UGC NET Notification 2026: Steps to Download December Official Notification PDF

University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test 2025 ( UGC NET )

Shikha Goyal
Updated on Jan 16, 2026 14:14 IST

By Shikha Goyal, Assistant Manager

UGC NET Notification 2026: The National Testing Agency is expected to release the UGC NET Notification in April 2026 for the June session. It will be released in the form of PDF on the official portal at ugcnet.nta.nic.in. Along with the notification, UGC NET application form will also be announced. All the important details of the NTA UGC NET exam will be mentioned in the notification PDF including registration dates, application process, eligibility, pattern, etc.

The UGC NET exam is expected to be conducted in June 2026 for 85 subjects. Candidates can check below in detail about the UGC NET Notification 2026. 

 

Table of contents
  • UGC NET Notification 2026: Download PDF
  • UGC NET Exam Dates 2025
  • UGC NET Application Form 2026
  • UGC NET Exam Pattern 2026
  • UGC NET Syllabus 2026
  • UGC NET Prep Tips 2026
  • UGC NET Notification FAQs 2026
View More
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UGC NET Notification 2026: Download PDF

The UGC NET exam is conducted twice a year. For every session or cycle, NTA releases the official notification in the form of PDF which contains the details of the examination including application date, exam dates, application fee, exam duration and more. UGC NET Notification 2026 will be released for June session in April 2026 (tentatively). Candidates will be able to download it forJune cycle in the following manner:

  • Go to ugcnet.nta.nic.in
  • Click on UGC NET notification link
  • It will appear on screen
  • Download NTA UGC NET notification PDF
  • Save it

 

 

 

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   When will the UGC NET Notification 2026 be released?
A: 

The NTA is expected to release the UGC NET notification in April 2026. It will be announced in the form of PDF at ugcnet.nta.nic.in. The notification or information brochure consists the details about the exam including the registration form, exam duration, pattern, etc.

Q:   Where will the UGC NET 2026 notification be issued?
A: 

The NTA will release the UGC NET 2026 notification for the June session on the official portal at ugcnet.nta.nic.in. All the important dates related to the exam like application form start date and all will be mentioned in the notification. It is advised to the candidates to read the notification carefully before applying for the exam.

UGC NET Exam Dates 2025

Take a look at the table below for the complete schedule of UGC NET 2025 exam

DatesUpcoming Exam Dates
14 Jan ' 26 - 17 Jan ' 26

UGC NET 2025 Dec Answer Key Challenge Window

ONGOING
DatesPast Exam Dates
14 Jan ' 26

UGC NET 2025 Dec Answer Key

31 Dec ' 25 - 07 Jan ' 26

UGC NET 2025 Dec Exam Date

27 Dec ' 25

UGC NET 2025 Dec Admit Card Out

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UGC NET Application Form 2026

Candidates need to fill out UGC NET application form in two parts registration and application. Some of important documents that candidates need to keep ready themselves before filling up UGC NET registration and application form include:

  • ID card
  • Board/university/qualifying degree certificate Category/PwD/EWS certificate (if applicable)
  • Scanned images of photo and signature

UGC NET application fee 2025 is INR 1,150 for General category, INR 600 for General-EWS/OBC-NCL category, and INR 325 for C/ST/PwD/Transgender category. Direct link to apply for UGC NET 2025 Dec session

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the mode of application for UGC NET exam?
A: 

Candidates can submit their UGC NET application form in an online. No other method is there to fill the form. Without it, candidates will not be able to sit in the examination.

Q:   What is the age limit for applying to the UGC NET exam?
A: 

There is no upper age limit to apply for the Assistant Professor positions. But for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), the maximum age limit is 30 years as of June 1 of the exam year. There is also an ahe relaxation provided to the candidates from reserved categories including OBC, SC and ST

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UGC NET Exam Pattern 2026

The University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) is conducted for two papers – Paper 1 and Paper 2. Candidates have to sit for both papers for a single duration of three hours. UGC NET Paper 1 is common for all candidates. However, UGC NET Paper 2 differs as per the subject chosen by a candidate. The UGC NET exam will be conducted for a total of 85 subjects.

Check out the major UGC NET exam pattern highlights for reference below:

Particulars

UGC NET Paper 1 Highlights

UGC NET Paper 2 Highlights

Exam mode

Online

Online

Exam duration

180 minutes

Type of paper

Common for all candidates

Subject-specific questions

Total Questions

50

100

Type of questions

MCQs

MCQs

Total marks

100

200

Marking scheme

+2 for correct answer

0 for incorrect answer

+2 for correct answer

0 for incorrect answer

Language of paper

English and Hindi

English and Hindi

Also Read:

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Has the authority changed the UGC NET syllabus for 2026?
A: 

Authority is expected to revise UGC NET syllabus as per NEP 2020. The notification has not been released for 2026 yet. It will be updated on the official website. Syllabus of UGC NET is divided into two sections: Paper 1 and Paper 2. UGC NET Paper 1 syllabus is common for all candidates who are going to take UGC NET. However,  UGC NET Paper 2 syllabus varies for different subjects. Paper 2 carries subject-specific questions in which candidates specialise.

