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UGC NET December 2026 registration is open until 28 October 2026 on the official NTA portal. The National Testing Agency conducts UGC NET to decide eligibility for Assistant Professor posts, Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and PhD admission. The computer-based exam is scheduled for 14–18 and 21 December 2026. Clearing UGC NET is essential for most college lecturer jobs in Kerala and across India.
This guide explains UGC NET December 2026 dates, fees, eligibility, exam pattern and preparation tips for Kerala candidates.
UGC NET December 2026 – Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration opens | 8 October 2026 |
| Last date to apply and pay | 28 October 2026 (11:50 PM) |
| Late fee window | 29–31 October 2026 (₹500 extra) |
| Correction window | 2–4 November 2026 |
| Exam city slip | 23 November 2026 (tentative) |
| Admit card | 7 December 2026 (tentative) |
| Exam dates | 14–18 and 21 December 2026 |
| Official website | ugcnet.nta.nic.in |
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General | ₹1,150 |
| Gen-EWS / OBC-NCL | ₹600 |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Third gender | ₹325 |
Eligibility
- Master’s degree with at least 55% marks (50% for OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwBD and third gender).
- Four-year bachelor’s degree with 75% can apply for JRF and PhD admission only.
- Final-year PG students can apply provisionally.
- Age: No upper age limit for Assistant Professor and PhD. JRF: not more than 30 years, with relaxations.
UGC NET Exam Pattern
| Paper | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 – Teaching and Research Aptitude | 50 | 100 |
| Paper 2 – Subject paper | 100 | 200 |
| Total (3 hours, no break) | 150 | 300 |
There is no negative marking, so attempt all questions.
How to Apply for UGC NET December 2026
- Visit ugcnet.nta.nic.in and click the December 2026 registration link.
- Register with your email and mobile number.
- Fill in personal, academic and subject details; choose exam cities in Kerala if you prefer.
- Upload photo and signature as specified.
- Pay the fee and submit before 28 October 2026.
- Download the confirmation page.
Preparation Tips
- Paper 1: Focus on teaching aptitude, research methodology, reasoning, data interpretation, ICT, higher education system and environment.
- Paper 2: Follow the official UGC syllabus for your subject and revise core textbooks.
- Solve previous UGC NET papers and attempt full-length mocks of 3 hours.
- Make short notes for quick revision in the last two weeks.
UGC NET and Kerala College Jobs
Kerala government and aided colleges require UGC NET (or PhD as per UGC rules) for Assistant Professor posts. For higher secondary teaching in Kerala, the state-level SET is required instead. Read our Kerala SET guide.
UGC NET December 2026: Quick Checklist for Candidates
Use this simple checklist to stay on track with UGC NET December 2026 updates and avoid last-minute problems.
- Bookmark the official website and check it regularly instead of relying on forwarded messages.
- Keep your registration number, password and date of birth details safe.
- Download admit cards, results and notices as soon as they are released and keep a printed copy.
- Carry an original photo ID and the documents listed in the official notice on exam or verification day.
- Continue preparation for the next stage while waiting for results.
Staying organised in this way helps you make the most of UGC NET December 2026 and move confidently to the next stage.
We review and update this UGC NET December 2026 guide whenever official notices or rules change. Bookmark this page, share it with friends who need it, and always confirm the latest details on the official website before you take any step.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last date for UGC NET December 2026?
28 October 2026, with a late fee window up to 31 October.
When is the UGC NET December 2026 exam?
14–18 and 21 December 2026.
Is there negative marking in UGC NET?
No.
Is there an age limit for Assistant Professor eligibility?
No upper age limit for Assistant Professor; JRF has an age limit of 30 years with relaxations.
Related: College Lecturer Jobs | Teaching Jobs
Disclaimer: Kerala Job News is not affiliated with any government department, recruiting body or employer mentioned here. This article is compiled from NTA UGC NET information for general information only. Details can change, so always confirm on the official website before you apply or pay any fee. Kerala Job News never charges money for job information.
