UGC NET & CSIR NET December 2026 registrations reach 2.19 lakh. Check application counts, last dates, eligibility, official websites and how to apply.
Published 24 Oct 2026
By Naukritrail Team
UGC NET & CSIR NET December 2026 Latest Update: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has reported a combined 2,18,961 applications for the UGC NET and Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 examinations. According to the registration figures shared on 22 October 2026, UGC NET has received 1,86,301 applications, while CSIR NET has recorded 32,660 applications.
The registration process for both national-level examinations is currently underway. Candidates planning to pursue careers in higher education, teaching or academic research are advised to complete their applications before the respective deadlines.
The last date to apply for UGC NET December 2026 is 28 October 2026, while applications for Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 will close on 5 November 2026.
UGC NET & CSIR NET December 2026: Key Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Authority | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Examination | UGC NET and Joint CSIR-UGC NET |
| Examination Session | December 2026 |
| Total Applications Reported | 2,18,961 |
| UGC NET Registrations | 1,86,301 |
| CSIR NET Registrations | 32,660 |
| UGC NET Registration Period | 8–28 October 2026 |
| CSIR NET Registration Period | 7 October–5 November 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| UGC NET Website | https://ugcnet.nta.nic.in/ |
| CSIR NET Website | https://csirnet.nta.nic.in/ |
UGC NET December 2026: More Than 1.86 Lakh Applications Received
According to the registration update, 1,86,301 candidates had submitted applications for the UGC NET December 2026 examination.
With the registration deadline approaching, the total number of applications may increase further.
UGC NET is an important national eligibility examination for postgraduate candidates interested in becoming Assistant Professors, pursuing doctoral research or obtaining Junior Research Fellowships.
Candidates who have not yet applied should visit the official UGC NET portal and complete the registration process by 28 October 2026.
Official Website: https://ugcnet.nta.nic.in/
CSIR NET December 2026: Over 32,000 Candidates Registered
For the Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 examination, 32,660 applications had been reported in the same update.
CSIR NET primarily serves candidates from science-related disciplines who wish to pursue research fellowships, doctoral studies or academic teaching careers.
The examination covers five major subject areas:
- Chemical Sciences
- Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences
- Life Sciences
- Mathematical Sciences
- Physical Sciences
The final date for submitting the Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 application form is 5 November 2026.
Official Website: https://csirnet.nta.nic.in/
What Is the Purpose of UGC NET and CSIR NET?
Both examinations are conducted nationally to determine eligibility for academic and research opportunities in Indian universities, colleges and recognised institutions.
Depending on examination performance and applicable eligibility criteria, candidates may qualify for:
- Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Assistant Professor eligibility.
- Assistant Professor eligibility and admission to Ph.D. programmes.
- Admission to Ph.D. programmes only.
Qualifying for NET does not automatically guarantee a teaching appointment, research fellowship or Ph.D. admission. Candidates must also fulfil the requirements of the concerned institution or recruiting authority.
How to Apply for UGC NET or CSIR NET December 2026
Eligible candidates can complete the online registration process by following these steps:
- Visit the relevant official NTA examination website.
- Open the December 2026 application form link.
- Complete new candidate registration using the required personal details.
- Sign in with the generated application credentials.
- Enter educational qualifications, examination preferences and other required information.
- Upload the necessary photograph, signature and supporting documents in the prescribed format.
- Pay the applicable examination fee using the available online payment options.
- Submit the application and download the confirmation page for future reference.
Candidates should carefully verify their details before final submission and retain a copy of the completed application.
Important Dates for December 2026 NET Examinations
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| UGC NET Online Registration Begins | 8 October 2026 |
| UGC NET Application Deadline | 28 October 2026 |
| CSIR NET Online Registration Begins | 7 October 2026 |
| CSIR NET Application Deadline | 5 November 2026 |
Applicants should refer to the relevant official information bulletin for fee payment deadlines, application correction schedules, examination dates and other instructions.
NTA Helpdesk Details
Candidates experiencing difficulties during registration can contact the examination-specific NTA helpdesk.
| Examination | |
|---|---|
| UGC NET | ugcnet@nta.ac.in |
| Joint CSIR-UGC NET | csirnet@nta.ac.in |
NTA Helpline Numbers: 011-40759000 / 011-69227700
Important Advice for Applicants
Candidates are encouraged to submit their forms well before the final registration dates to minimise the risk of last-minute technical difficulties or payment-related issues.
Before submitting an application, applicants should check the official information bulletin for educational qualifications, eligibility conditions, examination fees, document requirements and the latest instructions.
Official Application Links
UGC NET December 2026:
https://ugcnet.nta.nic.in/
Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2026:
https://csirnet.nta.nic.in/
National Testing Agency:
https://nta.ac.in/
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How many applications have been received for UGC NET and CSIR NET December 2026?
According to the figures reported on 22 October 2026, a combined 2,18,961 applications had been received for both examinations.
Q2. What is the last date to apply for UGC NET December 2026?
The reported application deadline is 28 October 2026.
Q3. What is the last date for CSIR NET December 2026 registration?
The reported final date for online registration is 5 November 2026.
Q4. Can candidates apply for both UGC NET and CSIR NET?
Candidates may apply for both examinations if they independently satisfy the applicable eligibility requirements and complete the respective application processes.
Q5. Where can candidates apply online?
UGC NET applications can be submitted at ugcnet.nta.nic.in, while CSIR NET applications are available through csirnet.nta.nic.in.
Disclaimer: Registration figures reflect the update reported on 22 October 2026 and are not final application totals. Candidates should consult the official NTA websites and examination bulletins for the latest instructions, deadlines and eligibility conditions.