UGC NET December 2026: NTA revises exam date; City slip out on November 23

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has revised the information bulletin for the UGC NET December 2026 session. The changes cover the exam schedule, the dates for the city slip and admit card, and some exam-day rules. Where the earlier and revised bulletins differ, the revised one applies.

UGC NET Revised exam dates

• The exam will be held on 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 21 December 2026.
• It will be conducted online, as a Computer Based Test (CBT).
• The earlier schedule had a 14 to 19 December window, with 20 and 21 December kept as buffer days.

UGC NET: Important dates for candidates

• Application start: 8 October 2026
• Last date to apply: 28 October 2026, up to 11:50 pm
• City intimation slip: 23 November 2026
• Admit card: 7 December 2026
• Official website: ugcnet.nta.nic.in

UGC NET: Application fee

• General category: Rs 1,150
• EWS and OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): Rs 600
• All other candidates: Rs 325

Candidates must choose four cities from the list in the bulletin, in order of priority, while filling the form. Centres are allotted on the basis of these choices.

Changes in test rules

According to the revised exam rules, the exam-conducting body, NTA, has mentioned that the candidates will be provided ball-point pens at the examination centre. It is advisable that candidates do not need to bring a pen to the exam centre. 

How to download the admit card (from 7 December)

• Go to ugcnet.nta.nic.in.
• Click the link for the UGC NET December 2026 admit card.
• Log in with your application number and password or date of birth.
• Download the admit card and take a printout for exam day.

The test has two papers, held in a single sitting of three hours without a break.

What candidates should do

• Complete the application before 28 October.
• Check the city slip on 23 November and note your exam city.
• Download the admit card on 7 December and check the date, shift and centre.
• Read the revised bulletin closely, since the earlier version no longer applies where they differ.