CSIR UGC NET December 2026: Apply Online
CSIR UGC NET December 2026 is an important national-level examination for candidates seeking a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), Assistant Professor eligibility, or admission to PhD programmes. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced the examination schedule, eligibility criteria, application fees, and online application dates. Eligible candidates can submit their applications through the official website.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!CSIR UGC NET December 2026: Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Level | National |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Qualification | Master’s Degree or equivalent |
| Maximum Age for JRF | 30 years, with applicable relaxations |
| Application Fee | Rs. 325 to Rs. 1,150 |
| Application Start Date | 7 October 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 5 November 2026 |
| Correction Window | 10–12 November 2026 |
| Examination Dates | 19, 22 and 27 December 2026 |
| Official Website | https://csirnet.nta.nic.in |
What Is CSIR UGC NET?
The Joint CSIR-UGC NET examination determines the eligibility of Indian candidates for different academic and research opportunities in universities, colleges and research establishments.
Depending on the eligibility category and examination results, candidates may qualify for a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Assistant Professor eligibility, Assistant Professor eligibility and PhD admission, or PhD admission only.
The examination is conducted by the National Testing Agency on behalf of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). It is a computer-based test conducted in Hindi and English, with a duration of three hours.
CSIR UGC NET December 2026: Eligibility Criteria
Candidates should check the educational qualification and age requirements before submitting their application.
Educational Qualification
Applicants must have a Master’s degree or an equivalent qualification from a recognised university or institution.
| Category | Minimum Marks in Master’s Degree |
|---|---|
| General/Unreserved | 55% |
| General-EWS | 55% |
| OBC-NCL | 50% |
| SC/ST | 50% |
| Persons with Disabilities (PwD) | 50% |
| Third Gender | 50% |
Candidates who are pursuing their Master’s degree, appearing in the final-year examination, or awaiting their results may also apply provisionally. However, they must complete their degree within the prescribed period and secure the required percentage of marks.
Candidates qualifying for PhD admission only must complete their Master’s degree or equivalent qualification within one year from the date of the NET result, subject to the official eligibility conditions.
Age Limit
For the Junior Research Fellowship, the maximum age limit is 30 years as of the first day of the month in which the examination concludes, that is, December 2026.
Age relaxation of up to five years is available to eligible candidates belonging to OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD and third-gender categories, as well as women applicants, according to the applicable rules.
There is no upper age limit for candidates applying for Assistant Professor eligibility or PhD admission through CSIR-UGC NET.
Candidates should refer to the official notification for detailed age-relaxation provisions and eligibility conditions.
CSIR UGC NET December 2026: JRF Stipend
Candidates selected for the Junior Research Fellowship can receive financial support for research activities and doctoral studies.
| Particulars | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly stipend for the first two years | Rs. 37,000 |
| Annual contingent grant | Rs. 20,000 |
| Monthly stipend after upgradation to SRF (NET) | Rs. 42,000 |
After completing two years as a JRF, eligible fellows registered for a PhD may be upgraded to Senior Research Fellowship (SRF-NET), subject to the applicable assessment and fellowship rules. The increased stipend applies from the third year onward.
CSIR UGC NET December 2026: Application Fee
Candidates must pay the application fee according to their category.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General | Rs. 1,150 |
| General-EWS/OBC-NCL | Rs. 600 |
| SC/ST | Rs. 325 |
| Third Gender | Rs. 325 |
| Persons with Disabilities (PwD) | Rs. 325 |
The fee can be paid online using net banking, debit card, credit card or UPI. Applicants should check the official information bulletin for payment instructions and any applicable service charges.
How to Apply for CSIR UGC NET December 2026?
Eligible candidates can complete the application process online through the official NTA CSIR NET portal. Follow these steps:
- Visit the official website at https://csirnet.nta.nic.in.
- Find the CSIR UGC NET December 2026 online application link.
- Register using the required personal details and contact information.
- Complete the application form with accurate educational and other details.
- Upload the required documents, photograph and signature in the prescribed format.
- Pay the application fee according to your category.
- Review all the information before submitting the form.
- Download and print the final application form and payment confirmation for future reference.
Candidates should keep their registration details and payment receipt safe until the examination and admission-related processes are completed.
Important Dates of CSIR UGC NET December 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Begins | 7 October 2026 |
| Last Date for Online Application | 5 November 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | 10–12 November 2026 |
| Examination Dates | 19, 22 and 27 December 2026 |
Candidates should submit their applications before the deadline and check the official website regularly for updates regarding examination centres, admit cards, city intimation slips and results.
Important Links
| Particulars | Link |
|---|---|
| Online Application Form | https://csirnet.nta.nic.in |
| Official Notification | Click Here |
| Information Bulletin | Click Here |
| Official Website | https://csirnet.nta.nic.in |
For assistance, candidates can contact the NTA Help Desk at 011-40759000 or 011-69227700, or email [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the starting date for CSIR UGC NET December 2026 applications?
The online application process starts on 7 October 2026.
What is the last date to apply for CSIR UGC NET December 2026?
The last date to submit the online application is 5 November 2026.
When will the CSIR UGC NET December 2026 examination be held?
The examination is scheduled for 19, 22 and 27 December 2026.
What is the educational qualification for CSIR UGC NET 2026?
Candidates generally need a Master’s degree or equivalent qualification with at least 55% marks for the General and General-EWS categories and 50% marks for the specified reserved categories.
What is the maximum age limit for CSIR UGC NET JRF?
The maximum age limit for JRF is 30 years, with applicable age relaxations for eligible categories.
Is there an upper age limit for Assistant Professor eligibility?
No. There is no upper age limit for Assistant Professor eligibility through CSIR-UGC NET.
What is the application fee for CSIR UGC NET December 2026?
The fee is Rs. 1,150 for General candidates, Rs. 600 for General-EWS/OBC-NCL candidates and Rs. 325 for SC/ST, third-gender and PwD candidates, according to the supplied notification details.
What is the monthly JRF stipend under CSIR UGC NET?
The JRF stipend is Rs. 37,000 per month for the first two years. Eligible fellows upgraded to SRF-NET may receive Rs. 42,000 per month from the third year onward.
Where can candidates apply for CSIR UGC NET December 2026?
Candidates can visit the official website at https://csirnet.nta.nic.in to access the application portal and official examination updates.
