NTA CSIR UGC NET December 2026: Apply Online for JRF & Assistant Professor, Exam Dates Announced

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has opened the online application process for the CSIR UGC NET December 2026 Examination. Eligible candidates can submit their applications from 07 October 2026 to 05 November 2026.

The CSIR UGC NET examination is conducted for determining eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Lectureship/Assistant Professor in the science subjects covered under the CSIR NET scheme.

Candidates interested in the December 2026 session should complete the application process before the deadline and carefully check the eligibility requirements, subject-wise qualifications, fee structure and examination schedule.

NTA CSIR UGC NET December 2026 – Latest Update

The online application form has started from 07 October 2026. The regular application deadline is 05 November 2026, while candidates can submit the form with the applicable late fee up to 09 November 2026.

The CSIR UGC NET December 2026 examination is scheduled to be conducted on 19, 22 and 27 December 2026.

Important Highlights

NTA CSIR UGC NET December 2026 Important Dates

Candidates should not wait until the final day because payment or technical issues can occur near the deadline.

CSIR UGC NET December 2026 Application Fee

The examination fee varies according to the candidate's category.

The examination fee can be paid through available online payment methods such as:

• Debit Card

• Credit Card

• Net Banking

• UPI

Candidates should verify the final payable amount displayed on the official application portal before completing payment.

CSIR UGC NET December 2026 Age Limit

The age requirement depends on the purpose for which the candidate is applying.

For Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)

• Maximum Age: 30 years

• Age relaxation may be applicable to eligible categories as per the applicable rules.

For Lectureship / Assistant Professor

• No upper age limit is specified for Lectureship/Assistant Professor eligibility.

Candidates should refer to the official December 2026 information bulletin for detailed age-relaxation provisions.

CSIR UGC NET December 2026 Eligibility

The CSIR UGC NET examination covers five major science streams:

1. Chemical Sciences

2. Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences

3. Life Sciences

4. Mathematical Sciences

5. Physical Sciences

The qualification requirements depend on the subject and the candidate's category.

General Qualification Requirement

For the relevant postgraduate science qualification, candidates in the General/OBC category generally require at least 55% marks, while SC/ST and eligible PwD candidates require 50% marks, subject to the detailed provisions of the official notification.

Certain professional and integrated qualifications are also eligible for specified subjects.

CSIR UGC NET Subject-Wise Eligibility

Candidates with certain qualifications such as Integrated Courses, B.E./B.Tech., B.Pharma and MBBS may also be eligible for specified CSIR NET subjects, subject to the detailed eligibility conditions in the official information bulletin.

CSIR UGC NET December 2026 Subjects

The examination is conducted in the following five subject areas:

1. Chemical Sciences

This subject covers areas related to chemistry and associated scientific disciplines.

2. Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences

This stream covers earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, ocean sciences and planetary science-related areas.

3. Life Sciences

Life Sciences includes biological and related scientific disciplines.

4. Mathematical Sciences

This subject covers mathematics and related areas.

5. Physical Sciences

Physical Sciences covers physics and related scientific areas.

Candidates should select the subject that matches their educational background and the eligibility conditions prescribed by NTA.

How to Apply for NTA CSIR UGC NET December 2026

Eligible candidates can complete the application process online.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Visit the official NTA CSIR UGC NET application portal.

2. Register using the required personal and contact details.

3. Generate the required login credentials.

4. Complete the online application form.

5. Enter educational qualification details carefully.

6. Select the appropriate CSIR NET subject.

7. Upload the required photograph and signature/documents in the prescribed format.

8. Review all information entered in the application.

9. Pay the applicable examination fee online.

10. Submit the application form.

11. Download and save the confirmation page.

12. Keep a printed copy for future reference.

Documents Required for CSIR NET Application

Candidates should keep the following information/documents ready before starting the application:

• Recent passport-size photograph

• Signature

• Valid identity document

• Educational qualification details

• Marksheets/certificates

• Category certificate, where applicable

• PwD certificate, where applicable

• Valid mobile number

• Active email address

• Payment method for application fee

Candidates should ensure that uploaded documents meet the size and format requirements specified by NTA.

CSIR UGC NET December 2026 Application Correction

NTA has scheduled the application correction window for 10 to 12 November 2026.

Candidates should use this period to check and correct permitted details in their submitted application form.

It is important to review the application carefully before the final submission because not every field may be editable during the correction period.

CSIR UGC NET December 2026 Examination Date

The December 2026 CSIR UGC NET examination is scheduled on:

19 December 2026
22 December 2026
27 December 2026

The examination city information and admit card are expected to be made available before the examination.

Candidates should regularly check official NTA announcements for their exact examination centre, shift and reporting instructions.

Who Can Apply for CSIR UGC NET December 2026?

The examination is particularly relevant for candidates who want to pursue opportunities related to:

• Junior Research Fellowship

• Research

• Lectureship

• Assistant Professor eligibility

• Higher education and academic careers

• Scientific and research institutions

Candidates must satisfy the prescribed educational and other eligibility requirements before applying.

Important Instructions for Applicants

Before submitting the application, candidates should:

• Read the complete CSIR UGC NET December 2026 information bulletin.

• Verify their educational eligibility.

• Select the correct subject.

• Enter their name and personal details exactly as required.

• Check category information carefully.

• Upload documents in the prescribed format.

• Verify the application preview.

• Pay the applicable fee before the deadline.

• Save the confirmation page after submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does CSIR UGC NET December 2026 registration start?

The online application process starts on 07 October 2026.

What is the last date to apply for CSIR UGC NET December 2026?

The regular last date to submit the application is 05 November 2026.

Can I apply after 05 November 2026?

Candidates can submit the application with the applicable late fee up to 09 November 2026, according to the published schedule.

When is the CSIR NET December 2026 exam?

The examination is scheduled for 19, 22 and 27 December 2026.

How many subjects are covered under CSIR UGC NET?

CSIR UGC NET covers five subjects: Chemical Sciences, Earth/Atmospheric/Ocean/Planetary Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences and Physical Sciences.

What is the maximum age for JRF?

The maximum age specified for JRF is 30 years, subject to applicable age-relaxation provisions.

Is there an upper age limit for Assistant Professor?

According to the provided December 2026 notification details, there is no upper age limit for Lectureship/Assistant Professor.

What is the CSIR NET application fee for General candidates?

The General category application fee is ?1,150.

Final Words

The NTA CSIR UGC NET December 2026 application process has started on 07 October 2026. Eligible candidates have until 05 November 2026 to submit their applications without late fee.

With the examination scheduled for 19, 22 and 27 December 2026, candidates should complete their registration early and use the remaining preparation time effectively. Before applying, carefully read the official information bulletin for the latest subject-wise eligibility, document requirements and examination instructions.