UGC NET 2026 Exam Dates, Notification Out, Eligibility, Application Process & Fees
Updated: 5 March 2026, 12:41 pm IST
TL;DR
- UGC NET June 2026 exam is expected from 25 June to 29 June 2026, and official notification is likely in April 2026.
- The exam is conducted by NTA in CBT mode for JRF and Assistant Professor eligibility.
- The exam consists of two papers for a total of 300 marks.
The UGC NET exam (University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test) is one of the most prestigious tests conducted by the NTA (National Testing Agency) in India. The key objective of the test is to assess eligibility for Assistant Professor positions and to award the JRF (Junior Research Fellowship) across Indian colleges and universities.
As a result, the UGC NET 2026 examination is vital for all aspiring professors, academics, and researchers in the country.
Here is a detailed and updated guide to the UGC NET June 2026 cycle, including the UGC NET 2026 notification, dates, eligibility guidelines, application process, fees, and NET exam pattern details.
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UGC NET June 2026 Exam Dates
Based on the latest UGC NET 2026 notification, the dates for the test and other information are expected to be announced for candidates. Here is a closer look at the expected UGC NET exam date 2026 and related schedule:
Expected Schedule for UGC NET June 2026 Cycle
Event | Expected Timeline (2026) |
Official notification release | 3rd week of April 2026 |
Online application process starts | 3rd week of April 2026 |
Last date for form submission | 3rd week of May 2026 |
Last date for fee payment | May 2026 (usually 1 day after submission ends) |
Application correction window | Last week of May 2026 |
Advance exam city intimation | 1st or 2nd week of June 2026 |
Other major dates, including the specific examination dates across cities and the release of the admit card, will be announced soon by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Candidates are advised to regularly check the official website for updates for more details.
Also Read:- CMAT 2026: Important Dates, Syllabus
Eligibility Criteria for UGC NET June 2026
Knowing more about the UGC NET exam eligibility is important since the criteria have specific conditions that candidates must meet.
1. Academic Qualifications: Candidates must hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) from a recognised university with at least 55 percent marks (General category). There is a relaxation of 5 percent (50 percent minimum) for SC, ST, OBC-NCL, PwD, and EWS categories, as per UGC guidelines.
Candidates who are appearing in the final year of their Master’s degree are also eligible to apply, subject to fulfilling the required marks within the stipulated time.
2. Age Limit: For the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), the upper age limit is 30 years (as per NTA guidelines for June 2026). Age relaxation is applicable for SC, ST, OBC-NCL, PwD, EWS, and other eligible categories as per the Government of India rules.
There is no upper age limit for Assistant Professor eligibility under UGC NET.
How to Apply for UGC NET June 2026
The steps to fill out the UGC NET exam form for June 2026 are as follows:
Step 1: Go to ugcnet.nta.ac.in (official website)
Step 2: Click Apply Online for UGC NET June 2026
Step 3: Complete your registration with basic personal details and generate the application number and password
Step 4: Log in and finish the application form with your academic qualifications and other required information
Step 5: Upload all necessary documents, including a passport-size photograph, qualification certificates, and your signature.
Step 6: Make the application fee payment online. You can choose from methods like UPI, net banking, or credit or debit cards.
Step 7: Review the application carefully before submitting it. Download and save the confirmation page for future reference.
UGC NET Application Fee 2026
The application fee for UGC NET June 2026 varies based on the category of the applicant. Here are the details of the fees for each category:
Category | Application Fee (in ₹) |
General/Unreserved | ₹ 1,150 |
General-EWS/OBC-NCL* | ₹ 600 |
SC/ST/PwD/Third Gender | ₹ 325 |
UGC NET 2026 Net Exam Pattern
The UGC NET June 2026 exam will be conducted online as a 3-hour Computer-Based Test (CBT). The NET exam pattern comprises two papers:
- Paper 1- General Aptitude MCQs (50 questions), each carrying 2 marks (total 100 marks)
- Paper 2- Subject-specific MCQs (100 questions), each carrying 2 marks (total 200 marks)
The total marks for both papers are 300, and both papers are compulsory. They are held in succession without any breaks.
Subjects Included in UGC NET June 2026
The UGC NET exam covers a wide array of subjects, making it inclusive for candidates from diverse academic backgrounds. Some of the common subjects included are:
- Humanities Subjects like English, History, and Hindi
- Social Sciences Subjects like Economics, Sociology, and Political Science
- Science Subjects like Chemistry, Physics, and Biology
- Education
- Computer Science & Applications
- Management & Commerce
The official UGC NET website has the full details of all the subjects offered under the UGC NET June 2026 examination.
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UGC NET June 2026 Results
After the completion of the UGC NET June 2026 examination (expected between 25 June and 29 June 2026), the UGC NET result will be published on the official website. Candidates can log in using their application number and password to view their scores.
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frequently asked questions
What is UGC NET 2026?
+UGC NET 2026 is a national-level eligibility test conducted by the NTA to determine eligibility for Assistant Professor roles and Junior Research Fellowship in Indian universities and colleges.
What happens after clearing UGC NET but not qualifying for JRF?
+If you clear UGC NET but do not qualify for JRF, you are still eligible to apply for Assistant Professor positions in Indian universities and colleges. JRF is for research funding, while NET qualification alone makes you eligible for teaching roles.
How can I check the UGC NET 2026 exam dates?
+The dates of the examination may be checked here- ugcnet.nta.nic.in (official website).
Is UGC NET compulsory for becoming an Assistant Professor?
+In most cases, yes. UGC NET qualification is required for Assistant Professor positions in universities and colleges. However, candidates who have completed a PhD as per UGC regulations may be exempted in certain cases.
How many attempts are allowed for UGC NET?
+There is no limit on the number of attempts for Assistant Professor eligibility. For JRF, candidates can attempt the exam until they reach the upper age limit.
Can you choose a different subject in UGC NET from your Master’s degree?
+No. You must choose a subject that aligns with your postgraduate qualification. The subject selected in UGC NET should match your Master’s degree subject or be closely related.
What are the minimum qualifying marks for UGC NET?
+To qualify, General category candidates must score at least 40 percent aggregate marks in both papers combined. Reserved category candidates must score at least 35 percent aggregate marks.