NTA CSIR UGC NET December 2026 Online Form – Apply Online, Eligibility, Exam Date

CSIR UGC NET December 2026
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has invited online applications for the Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 Examination. This national-level examination determines candidates’ eligibility for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), Lectureship/Assistant Professor positions in specified science subjects, and admission to PhD programmes.
The online application process started on 7 October 2026, and the regular application deadline is 5 November 2026. Candidates who miss the regular deadline can apply from 6 November to 9 November 2026 by paying an additional late fee of ₹500, as specified in the official Information Bulletin.
The examination is scheduled for 19, 22 and 27 December 2026. Candidates should review the subject-wise eligibility criteria, category-wise fee, JRF age limit and examination pattern before applying.
UGC NET December 2026 Online Form – Apply, Dates & Eligibility
CSIR UGC NET December 2026 – Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Authority | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Examination Name | Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 |
| Conducted For | CSIR and UGC |
| Examination Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 7 October 2026 |
| Regular Last Date | 5 November 2026 |
| Late Application Window | 6–9 November 2026 |
| Late Fee | ₹500 additional |
| Correction Window | 10–12 November 2026 |
| Exam City Intimation | To be announced |
| Admit Card | To be announced |
| Examination Dates | 19, 22 and 27 December 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | Not applicable; this is an eligibility examination |
| Official Website | https://csirnet.nta.nic.in/ |
CSIR UGC NET December 2026: Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Starts | 7 October 2026 |
| Last Date for Regular Application | 5 November 2026 |
| Last Date for Regular Fee Payment | 5 November 2026 |
| Late Application Window | 6–9 November 2026 |
| Last Date for Payment with Late Fee | 9 November 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | 10–12 November 2026 |
| Exam City Intimation | To be announced |
| Admit Card | To be announced |
| CSIR UGC NET Examination | 19, 22 and 27 December 2026 |
| Answer Key | To be announced |
| Result | To be announced |
Important: The dates above follow the official CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 Information Bulletin. Candidates should check the NTA website for any subsequent amendments.
CSIR UGC NET December 2026: Application Fee
Candidates must pay the examination fee according to their category.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / Unreserved | ₹1,150 |
| General-EWS | ₹600 |
| OBC-NCL | ₹600 |
| SC | ₹325 |
| ST | ₹325 |
| PwD / PwBD | ₹325 |
| Third Gender | ₹325 |
Late Application Fee
An additional ₹500 late fee applies during the late application window.
| Category | Fee Including Late Fee |
|---|---|
| General / Unreserved | ₹1,650 |
| General-EWS / OBC-NCL | ₹1,100 |
| SC / ST / PwD / PwBD / Third Gender | ₹825 |
The amounts above exclude any applicable payment gateway charges and taxes.
Payment Mode
Candidates can pay online using the options supported by the application portal, including:
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- UPI
- Internet Banking
Applicants should save the payment receipt and confirmation page after completing the transaction.
CSIR UGC NET December 2026: Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must satisfy the educational qualification and other conditions prescribed in the official Information Bulletin.
Educational Qualification
- General/Unreserved and General-EWS candidates must have secured at least 55% marks in a Master’s degree or equivalent examination from a recognised university or institution.
- OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD/PwBD and Third Gender candidates must have secured at least 50% marks in a Master’s degree or equivalent examination.
- Candidates pursuing their Master’s degree or awaiting final-year results may apply provisionally, subject to the conditions specified in the official bulletin.
- Candidates should select the appropriate subject from the five subjects offered under Joint CSIR-UGC NET.
Candidates with a Four-Year Bachelor’s Degree
Candidates with a four-year or eight-semester bachelor’s degree may also be eligible under the prescribed rules. Generally, they need at least 75% aggregate marks or equivalent grade, with applicable relaxation for specified categories.
Candidates qualifying on the basis of a four-year bachelor’s degree may be eligible for JRF and PhD admission, but not for appointment as Assistant Professor under this route.
Applicants should read the detailed eligibility chapter in the official bulletin to determine whether their qualification is accepted.
CSIR UGC NET December 2026 – Age Limit
The upper age limit applies specifically to candidates seeking Junior Research Fellowship.
| Category / Purpose | Age Requirement |
|---|---|
| JRF | Maximum 30 years |
| Age Calculation Date | 1 December 2026 |
| Assistant Professor / Lectureship | No upper age limit under CSIR-UGC NET eligibility rules |
| PhD Admission Eligibility | No upper age limit for the examination category |
Age Relaxation
Eligible candidates may receive age relaxation under the prescribed rules.
- Up to five years for specified categories, including OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD/PwBD, Third Gender and women applicants.
- Eligible candidates with relevant research experience may receive relaxation subject to the applicable conditions.
- Eligible candidates with armed forces service may receive relaxation according to the prescribed rules.
Candidates must check the official Information Bulletin for the conditions and documentation required to claim age relaxation.
Subjects Offered in CSIR UGC NET December 2026
The examination covers the following five subject areas:
| Subject Code | Subject |
|---|---|
| 701 | Chemical Sciences |
| 702 | Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences |
| 703 | Life Sciences and Bio-Technology |
| 704 | Mathematical Sciences |
| 705 | Physical Sciences |
Candidates should choose the subject that corresponds to their academic background and the eligibility rules. The detailed syllabus is available through the CSIR HRDG resources linked from the official website.
