The National Testing Agency (NTA) has started the online application process for the CSIR UGC NET December 2026 examination. Candidates planning to qualify for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) or Lectureship/Assistant Professor eligibility can review the application schedule, examination fee, age limit, and educational qualifications before submitting the form.
The application process began on 7 October 2026. The last date to submit the online application and pay the examination fee is 5 November 2026. Candidates who miss the regular deadline can use the late-fee window until 9 November 2026, subject to the prescribed conditions. The application correction window is scheduled for 10–12 November 2026.
The CSIR UGC NET December 2026 examination is scheduled for 19, 22, and 27 December 2026. Applicants should select the relevant subject and check the detailed notification carefully to ensure they satisfy the prescribed educational requirements.
This article covers the important dates, application fee, late fee, age limit, subject-wise eligibility, application process, and frequently asked questions about the NTA CSIR UGC NET December 2026 Online Form.
CSIR UGC NET December 2026: Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Examination Authority | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Examination Name | CSIR UGC NET December 2026 |
| Examination Cycle | December 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 7 October 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 5 November 2026 |
| Last Date with Late Fee | 9 November 2026 |
| Correction Window | 10–12 November 2026 |
| Examination Dates | 19, 22 and 27 December 2026 |
| Exam City Details | Before the Examination |
| Admit Card | Before the Examination |
| Main Eligibility Areas | JRF and Lectureship/Assistant Professor |
| Official Website | https://csirnet.nta.ac.in/ |
Important Dates
Candidates should keep track of each stage of the application process. The regular deadline and late-fee deadline are different, so applicants should avoid waiting until the final day.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Begins | 7 October 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 5 November 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 5 November 2026 |
| Last Date with Late Fee | 9 November 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | 10–12 November 2026 |
| CSIR UGC NET Examination | 19, 22 and 27 December 2026 |
| Exam City Intimation | Before the Examination |
| Admit Card Release | Before the Examination |
The examination is scheduled across three dates. Candidates should check the official examination schedule for their subject, shift, and reporting time. The exam city intimation slip and admit card are separate documents, so applicants should follow the instructions provided by NTA for each.
Application Fee
The application fee depends on the candidate's category. The supplied fee details are listed below.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General | ₹1,150 |
| EWS / OBC | ₹600 |
| SC / ST / PH | ₹325 |
| Late Fee | ₹500 extra, as applicable |
Payment Methods: Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI.
Candidates should confirm their applicable fee category before making payment. If the late-fee facility is used, check the official payment instructions to confirm the total amount payable. Save the payment confirmation after completing the transaction.
An application should not be considered complete until the required form submission and fee payment have been completed successfully.
CSIR UGC NET December 2026 Age Limit
The age criteria depend on the eligibility category for which a candidate is applying.
| Eligibility Category | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) | Maximum 30 years |
| Lectureship (LS) / Assistant Professor | No upper age limit |
The maximum age of 30 years applies to JRF candidates according to the details provided. Candidates applying for Lectureship/Assistant Professor eligibility have no upper age limit under the supplied criteria.
Applicants should check the detailed notification for the prescribed age calculation date, applicable age relaxations, and any additional conditions. Do not assume that the age rules for JRF and Lectureship/Assistant Professor are identical.
CSIR UGC NET December 2026 Subject-Wise Eligibility
The examination includes five major subject areas. Candidates should choose the subject that matches their academic qualification and the eligibility rules in the official notification.
1. Chemical Science
Candidates with an M.Sc. degree or an equivalent qualification may be eligible. The supplied marks requirements are:
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General/OBC candidates: 55% marks.
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SC/ST and PH candidates: 50% marks.
Candidates with eligible integrated courses, B.E., B.Tech., B.Pharma, or MBBS qualifications may also be eligible under the applicable rules. Applicants with these qualifications should read the detailed notification to confirm the conditions relevant to their degree.
2. Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Science
Candidates interested in this subject should check the prescribed postgraduate or equivalent qualification requirements in the official notification. The exact degree conditions and minimum marks should be verified before selecting this examination subject.
3. Life Science
Candidates intending to apply for Life Science should ensure that their educational background meets the qualification criteria prescribed for this subject. Review the notification for acceptable degrees, minimum marks, and any subject-specific conditions.
4. Mathematical Science
Applicants choosing Mathematical Science should check the required academic qualification and any applicable equivalent-degree rules. The detailed notification should be used to confirm eligibility before submitting the form.
5. Physical Science
Candidates applying for Physical Science should review the accepted qualifications and minimum marks prescribed by NTA for the December 2026 cycle. Meeting the general degree requirement alone may not be sufficient if subject-specific conditions apply.
Important: The detailed eligibility conditions for some subjects were not included in the information provided for this article. Candidates should consult the official notification for the complete subject-wise qualification rules, accepted equivalent degrees, minimum marks, and category-specific provisions.
What Is CSIR UGC NET Used For?
The CSIR UGC NET examination is associated with eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship and Lectureship/Assistant Professor, according to the applicable examination rules. Candidates should understand which eligibility category they are applying for before completing the form.
Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)
JRF is intended for candidates seeking research opportunities under the applicable fellowship and eligibility conditions. Applicants should check the prescribed age limit and educational requirements for this category.
Lectureship / Assistant Professor
This eligibility category relates to Lectureship/Assistant Professor eligibility, subject to the applicable rules. According to the supplied information, there is no upper age limit for this category. Candidates should read the official notification for the complete eligibility conditions.
How to Apply for NTA CSIR UGC NET December 2026
Follow these steps to complete the online application:
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Visit the official CSIR NET website at https://csirnet.nta.ac.in/.
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Locate the CSIR UGC NET December 2026 application or registration link.
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Read the official information bulletin and application instructions carefully.
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Complete the registration using the required personal and contact details.
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Log in to the application portal and fill in the online form.
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Select the appropriate subject and eligibility category.
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Enter educational qualification details accurately and provide any other information requested in the form.
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Upload the required photograph, signature, and documents according to the prescribed specifications.
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Pay the applicable examination fee using an available online payment method.
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Review all details before submitting the application.
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Download or print the submitted application confirmation and retain the fee receipt.
Candidates should make sure their name, date of birth, category, educational details, and other information match the relevant records. Check the correction-window dates if any permitted change is required after submission.
Exam City Slip and Admit Card
The examination city information and admit card are expected to be made available before the examination, according to the supplied schedule. Candidates should regularly visit the official website for updates.
The exam city slip generally helps candidates know the city allocated for the examination, while the admit card contains important examination information and entry instructions. Applicants should read both documents carefully when released and follow the reporting time, identification, and examination-day requirements mentioned by NTA.
The examination is scheduled for 19, 22, and 27 December 2026. Candidates should not assume that every subject will be conducted on the same date. Check the official schedule for the date and shift applicable to the selected subject.
Important Instructions for Candidates
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Submit the online form by 5 November 2026 to avoid the late-fee window.
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If using the late-fee facility, complete the process within the prescribed deadline of 9 November 2026.
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Pay the correct category-wise application fee.
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Confirm that your degree and marks meet the requirements for the selected subject.
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Check the separate age criteria for JRF and Lectureship/Assistant Professor.
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Keep the application confirmation and payment receipt safe.
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Review the correction-window instructions before making changes.
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Check the official website for the exam schedule, city intimation slip, admit card, and further announcements.
CSIR UGC NET December 2026: Important Links
| Link | Details |
|---|---|
| Online Application | Visit the official CSIR NET website |
| Official Website | https://csirnet.nta.ac.in/ |
| Examination Information Bulletin | Check the official website |
| Exam City Slip | To be announced before the examination |
| Admit Card | To be announced before the examination |
Candidates should use the official website to locate the current December 2026 application portal and information bulletin. Check that the notification refers to the correct examination cycle before submitting personal details or making payment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When did the CSIR UGC NET December 2026 application start?
The online application process started on 7 October 2026. Candidates should complete the application and fee payment within the prescribed deadline.
2. What is the last date to apply for CSIR UGC NET December 2026?
The regular last date to apply online is 5 November 2026. The supplied schedule allows applications with a late fee until 9 November 2026, subject to the official instructions.
3. What are the CSIR UGC NET December 2026 examination dates?
The examination is scheduled for 19, 22, and 27 December 2026. Candidates should check the official subject-wise schedule to confirm their specific date and shift.
4. What is the application fee for CSIR UGC NET December 2026?
The supplied fee is ₹1,150 for General candidates, ₹600 for EWS/OBC candidates, and ₹325 for SC/ST/PH candidates. A late fee of ₹500 is also listed; applicants should confirm the total payable amount on the official portal.
5. What is the maximum age for CSIR UGC NET JRF?
The maximum age for JRF is 30 years according to the supplied details. Candidates should check the official notification for the age calculation date and applicable relaxation rules.
6. Is there an upper age limit for Lectureship/Assistant Professor?
The supplied information states that there is no upper age limit for Lectureship/Assistant Professor eligibility. Candidates must still meet the applicable educational and other eligibility conditions.
7. Which subjects are included in CSIR UGC NET December 2026?
The listed subjects are Chemical Science, Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Science, Life Science, Mathematical Science, and Physical Science. Applicants should choose the subject that matches their qualifications and the official eligibility rules.
8. What qualification is required for Chemical Science?
The supplied criteria include an M.Sc. or equivalent degree with 55% marks for General/OBC candidates and 50% for SC/ST/PH candidates. Certain integrated courses and B.E., B.Tech., B.Pharma, and MBBS qualifications may also be accepted under the applicable rules.
9. When will the CSIR UGC NET December 2026 admit card be released?
The admit card is expected before the examination. Candidates should monitor the official CSIR NET website and follow the instructions provided when the download link becomes available.
10. Where can candidates apply for CSIR UGC NET December 2026?
Candidates should visit https://csirnet.nta.ac.in/ and locate the December 2026 application link. Read the official information bulletin carefully before submitting the form and paying the examination fee.