UGC NET Dec 2025 Shift Timings, Exam Duration, Last Minute Prep Tips & Guidelines

Exam On - 31 Dec '25 - 7 Jan '26

Assistant Manager

Updated on Dec 29, 2025 13:29 IST

UGC NET Dec Cycle exam will start from Dec 31 to Jan 7, 2026. The candidates who are going to appear for the UGC NET exam for Dec session must go through the UGC NET exam day guidelines to know the DOs and Don't's of the exam. Read the complete article to know the details including exam day instructions, shift timings, preparation t

The UGC NET December session exam will start on December 31, 2025, in two shifts. The NTA released the detailed schedule at ugcnet.nta.nic.in. Candidates need to follow the guidelines notified by the NTA at the exam centres. Check below for the NTA UGC NET exam day instructions and rules, shift timings, last-minute preparation tips, & more.

National Testing Agency (NTA) will conduct the UGC NET Dec Cycle exam from December 31 to January 7, 2026. The exam day guidelines consists of the rules, regulations and instructions that an aspirant need to follow during the exam. The authority released the UGC NET admit card for the exam scheduled to be conducted on December 31. The NTA UGC NET exam will be held online in various exam centres across India. The exam will be conducted in two shifts every day. The first shift is from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon and the second shift is from 3:00 to 6:00 pm. The NTA makes the proper arrangements at the exam centres 2025 for the smooth conduct of the exam.

Candidates need to follow a few exam day instructions and guidelines at the centres on the day of the NTA UGC NET examination. Read further to know the NTA UGC NET exam day instructions 2025 that candidates must abide by to avoid any chances of disqualification during the paper. Apart from the guidelines mentioned below, candidates must go through the instructions that are given on the admit card carefully before going to appear for the exam.

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UGC NET Exam Day Instructions 2025

The exam day guidelines and instructions 2025 include things and documents that are required to be carried to the exam centres, dress code to be followed by candidates, safety measures and do's and don'ts for the candidates. Check the detailed guidelines below:

UGC NET 2025: Important Documents & Things to Carry

Documents and things that candidates must carry to the allotted UGC NET exam centre 2025 are mentioned below:

UGC NET admit card: Candidates can download the UGC NET admit card 2025 from the official website of the exam using their registration ID and date of birth.
One passport size photograph: Candidates need to carry one passport size photograph same as uploaded on the UGC NET application form 2025 for pasting on the attendance sheet.
Photo ID proof: Candidates must also carry a valid and original photo ID proof to the test centre. It may be noted that photocopies of the IDs even if attested or on mobile phones will not be considered. Documents that candidates can carry as the ID proof are PAN Card/ Driving License/ Voter ID/ Passport/ Aadhaar Card (with photograph)/ Aadhaar Enrolment No/ Ration Card

PwD certificate: If applicable, candidates must carry their PwD certificate issued by the competent authority

UGC NET 2025: Dress Code & Things NOT to Carry

Check out the things that are not allowed and attire that candidates must not wear inside the UGC NET test centre:

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

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.

Attire: Candidates should not wear shoes or footwear with thick soles. Also, candidates must not wear clothes with large buttons to the test centre.
Personal belongings: Candidates should not carry any personal belongings such as mobile phones, purses or electronic devices such as calculators inside the test centre. Exam authority will not be responsible for the safe keep of the personal belongings of candidates.

Also Read: UGC NET Commerce Syllabus 2025: Important Topics, Books & Tips

UGC NET 2025: Reporting Time & Exam Day Instructions

Check important exam day instructions that candidates must abide by to avoid disqualification in the paper below:

Candidates must reach the test centre as per the reporting time mentioned on the admit card;
Candidates should read the instructions on the admit card carefully and follow them during the exam.
No candidate will be allowed to enter the exam hall without the admit card and photo ID proof.
Candidates will not be allowed to enter the exam centre after 8.30 am in the first shift and after 2.30 pm in the second shift.
Candidates should report at the exam the centres two hours before the start of the exam.
Candidates must not leave the exam hall before the paper ends.
On completion of the paper, candidates must wait for the instructions from the invigilator and must not right away get up from their seat to leave the exam hall.
Candidates should sit on the seat indicating their roll numbers only. The candidature will stand cancelled if candidates change their room or seat on their own.
Candidates must ensure that the UGC NET question paper 2025 available on the computer is as per their opted subject. In case otherwise, candidates must bring the same to the notice of the invigilator.
Calculations and rough work are to be done only in the rough sheet provided at the centres.
No candidate should involve in any unfair practices during the exam.
They can only leave the exam hall after the invigilator permits and ensure all rough sheets are returned
They must not carry electronic devices (mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators), study materials, or personal belongings into the examination hall