Q:   What is the exam pattern of UGC NET exam?
A: 

The NTA UGC NET exam consists of two papers and candidates need to complete it in a duration of three hours. Candidates can check below the exam pattern for both papers.

UGC NET Paper

Number of Questions

Total Marks

UGC NET Paper 1

50 

100

UGC NET Paper 2

100 

200

Total

150 

300

UGC NET Logo

UGC NET Syllabus 2026

The syllabus of UGC NET is released every year by the NTA along with the release of the notification. In UGC NET Paper 1, which is, the General Paper on Teaching and Research Aptitude, questions are asked from the following subjects/sections:

  • Teaching Aptitude
  • Research Aptitude
  • Comprehension
  • Communication
  • Mathematical Reasoning and Aptitude
  • Logical Reasoning
  • Data Interpretation
  • Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
  • People, Development and Environment
  • Higher Education System

Note: The UGC NET syllabus for Paper 2 differs as per the subject chosen by the candidate.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Where will the UGC NET 2026 syllabus be released?
A: 

Candidates can check the UGC NET syllabus at ugcnetonline.in. It will be released along with the notification. The Paper 1 includes topics on teaching aptitude, research, development, environment, and more. Paper 2 is subject-specific. A thorough understanding of the NTA NET syllabus is important for all the candidates aiming to clear the exam. It is important to appear for both papers to qualify for the NET exam.

Q:   What are the topics covered in the History Syllabus of the UGC NET exam?
A: 

The history syllabus of the UGC NET exam consists of several topics that is, Indian History, Pre-History, Ancient History, Medieval Indian History and Modern India including the National Movement and post independent phase. The history syllabus is divided in to ten units. The topics for the History subject are mentioned below:

  • Negotiating the Sources
  • From State to Empire
  • The Emergence of Regional Kingdoms
  • Source of Medieval Indian History
  • Administration & Economy
  • Society and Culture
  • Sources of Modern Indian History
  • Colonial Economy
  • Rise of Indian Nationalism
  • Historical Method, Research, Methodology, and Historiography
View Syllabus
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UGC NET Prep Tips 2026

Is it possible to crack the NTA UGC NET exam for June cycle in first attempt? This is the most common question that comes to the candidates' mind. So, yes it is possible to crack the exam in first attempt for the June session but for this regularity, proper strategy, dedication, foccused approach is required. Candidates can check below some of the preparation tips:
  • Start preparing for the exam on post-graduation days
  • Follow the syllabus of central universities 
  • Go through the UGC NET syllabus and exam pattern to understand the exam better
  • Prepare for the exam from books
  • Solve questions from previous years' papers 
  • Practice for accuracy and time management 
  • Take frequent breaks and calm your brain to perform on the exam day

Also Read: UGC NET Preparation

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Is a separate book required for practicing the mock tests for the UGC NET exam?
A: 

There are several books available in the market that consist of the UGC NET practice sets. Also, some standard guidebooks include model test papers for the practicing of the UGC NET exam. Online test series are also available for the candidates who are aspiring to prepare for the UGC NET exam.

Q:   Why is it important to solve the mock test for the NTA UGC NET exam?
A: 

To give mock test is important. It helps them to find out strengths and weaknesses. regular practice also improves speed, gain confidence, reduce the exam pressure, helps to understand the exam pattern, improves speed, etc.

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UGC NET Notification FAQs 2026

Candidates can check below more FAQs regarding the UGC NET Notification 2026.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Is the UGC NET 2026 June session notification released?
A: 

The NTA is expected to release the UGC NET notification in April 2026. It will be announced in the form of PDF at ugcnet.nta.nic.in. Along with it, application link will also be activated.

Q:   Is UGC NET exam conducted online?
A: 

The UGC NET December session exam will be conducted online in Computer-Based Test Mode. It will be held in two shifts. Shift 1 from 9 am to 12 pm and shift 2 from 3 pm to 6 pm. 

Q:   How to apply for the UGC NET 2026 June session?
A: 

Candidates can check below the process to apply for the NTA UGC NET application form for the June session Visit at- ugcnet.nta.nic.in, Click on the 'Application form' link, mentioned at the bottom of the home page, Click on the 'New Registration', Enter the required details and complete the registration, Fill out the complete online form, Upload scanned pictures of passport size photo (10-200 kb) and signature (10-50 kb). Both images should be in JPEG format, Pay the application fee (Gen - INR 1150; OBC/EWS - INR 600; SC/ST/PwD/ Transgender - INR 325), Save and submit the form, Download the confirmation page.

Q:   How to download the UGC NET question papers?
A: 

Candiates can check below the steps to download the UGC NET question papers: Visit at ugcnet.nta.nic.in. Click on the answer key & question paper link. Login using the required details. Download the question paper PDF

Q:   Which books are recommended for UGC NET Paper 2 Commerce and English?
A: 

Candidates can check below the important books that can be used for the preparation for UGC NET paper 2 Commerce and English.

