📌 Key Facts — CSIR UGC NET December 2026
| Exam Name | Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA), for CSIR and UGC |
| Apply Start Date | 7 October 2026 |
| Apply End Date (Last Date) | Today, 9 November 2026, up to 11:50 PM |
| Late Fee | ₹500 late fee WAIVED — NTA public notice dated 5 November 2026. Apply at the normal fee. |
| Exam Dates | 19, 22 and 27 December 2026 (computer-based test) |
| Official Website | csirnet.nta.nic.in |
The National Testing Agency (NTA) will close the application window for the Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 exam today, 9 November 2026, at 11:50 PM. If you have not applied yet, this is your last chance to submit the form at the normal fee — NTA has waived the ₹500 late fee that was planned for these last days. The exam will be held on 19, 22 and 27 December 2026 in computer-based test (CBT) mode.
More than 2.43 lakh candidates have already submitted their forms, and over 2.05 lakh have paid the fee, as per NTA. The exam decides eligibility for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), appointment as Assistant Professor, and admission to PhD programmes in Indian universities, IITs and research institutions.
About the Exam
CSIR-UGC NET is a national-level eligibility test for science graduates and postgraduates. It is conducted by NTA on behalf of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the University Grants Commission (UGC). The exam covers five science subjects:
- Chemical Sciences
- Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences
- Life Sciences
- Mathematical Sciences
- Physical Sciences
Qualifying for JRF brings a fellowship of ₹37,000 per month for the first two years, along with house rent allowance as per rules. Candidates who qualify for Assistant Professor can apply for teaching posts in universities and colleges across India.
Eligibility
- Education: M.Sc. or equivalent degree in the relevant subject with at least 55% marks (50% for SC, ST, OBC-NCL, PwD and third-gender candidates). Final-year students can also apply.
- JRF age limit: Maximum 30 years. Relaxation of 5 years for SC, ST, female and PwD candidates, and 3 years for OBC-NCL candidates.
- Assistant Professor: No upper age limit.
- Nationality: Indian nationals.
Exam Pattern and Selection
The exam is a single paper of 3 hours for 200 marks, held in CBT mode in two shifts. It has three parts:
| Part | What it tests | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Part A | General Aptitude — reasoning, numerical ability, data interpretation | 30 |
| Part B | Subject-related conventional questions | 70 |
| Part C | Subject-related analytical and application-based questions | 100 |
There is negative marking of 25% for wrong answers. The exact number of questions in Parts B and C varies by subject. Selection is based on the merit list prepared from the exam score — there is no interview for JRF or Assistant Professor eligibility.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application started | 7 October 2026 |
| Last date to apply and pay fee | 9 November 2026, up to 11:50 PM |
| Fee last date | 9 November 2026, up to 11:50 PM |
| Application correction window | 10–12 November 2026 (up to 11:50 PM) |
| Admit card date | To be announced |
| Exam date | 19, 22 and 27 December 2026 |
| Result date | To be announced |
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General | ₹1,150 |
| General-EWS | ₹600 |
| OBC-NCL | ₹600 |
| SC / ST / PwD / Third Gender | ₹325 |
Payment gateway charges are extra. Your application is confirmed only after the fee payment is successful — download and save the confirmation page.
How to Apply
- Go to the official website csirnet.nta.nic.in and click on the Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 registration link.
- Register with your name, email ID and mobile number to get your application number and password.
- Log in with the application number and password and fill in your personal, academic and communication details.
- Choose your subject and exam city preferences carefully.
- Upload your photograph and signature in the prescribed format and size.
- Pay the application fee online and submit the form.
- Download the confirmation page and keep it safe for future use.
Documents Needed
- Scanned photograph and signature in the prescribed format
- Class 10 and 12 mark sheets and certificates
- M.Sc. / qualifying degree mark sheets and certificate (or final-year proof)
- Category certificate (SC / ST / OBC-NCL / EWS / PwD), if applicable
- Valid photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, voter ID or passport)
- Active email ID and mobile number
Suggested Books for CSIR UGC NET December 2026
These standard books cover the syllabus for the five subjects and Part A general aptitude. Check the price on the store page before you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the last date to apply for CSIR UGC NET December 2026?
The last date to apply and pay the fee is today, 9 November 2026, up to 11:50 PM. NTA has waived the ₹500 late fee, so you can apply at the normal category fee.
When will the CSIR NET December 2026 exam be held?
The exam will be held on 19, 22 and 27 December 2026 in computer-based test (CBT) mode, in two three-hour shifts.
Can I correct my CSIR NET application form after submitting it?
Yes. NTA will open a one-time correction window from 10 to 12 November 2026. Only the fields allowed by NTA can be edited, and no changes will be accepted after 12 November.
What is the age limit for CSIR NET JRF?
The maximum age for JRF is 30 years, with a relaxation of 5 years for SC, ST, female and PwD candidates and 3 years for OBC-NCL candidates. There is no upper age limit for Assistant Professor eligibility.