UGC NET Exam 2026: Complete Details, Tentative Dates, Eligibility, and More
The UGC NET (University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test) is a prestigious examination for determining the eligibility of Indian nationals for Assistant Professorship and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in universities and colleges across the country. Managed by the National Testing Agency (NTA), UGC NET is conducted twice a year. UGC NET Exam 2026. If you’re planning to appear for the UGC NET 2026, here’s a detailed guide to help you understand every aspect of the exam.
UGC NET Exam 2026
Tentative Dates for UGC NET 2026
While the official notification for UGC NET 2026 is yet to be released, here are the tentative dates based on previous trends:
- Release of Notification: January 2026 (Cycle 1), June 2026 (Cycle 2)
- Start of Online Applications: January 2026 (Cycle 1), June 2026 (Cycle 2)
- Last Date for Submission: February 2026 (Cycle 1), July 2026 (Cycle 2)
- Application Form Correction: February 2026 (Cycle 1), July 2026 (Cycle 2)
- Admit Card Release: March 2026 (Cycle 1), August 2026 (Cycle 2)
- Examination Date: March-April 2026 (Cycle 1), August-September 2026 (Cycle 2)
- Result Announcement: April 2026 (Cycle 1), September 2026 (Cycle 2)
Application Form
The Application Form process for UGC NET Exam 2026 will be conducted entirely online via the official NTA website. Here are the steps to apply:
1. Visit the official NTA website: https://ugcnet.nta.nic.in.
2. Register with your email ID and mobile number.
3. Fill out the application form with personal, academic, and contact details.
4. Upload the required documents, including a scanned photograph and signature.
5. Pay the application fee via online mode (Credit/Debit Card, Net Banking, or UPI).
6. Submit and download the confirmation page for future reference.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Candidates must have a Master’s degree or equivalent from a UGC-recognized university with a minimum of 55% marks (General category) or 50% marks (OBC/SC/ST/PwD/Transgender).
Final-year Master’s students can also apply, provided they complete their degree within two years of the NET results.
Age Limit
For JRF: The maximum age is 30 years as of the exam date (Relaxation of 5 years for OBC/SC/ST/PwD/Transgender).
For Assistant Professor: No upper age limit.
Application Form Correction
NTA provides a correction window to edit specific fields in the application form. Candidates can log in to the application portal using their credentials and make corrections during the stipulated period. Ensure all details are accurate, as no further corrections will be allowed after the closure of this window.
Exam Pattern
UGC NET Exam 2026 comprises two papers conducted in a single session:
Paper 1: General aptitude, teaching, and research ability (50 questions, 100 marks).
Paper 2: Subject-specific questions (100 questions, 200 marks).
Key Details:
- Total Marks: 300
- Duration: 3 hours
- Type of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Negative Marking: None
Exam Syllabus
The syllabus is divided into two parts:
Paper 1: Covers Teaching and Research Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, Comprehension, Communication, Data Interpretation, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
Paper 2: Subject-specific syllabus based on the candidate’s chosen discipline (e.g., English, Economics, Sociology).
Candidates can download the detailed syllabus from the official NTA website.
Preparation Tips
1. Understand the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the detailed syllabus of both papers.
2. Create a Study Plan: Dedicate time to each topic and focus on weaker areas.
3. Practice Mock Tests: Regularly attempt mock tests to gauge your performance.
4. Refer to Standard Books: Use reliable reference books and materials.
5. Revision: Allocate ample time for revision, particularly for important topics.
Admit Card
The admit card will be available on the official website. Candidates must download it and carry a printed copy to the exam center along with valid photo identification.
Results
NTA will release the results on the official portal. The scorecard will mention the marks obtained in each paper, percentile, and qualifying status for JRF/Assistant Professorship.
FAQs about UGC NET Exam 2026
1. What is the mode of the UGC NET Exam 2026?
The UGC NET exam is conducted in an online mode (CBT).
2. Can final-year Master’s students apply for UGC NET?
Yes, final-year Master’s students can apply, but they must complete their degree within two years of the result declaration.
3. How many attempts are allowed for JRF?
There is no specific limit on the number of attempts; candidates can apply until they reach the age limit for JRF (30 years).
4. Is there any negative marking in the UGC NET exam?
No, there is no negative marking in the UGC NET Exam 2026.
5. Can I change my exam center after submitting the application form?
Exam center changes are only possible during the correction window, subject to availability.
6. What is the validity of the UGC NET certificate?
The JRF certificate is valid for 3 years, while the Assistant Professorship certificate is valid for a lifetime.
Stay tuned to the official website for updates and announcements. Best of luck with your UGC NET Exam 2026 preparation!
