CSIR-UGC NET December 2026: Application Deadline, Exam Dates and Fees
Published 9 Oct 20266 min read5 Views
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has opened online applications for the Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 examination. Candidates can submit their application forms through the official website, csirnet.nta.nic.in, by November 5, 2026, at 11:50 PM, according to the published schedule. The examination will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode for five science subject areas. The announced examination dates are December 19, 22 and 27, 2026. Candidates should review the eligibility conditions, application fee and examination instructions in the official information bulletin before submitting their forms.
Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 Important Dates
The application schedule includes a regular registration deadline, a late-application period and a correction window.
| Event | Date and deadline |
|---|---|
| Regular application and fee payment deadline | November 5, 2026, until 11:50 PM |
| Late application with ₹500 late fee | November 6–9, 2026, until 11:50 PM |
| Application correction window | November 10–12, 2026, until 11:50 PM |
| Examination dates | December 19, 22 and 27, 2026 |
Candidates should complete the application and payment process within the applicable deadline. Those using the late-application facility should check the additional fee and submission requirements on the official portal. The correction window is a separate facility for eligible changes to submitted applications. Candidates should consult the official instructions to confirm which particulars can be edited.
CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 Application Fee
The application fees listed in the supplied announcement are as follows:
| Candidate category | Examination fee |
|---|---|
| General | ₹1,150 |
| General-EWS/OBC-NCL | ₹600 |
| SC/ST/PwD/PwBD/Third Gender | ₹325 |
A late fee of ₹500 is specified for applications submitted during the late-application period. Candidates should confirm their category, applicable fee and any payment-related charges in the official information bulletin. Applicants should ensure that the category selected in the application form matches their eligibility and supporting documentation.
How to Apply for Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2026
Candidates can access the application process through the official CSIR-UGC NET website. The general steps are:
- Visit csirnet.nta.nic.in.
- Open the link for the Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 online application.
- Complete the registration process and create the required login credentials.
- Fill in the personal, academic and other details requested in the form.
- Select the relevant subject and provide the required examination information.
- Upload the photograph, signature and other documents in the prescribed format.
- Pay the applicable examination fee.
- Review the information, submit the application and confirm the payment status.
- Download and save the confirmation page after successful submission.
Candidates should follow the live portal's instructions rather than relying solely on general application guidance. The official information bulletin should be consulted for document specifications and eligibility requirements.
CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 Subjects
The Joint CSIR-UGC NET examination covers five science subject areas. Candidates should consult the current information bulletin for the exact subject names, syllabus and applicable examination requirements. The December 2026 cycle also includes an important development in Life Sciences. Reports indicate that the DBT-BET examination has been merged with the CSIR-UGC NET Life Sciences examination, with a new Life Sciences & Bio-technology discipline introduced for this cycle. Candidates concerned should review the official notification and revised syllabus before selecting their subject.
What Is the Joint CSIR-UGC NET Examination?
The Joint CSIR-UGC NET is a national-level examination conducted by NTA for CSIR and UGC. It assesses eligibility for specified academic and research pathways, including Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), appointment as Assistant Professor and PhD admission under the applicable categories. Candidates should read the official eligibility rules carefully because the conditions for different eligibility outcomes may vary. Submitting an application does not itself establish eligibility or guarantee qualification.
Official Website and Information Bulletin
Candidates should rely on official resources for the application form, eligibility criteria, subject syllabus and examination updates.
- Application portal: https://csirnet.nta.nic.in/
- Official information bulletin: Available through the Documents section of the CSIR-UGC NET website.
- Official application notice: Available through the Public Notices section of the same website.
Candidates should monitor official announcements for any changes to the application schedule, correction facility, syllabus or examination arrangements.