CSIR UGC NET December 2026 Exam Pattern
The examination is conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode and consists of three parts: Part A, Part B and Part C.
- Part A: General aptitude, logical reasoning, analytical and numerical ability, graphical analysis and related topics.
- Part B: Subject-related multiple-choice questions.
- Part C: Higher-order questions that assess the application of scientific concepts and analytical ability.
The examination duration is 180 minutes (3 hours). The number of questions, number of questions to attempt and negative marking differ by subject.
Subject-Wise Question Pattern
| Subject | Total Questions | Maximum Questions to Attempt | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Sciences | 120 | 75 | 200 |
| Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences | 150 | 75 | 200 |
| Life Sciences and Bio-Technology | 145 | 75 | 200 |
| Mathematical Sciences | 120 | 60 | 200 |
| Physical Sciences | 75 | 55 | 200 |
Negative Marking
Negative marking applies, but the deduction varies by subject and, in some cases, by examination part. Mathematical Sciences has no negative marking in Part C, while the other parts follow the scheme stated in the bulletin.
Candidates should consult the subject-specific examination pattern before attempting the paper.
CSIR UGC NET December 2026 Selection Process
The process generally involves the following steps:
- Online registration and submission of the application form.
- Verification of eligibility under the prescribed rules.
- Computer-Based Test.
- Evaluation and preparation of results according to the applicable scheme.
- Declaration of results and scorecards on the official website.
The examination result determines eligibility for the applicable JRF, Lectureship/Assistant Professor or PhD admission categories. Qualifying the examination does not automatically guarantee a fellowship, appointment or admission.
How to Apply Online for CSIR UGC NET December 2026
Eligible candidates can follow these steps to submit their applications:
- Visit the official website: https://csirnet.nta.nic.in/
- Open the Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 application link.
- Register using your own email address and mobile number.
- Complete the application form with accurate personal and educational details.
- Select the appropriate examination subject and preferred examination cities.
- Upload the live photograph and the required scanned photograph, signature and applicable certificates.
- Pay the prescribed examination fee using the available online payment options.
- Review the form carefully before submitting it.
- Download and save the confirmation page after successful fee payment.
Candidates should submit only one application form and retain their application number for future reference.
CSIR UGC NET December 2026: Documents Required
Keep the following information and documents ready, as applicable:
- Recent photograph and signature.
- Valid identity details.
- Master’s degree mark sheets or certificate, if available.
- Relevant category certificate.
- PwD/PwBD or UDID certificate, where applicable.
- Result-awaited attestation form, if applicable.
- Active email address and mobile number.
Check the official application instructions for document formats, sizes and any additional requirements.
CSIR UGC NET December 2026: Important Links
| Description | Official Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | CSIR UGC NET December 2026 Application |
| Official Website | csirnet.nta.nic.in |
| Official Information Bulletin | Download Information Bulletin |
| Official Notifications | View Public Notices |
| Home Page | jobs.pincodeofindia.com |
| Related Links | Latest Govt Jobs 2026 |
| UGC NET /CSIR UGC NET | CSIR UGC NET June 2026 Result Out |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When did the CSIR UGC NET December 2026 application process start?
The online application process started on 7 October 2026.
2. What is the last date to apply?
The regular application deadline is 5 November 2026. A late application window is available from 6 to 9 November 2026 with an additional fee of ₹500.
3. What is the application fee for General candidates?
The fee for General/Unreserved candidates is ₹1,150, excluding applicable transaction charges.
4. What is the maximum age for JRF?
The maximum age is 30 years as on 1 December 2026, subject to applicable relaxation rules.
5. Is there an age limit for Assistant Professor eligibility?
There is no upper age limit for CSIR-UGC NET eligibility for Lectureship/Assistant Professor.
6. What is the minimum Master’s degree percentage required?
General/Unreserved and General-EWS candidates generally need 55% marks. OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD/PwBD and Third Gender candidates generally need 50%, subject to the official eligibility rules.
7. What is the CSIR UGC NET December 2026 examination date?
The official Information Bulletin lists 19, 22 and 27 December 2026.
8. How many subjects are offered?
There are five subjects: Chemical Sciences, Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences, Life Sciences and Bio-Technology, Mathematical Sciences, and Physical Sciences.
9. What is the duration of the examination?
The examination duration is 180 minutes, or three hours.
10. Does qualifying CSIR UGC NET guarantee a job?
No. The examination determines eligibility for specified academic and research pathways. A fellowship, teaching appointment or PhD admission depends on the applicable selection and admission rules.
NTA CSIR UGC NET December 2026: Conclusion
The CSIR UGC NET December 2026 Examination is an important opportunity for eligible postgraduate candidates seeking research fellowships, academic careers and PhD admission in science-related subjects.
Before applying, candidates should verify their subject eligibility, category-wise fee, JRF age limit and required documents. Submit the application through the official NTA portal and keep the confirmation page safe. Follow official notices for examination city details, admit cards, answer keys and results.
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