Commerce: Some of the books are Trueman's UGC NET Commerce, CB Gupta's Business Organisation, etc.

English: Some of the books are Arihant UGC NET English Literature, History of English Literature by Edward Albert, etc.

Q:   What is the UGC NET City Intimation Slip or City Slip?
A: 

The UGC NET City Intimation Slip or City Slip is a document released by the NTA to inform candidates about the city where the exam center is located. Basically, it is not the admit card but provides advance information to help candidates make travel arrangements in advance.

Q:   Why is an analysis important for the preparation journey of the UGC NET exam?
A: 

Analysis is important for candidate in NTA NET exam. It helps in preparation, understand paper structure, difficulty level, topics asked or high weightage areas, expected cutoff. By analyzing mock tests and previous years papers students can prepare well.

Q:   Can a candidate give UGC NET without a master's degree?
A: 

No. Candidate must possess a Master's degree with  a minimum of 55% grade score average from a UGC recognised university to apply for the NTA UGC NET exam. Also, if she or he is in the final year of their Master's programme or hold a four year bachelor's degree in specific subjects. 

Q:   How to download the UGC NET admit card?
A: 

Candidates can chech below the methods to downlaod the UGC NET admit card:

  • Go to the ugcnet.nta.nic.in
  • Click on the hall ticket link for the exam
  • Enter the details asked on the login page- application number, date of birth, and security pin
  • Click on the submit button 
  • Download and save it 
Q:   How a candidate can crack the UGC NET exam in first attempt?
A: 

Candidates can crack or clear the UGC NET exam in first attempt with regularity, dedication, hard work, proper study plan, etc. He or she should also solve previous year papers and give mock test.

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UGC NET Exam

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 2 weeks ago

The authority will release the NTA UGC NET provisional answer key after the conclusion of an exam in a few days along with the question paper and response sheet. It will help the candidates to verify their responses, estimate the probable scores and evaluate their performance in the examination.

G

Gunjan Majumder

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 2 weeks ago

No. candidate can not submit the UGC NET application form offline. It was released on the official portal at ugcnet.nta.nic.in. The application form was released online on October 7. All the process of the online form including the registration, document upload, fee payment, confirmation, etc. must

...Read more

K

Kritika Sharma

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 2 weeks ago

In the UGC NET exam, two marks are awarded for every correct answerThere is no negative marking in the exam. For every correct answer, two marks are awarded. Scroll down to know the marking scheme.

UGC NET Marking Parameters

Marks Allotted 

Correct answer

+2

Incorrect answer

0

Un-attempted question

0

N

Nitesh Pruthi

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 2 weeks ago

The NTA released the UGC NETadmit card 2025 for the December session exam. It was released on the official portal at ugcnet.nta.nic.in. The admit card is a mandatory document thata needs to be carried at the examination centre by the candidate.  

J

Jasleen Jain

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 2 weeks ago

The UGC NET December session exam was over on January 7. As per the students' feedback UGC NET January 2 Paper 1 was Moderate some felt that Assertion & Reasoning part was a bit difficult. Paper 1 was lengthy.  

S

Shikha Shukla

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 2 weeks ago

The questions asked in the NTA UGC NET Paper 1 exam are generic and intend to assess the teaching or research aptitude of the candidate. Details are provided below:

UGC NET Paper 1 Sections

No. of Questions

Total Marks

Teaching Aptitude

5

10

Research Aptitude

5

10

Reading Comprehension

5

10

Communication

5

10

Reasoning (including Maths)

5

10

Logical Reasoning

5

10

Data Interpretation

5

10

Information & Communication Technology (ICT)

5

10

People & Environment

5

10

Higher Education System: Governance, Polity & Administration

5

10

Total

50

100

M

Manisha Singh

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 2 weeks ago

The NTA UGC NET exam consists of two papers and candidates need to complete it in a duration of three hours. Candidates can check below the exam pattern for both papers.

UGC NET Paper

Number of Questions

Total Marks

UGC NET Paper 1

50 

100

UGC NET Paper 2

100 

200

Total

150 

300

C

Chanchal Shekhar

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 2 weeks ago

Candidates can chech below the methods to downlaod the UGC NET admit card:

  • Go to the ugcnet.nta.nic.in
  • Click on the hall ticket link for the exam
  • Enter the details asked on the login page- application number, date of birth, and security pin
  • Click on the submit button 
  • Download and save it 

S

Satyendra Garg

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 3 weeks ago

The UGC NET Paper 2 subject specific i.e, Economics, consists of 100 questions worth 2 marks each. The exam will be of 3-hour duration, so there will be no breaks between paper 1 and paper 2. Candidates should cover all significant units of the of the Economics syllabus as mentioned below:

  • Micro Econ

...Read more

S

Shikha Goyal

Contributor-Level 10

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