October 11, 2026: Registration is open for the University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) December 2026 session, with candidates able to submit applications until October 28 at 11:50 pm, according to reporting by The Times of India. The examination is used to determine eligibility for Assistant Professor roles and/or Junior Research Fellowship in Indian universities and colleges.

What applicants should do

Candidates should first read the official information bulletin and confirm that their educational qualifications, category and subject choices meet the current eligibility requirements. Applicants should complete the online form carefully, upload documents in the required formats and retain the application number and payment confirmation.

The reported deadline is October 28, 2026, at 11:50 pm. Applicants should not wait until the final hours, when payment failures, website congestion or document issues can become difficult to resolve. Any correction-window dates, examination dates and fee details should be checked against the official notice because they can be revised.

What UGC NET determines

UGC NET is a national eligibility examination for candidates seeking academic careers. Depending on the result and applicable rules, it can establish eligibility for Assistant Professor appointments, Junior Research Fellowship, or Assistant Professor only. Passing the examination does not itself guarantee employment or a fellowship; recruitment institutions apply their own vacancy notices and selection processes.

Beware of unofficial links

Use the National Testing Agency’s official UGC NET website for registration and announcements. Avoid links circulated through unknown social-media accounts or agents promising guaranteed qualification. Never share passwords, one-time passwords or payment credentials with intermediaries.

Official links and source

Applicants should treat the official NTA notice as authoritative if any third-party report differs from it.