Short Information: NTA CSIR UGC NET December 2026 The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially opened the online application window for the Joint CSIR-UGC National Eligibility Test (NET) – December 2026. Candidates wishing to apply for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), Assistant Professor positions, or PhD admissions in Indian universities and colleges can now register via the official website — csirnet.nta.nic.in.
The application process began on October 7, 2026, and will remain open until November 5, 2026 (up to 11:50 PM). For those holding a master’s degree in the science stream as well as final-year students, this is a crucial opportunity to qualify for research fellowships and teaching positions across the country.
If you plan to appear for this exam, the first step is to complete your online registration well in advance to avoid any last-minute technical issues.
Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR)NTA CSIR UGC NET December 2026 |
NTA CSIR UGC NET December 2026 Overview
| Particular | Details |
| Exam Name | Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 |
| Exam Conducting Agency | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Authority | Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 7 October 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 5 November 2026 |
| Exam Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Exam Dates | 19, 22 & 27 December 2026 |
| Duration | 3 Hours |
| Official Website | csirnet.nta.nic.in |
Important Dates at NTA CSIR UGC NET December 2026
| Activity | Date |
| Online Registration Begins | October 7, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | November 5, 2026 (up to 11:50 PM) |
| Late Fee Application Window | November 6 to November 9, 2026 |
| Last Date for Successful Transaction with Late Fee | November 9, 2026 |
| Correction Window | November 10 to November 12, 2026 |
| Exam Dates | December 19, 22, and 27, 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | To be announced later |
| Result Declaration | To be announced later |
The examination will be conducted in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode across various centres in India. Candidates will be allotted a specific date, shift, and centre as mentioned on their admit card.
Application Fee : NTA CSIR UGC NET December 2026
The application fee varies by category and must be paid online through Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI.
| Category | Application Fee | Late Fee |
| General | ₹1,150 | ₹500 |
| General-EWS / OBC-NCL | ₹600 | ₹500 |
| SC / ST / PwD / PwBD / Third Gender | ₹325 | ₹500 |
Service charges of the concerned bank or payment gateway integrator will be applicable in addition to the examination fee. Candidates are advised to read the payment instructions carefully before proceeding.
Age Limit : NTA CSIR UGC NET December 2026
| Category | Age Limit |
| JRF | Maximum 30 years as on December 1, 2026 |
| Assistant Professor | No upper age limit |
| Admission to PhD Only | No upper age limit |
A relaxation of up to 5 years is provided to candidates belonging to OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD, PwBD, Third Gender categories, and women applicants. Relaxation is also available for candidates with research experience or those who have served in the armed forces, subject to a maximum of 5 years.
CSIR UGC NET December 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility requirements specified in the official notification.
Educational Qualification
- General / Unreserved / General-EWS: Minimum 55% marks (without rounding off) in Master’s degree or equivalent examination from a recognised university or institution.
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) / SC / ST / PwD / PwBD / Third Gender: Minimum 50% marks in Master’s degree or equivalent examination.
- Candidates who are pursuing their Master’s degree or have appeared for the final year examination and are awaiting results can also apply provisionally.
- Such candidates must complete their Master’s degree within two years from the date of the Joint CSIR-UGC NET result with the required percentage, failing which they will be treated as disqualified.
- Those qualifying for ‘Admission to PhD Only’ must complete their Master’s degree within one year from the date of the result.
Four-Year Bachelor’s Degree Programme
Candidates who have passed a four-year or eight-semester bachelor’s degree programme should have a minimum of 75% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade. A relaxation of 5% is allowed for SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/PwBD/EWS candidates.
Candidates qualifying based on a four-year undergraduate degree will be eligible for JRF and PhD admission, but not for appointment as Assistant Professor.
Exam Pattern and Subjects
The Joint CSIR-UGC NET is conducted in five science subjects:
| Subject Code | Subject |
| 701 | Chemical Sciences |
| 702 | Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences |
| 703 | Life Sciences and Bio-Technology (LS-BT) |
| 704 | Mathematical Sciences |
| 705 | Physical Sciences |
The test consists of three parts — Part A (General Aptitude), Part B (Subject-related MCQs), and Part C (Higher-order analytical questions). The paper will be bilingual in Hindi and English. In case of any ambiguity between the two versions, the English version will be treated as final.
There will be negative marking for wrong answers as per the subject-wise scheme. Candidates are advised to refer to the official CSIR HRDG website for the detailed syllabus.

How to Apply for NTA CSIR UGC NET December 2026
Candidates can follow these steps to complete their application:
- Visit the official website — csirnet.nta.nic.in

- Register using a valid email ID and mobile number to generate an Application Number.

- Log in with the system-generated Application Number and password to fill the application form.
- Upload scanned images of photograph, signature, and category/disability certificates (if applicable).
- Pay the prescribed application fee through Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, or UPI.
- Download and save the Confirmation Page for future reference.
Candidates are advised to fill only one application form. Submitting multiple forms for the same subject may lead to rejection.
Documents Required for NTA CSIR UGC NET December 2026
On the day of the examination, candidates must carry:
- Print copy of Admit Card along with a duly filled Self Declaration form
- Two additional passport-size photographs (same as uploaded on the application form)
- Any one authorised photo ID (PAN Card, Driving License, Voter ID, Passport, Aadhaar Card with photograph, etc.)
- PwD/PwBD certificate, if applicable
- Simple Ball Point Pen
- Personal transparent water bottle
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Important Link NTA CSIR UGC NET December 2026
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Download Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website | NTA CSIR NET |
FAQs for NTA CSIR UGC NET December 2026
Q1. When did the CSIR UGC NET December 2026 application process begin?
The online application process began on 7 October 2026. 202610071407707951
Q2. What is the last date to apply for CSIR UGC NET December 2026?
The regular application deadline is 5 November 2026 up to 11:50 PM. 202610071407707951
Q3. Can I apply after 5 November 2026?
Yes. The bulletin provides a late-fee application window from 6 November to 9 November 2026, with a late fee of ₹500. 202610071407707951
Q4. When will the CSIR UGC NET December 2026 exam be held?
The examination is scheduled for 19, 22 and 27 December 2026. 202610071407707951
Q5. What is the application fee for General candidates?
The fee for General candidates is ₹1,150. 202610071407707951
Q6. Is there an age limit for Assistant Professor?
No. The bulletin states that there is no upper age limit for applying for Assistant Professor through Joint CSIR-UGC NET. 202610071407707951
Q7. What are the CSIR UGC NET December 2026 subjects?
The five subjects are Chemical Sciences, Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences, Life Sciences and Bio-Technology, Mathematical Sciences and Physical Sciences. 202610071407707951
Q8. Where should candidates apply?
Candidates should submit the application online through the official CSIR UGC NET website.

