NTA CSIR UGC NET December 2026: Apply Online Form

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the notification for the Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 on 7 October 2026, and the online application form is now open. The exam decides eligibility for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), Assistant Professor, and Ph.D. admission across five science subjects. Applications close on 5 November 2026 (11:50 PM), and the Computer Based Test is scheduled for 19, 22 and 27 December 2026. This article covers important dates, fees, eligibility, age limit, subjects, exam scheme, and the step-by-step application process.

CSIR UGC NET December 2026: Overview

CSIR UGC NET December 2026 Important Dates

Note: An earlier tentative NTA calendar mentioned 20 and 21 December 2026. The official notification lists 19, 22 and 27 December, so follow the notification and keep checking csirnet.nta.nic.in for any change.

CSIR UGC NET December 2026 Application Fee

The fee is paid online through Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, or UPI. Check the information bulletin for the exact category wording (such as OBC non-creamy layer) before paying.

CSIR UGC NET December 2026 Eligibility Criteria

CSIR UGC NET December 2026 Age Limit

CSIR UGC NET December 2026 Subjects

CSIR UGC NET December 2026 Exam Scheme

•       Mode: Computer Based Test (CBT).

•       Duration: 180 minutes (3 hours).

•       Language: Question paper in English and Hindi.

•       Sections: Three parts. Part A tests general aptitude; Parts B and C are subject-specific, with Part C including higher-level analytical questions.

•       Shifts: Two shifts per exam day, 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

Marks per question, number of questions to attempt in each part, and negative marking differ by subject, so read the subject-wise scheme in the information bulletin before you start preparing.

How to Apply Online for CSIR UGC NET December 2026

1.       Visit the official portal: Go to csirnet.nta.nic.in and open the Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 registration link.

2.       Register: Sign up using MeriPehchaan/DigiLocker Single Sign-On, or enter your personal details with a valid email ID and mobile number.

3.       Fill the application form: Enter your personal and educational details and choose your exam subject.

4.       Select exam cities: Choose up to four preferred cities. Once a centre is allotted, it cannot be changed.

5.       Upload documents: Upload your live photograph, scanned passport-size photograph, signature, and any category or disability certificate.

6.       Pay the fee: Pay the applicable fee online through Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or UPI.

7.       Submit and save: Check every detail, submit the form, and download the Confirmation Page for future reference.

CSIR UGC NET December 2026 Selection Process

•       Computer Based Test (CBT) in the chosen subject.

•       Declaration of percentile scores and merit-based results by NTA.

•       Certificate issuance and verification for JRF, Assistant Professor, or Ph.D. admission, depending on the category you qualify in.

JRF Stipend (as Reported)

Stipend figures are as reported for this cycle; the final amounts and conditions are set by CSIR/UGC and the host institution.

Documents Required to Apply

•       Master's (or 4-year Bachelor's) degree certificate and mark sheets

•       Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS), if applicable

•       PwD certificate, if applicable

•       Live photograph, scanned passport-size photograph, and signature

•       Valid email ID, mobile number, and a MeriPehchaan/DigiLocker account

Recommended Arihant Books for CSIR UGC NET Preparation

Subject-wise study guides with unit-wise theory, MCQs, CSIR sample questions, and a solved 2024 paper can make your preparation more structured. These Arihant guides are listed on the Arihant website with the 2025 edition label:

Arihant NTA CSIR UGC NET/SET Study Guides

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the CSIR UGC NET December 2026 notification out?

Yes. NTA released the Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 notification on 7 October 2026, and the online application started the same day.

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

The last date to apply and pay the fee is 5 November 2026, up to 11:50 PM. Late applications with an extra ₹500 fee are accepted from 6 to 9 November 2026.

3. When is the CSIR UGC NET December 2026 exam?

The CBT is scheduled for 19, 22 and 27 December 2026, in two shifts: 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

4. What is the application fee?

₹1,150 for UR/General, ₹600 for EWS/OBC, and ₹325 for SC/ST/PwD/Third Gender candidates. A late fee of ₹500 applies after 5 November.

5. What is the age limit for JRF?

The upper age limit for JRF is 30 years as on 1 December 2026, with relaxation as per rules. There is no upper age limit for Assistant Professor or Ph.D. admission only.

6. Which subjects are available?

Chemical Sciences, Earth/Atmospheric/Ocean/Planetary Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Physical Sciences.

7. When can I correct my application form?

The correction window is open from 10 to 12 November 2026, up to 11:50 PM.

8. Where do I apply for CSIR UGC NET December 2026?

Apply online at csirnet.nta.nic.in, the official NTA CSIR NET portal.

Conclusion

The CSIR UGC NET December 2026 application window is open until 5 November 2026, so there is time, but not much of it, to register, choose your subject and cities, and pay the fee. Keep your degree details and documents ready, apply before the regular deadline to avoid the ₹500 late fee, and use the correction window from 10 to 12 November for any mistakes. Always confirm the latest dates and instructions on the official NTA website.

Apply Online   |   NTA Website