By the ExamguruX Editorial TeamUpdated 13 October 20264 min read
Key dates
- Online application and fee payment: 8–28 October 2026 (till 11:50 pm on the last day).
- Late application with a ₹500 late fee: 29–31 October 2026.
- Correction window: 2–4 November 2026.
- Exam: 14–19 December 2026, computer-based.
Application fee
- General / Unreserved: ₹1,150.
- General-EWS and OBC-NCL: ₹600.
- SC, ST, PwD/PwBD and third gender: ₹325.
Pattern
One three-hour session with no break between papers, 150 questions in total and no negative marking. Each correct answer earns 2 marks, so answer every question.
- Paper 1 (common to all): 50 questions, 100 marks — teaching and research aptitude, reasoning, comprehension, data interpretation, ICT, environment and higher education.
- Paper 2 (your subject): 100 questions, 200 marks.
A nine-week plan
- Weeks 1–3: Cover all ten Paper 1 units once. They are fully learnable and often decide qualification.
- Weeks 4–6: Go unit by unit through your Paper 2 syllabus. Aim for breadth first; NTA rewards coverage.
- Weeks 7–8: One full mock a week plus sectional Paper 1 tests. Keep an error log.
- Week 9: Revise notes and the error log only. Download the admit card when NTA releases it.
Before you submit
Check your master's percentage against the eligibility rule (55%, or 50% for reserved categories and PwD), choose the right subject code, and decide whether you are applying for JRF, Assistant Professor or PhD admission only. Use the correction window only for genuine errors, because some fields cannot be changed.
Key takeaways
- UGC NET December 2026: apply by 28 October (late fee window 29–31 October); exam 14–19 December.
- Fees: ₹1,150 general, ₹600 EWS/OBC-NCL, ₹325 SC/ST/PwD/third gender.
- 150 questions in 3 hours, +2 each, no negative marking — attempt everything.
Sources
Dates and patterns change — always confirm on the official website before applying.
