Paper 2 (100 questions in your subject).
• No negative marking — attempt every question.
• Results qualify you for JRF, Assistant Professor, or PhD admission only.

#Important dates

NTA sometimes extends deadlines — check ugcnet.nta.ac.in for the latest notice.

#Application fee

#Eligibility

• Master's degree (or equivalent) with at least 55% marks — 50% for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD/third gender — from a recognised university.
• Final-year Master's students and those awaiting results can apply, but must complete the degree within two years of the result.
• Students in a four-year undergraduate degree with at least 75% (or a 7.5 CGPA equivalent) may also be eligible, as per UGC rules — check the information bulletin.

Age limit

Research experience and LLM degree holders get additional relaxation as per the bulletin.

#What you can qualify for

1. JRF + Assistant Professor + PhD admission — highest scorers; JRF comes with a monthly fellowship.
2. Assistant Professor + PhD admission
3. PhD admission only

#Exam pattern

• +2 for each correct answer
• No negative marking

#City intimation slip and admit card

The application, fee and correction windows have closed. Next:

1. 23 November 2026: download your exam city intimation slip from ugcnet.nta.ac.in with your application number and date of birth. It shows your exam city and date, not the centre — use it to book travel.
2. 7 December 2026: download the admit card. It has your centre address, shift and reporting time. Carry a printout and an original photo ID; the city slip alone won't get you in.
3. If your slip or admit card has wrong details or won't download, contact NTA on its helpline 011-40759000 straight away.

#The correction window (closed, 2–4 November)

1. Log in at ugcnet.nta.ac.in with your application number and password.
2. Change allowed details — such as name spelling, parents' names, category, subject, exam city choices, photo or signature.
3. If a change raises your fee (for example, category), pay the difference.
4. Submit and download the new confirmation page.

You get only one chance, so check every field.

#Preparation tips

• Paper 1 first: it's common to all subjects and very scoring. Practise reasoning and data interpretation daily.
• Previous-year papers: solve at least 5 years of your subject's papers under time.
• Mock tests: at least 10 full 3-hour mocks before December.
• Syllabus: download your subject's syllabus from the UGC NET website and tick off units.
• Last week: revise short notes, don't start new topics.

#Common mistakes

• Missing the fee deadline — the form isn't complete until payment is done.
• Wrong subject code — fix it in the correction window.
• Uploading unclear photos — the photo must be recent and clear.
• Ignoring the age limit for JRF.

#Frequently asked questions

When is the UGC NET December 2026 exam?

On 14–18 and 21 December 2026, in computer-based mode.

What is the last date to pay the UGC NET fee?

The normal deadline was 28 October 2026. With a ₹500 late fee, you can pay until 31 October 2026.

When will the UGC NET December 2026 city slip be released?

On 23 November 2026, on ugcnet.nta.ac.in.

When will the UGC NET December 2026 admit card come?

On 7 December 2026.

When was the UGC NET correction window?

From 2 to 4 November 2026. It has closed.

Is there negative marking in UGC NET?

No. Wrong answers don't lose marks.

What is the age limit for UGC NET JRF?

30 years, with up to 5 years' relaxation for reserved categories and women. There's no age limit for Assistant Professor.

Can final-year students apply for UGC NET?

Yes, if they complete their Master's within two years of the NET result.

How many marks are needed to qualify UGC NET?

General candidates need at least 40% aggregate (35% for reserved categories) to be considered; the final cut-off is set by subject and category.

#Sources

• NTA — UGC NET official website
• Testbook — UGC NET December 2026 application form and fees
• Shiksha — UGC NET December 2026 application form live
• Adda247 — UGC NET 2026 notification
• Physics Wallah — UGC NET December 2026 application fee and late fee