CSIR UGC NET December 2026: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the official notification for the Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 examination. The exam is conducted to determine the eligibility of candidates for the award of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and appointment as Assistant Professor, appointment as Assistant Professor and admission to Ph.D. programmes, and admission to Ph.D. programmes only in Indian universities and colleges.
The official notification was released on October 7, 2026, and the online application process also started on the same day. Eligible candidates can submit their applications online until November 5, 2026, up to 11:50 PM.
The CSIR-UGC NET is a national-level examination conducted in five major science subjects: Chemical Sciences, Earth Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences and Physical Sciences. Candidates who qualify the examination can become eligible for research and teaching opportunities in universities, colleges, research institutions and other higher educational institutions across India.
Candidates are advised to carefully check the eligibility criteria, age limit, subject-wise requirements and other instructions before submitting the application form.
Important Dates
- Notification Released: 07 October 2026
- Application Form Starting Date: 07 October 2026
- Last Date to Apply Without Late Fee: 05 November 2026, up to 11:50 PM
- Last Date to Apply with ₹500 Late Fee: 09 November 2026, up to 11:50 PM
- Application Correction Window: 10 to 12 November 2026
- Examination Dates: 19, 22 and 27 December 2026
Application Fee
- General Category: ₹1,150/-
- OBC / EWS Category: ₹600/-
- SC / ST / PH Category: ₹325/-
- Third Gender: ₹325/-
- Payment Mode: Online
Age Limit Details
- Junior Research Fellowship (JRF): Maximum 30 years
- Assistant Professor and Admission to Ph.D.: No upper age limit
- Age will be calculated as on 1 December 2026.
- Age relaxation will be provided as per the applicable rules.
Qualification Details
| Exam Name | Subjects | Qualification | ||
| Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 | Chemical Science | Master’s Degree with (Gen / EWS 55% Marks, SC / ST / OBC / PH : 50% Marks).Integrated Course / 04 Years Bachelor’s Degree Holder Candidates Are Also Eligible for CSIR UGC NET December 2026. | ||
| Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences | ||||
| Life Sciences and Bio-Technology | ||||
| Mathematical Science | ||||
| Physical Science | ||||
Selection Process
The selection process includes the following stages:
- Computer Based Test (CBT)
- Objective Type Multiple Choice Questions
- Subject-wise examination pattern
- Merit and qualifying criteria as per NTA rules
How to Apply for CSIR UGC NET December 2026
Candidates can follow the steps given below to apply for the CSIR UGC NET December 2026 examination:
- Visit the official NTA CSIR-NET website at
csirnet.nta.nic.in. - Register through the MeriPehchaan / DigiLocker Single Sign-On service, or register by providing your personal details along with your own email ID and mobile number.
- Fill in the online application form by entering your personal and educational details and selecting your preferred examination cities. Candidates can select four examination cities.
- Upload the required documents, including a live photograph, scanned passport-size photograph, signature, and category/disability certificate, wherever applicable.
- Pay the applicable examination fee through Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, or UPI.
- Carefully review all the details entered in the application form and submit it.
- After successful submission, download and take a printout of the Confirmation Page for future reference.
CSIR UGC NET December 2026 Notification PDF & Apply Online Form Link
| Short Notification PDF | Click Here |
| Notification PDF | Click Here |
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
FAQs for CSIR UGC NET December 2026
- Q1. Has the CSIR NET December 2026 Notification been released?
- Yes. The National Testing Agency (NTA) released the public notice for the Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 examination on 7 October 2026. The online application process also started on the same date through the official CSIR NET website.
- Q2. What is the last date to apply for CSIR NET December 2026?
- The last date to submit the online application without a late fee is 5 November 2026, up to 11:50 PM. Candidates can submit their applications with an additional ₹500 late fee from 6 to 9 November 2026.
- Q3. When will the CSIR NET December 2026 examination be held?
- The Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 examination is scheduled to be conducted on 19, 22 and 27 December 2026. The exam will be held in two shifts: 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
- Q4. When is the CSIR NET December 2026 application correction window?
- The application correction window will remain open from 10 to 12 November 2026, up to 11:50 PM. Candidates will be able to make the permitted changes to their application details during this period through the official examination website.
- Q5. What is the late fee for CSIR NET December 2026?
- NTA has prescribed an additional ₹500 late fee for candidates who submit their applications after the regular deadline. The late-fee application window will be available from 6 to 9 November 2026, with the final date for successful fee payment being 9 November 2026, up to 11:50 PM.