CSIR UGC NET December 2026 — Overview

• Examination Name: Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2026.
• Conducting Authority: National Testing Agency (NTA).
• Examination Level: National.
• Examination Mode: Computer Based Test (CBT).
• Examination Medium: Hindi and English.
• Examination Duration: 180 minutes (3 hours).
• Application Mode: Online.
• Application Start Date: 7 October 2026.
• Last Date to Apply: 5 November 2026.
• Examination Purpose: To determine eligibility for JRF, Assistant Professor positions, and Ph.D. admission under the categories specified for the examination.

The CSIR-UGC NET examination is conducted for eligible Indian nationals who want to pursue research fellowships, qualify for Assistant Professor appointments, or seek Ph.D. admission through the applicable eligibility categories.

Eligibility Criteria for CSIR UGC NET December 2026

The age requirements for CSIR UGC NET December 2026 depend on the purpose for which a candidate is applying. Candidates seeking a Junior Research Fellowship must be not more than 30 years old 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 for candidates belonging to OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD and third-gender categories, as well as women applicants. For OBC-NCL candidates, the source specifies that the category must be based on the Central List of OBC available on the website mentioned in the notification.

Candidates applying for eligibility as an Assistant Professor do not have an upper age limit. Similarly, there is no upper age limit for candidates applying under the Ph.D.-only admission category.

Applicants should review the official notification to confirm that they meet the applicable age requirements and any other conditions for their selected eligibility category.

Educational Qualification for CSIR UGC NET December 2026

Candidates must have a Master’s degree or an equivalent qualification from a recognised university or institution. The minimum required marks vary according to the candidate’s category.

General, Unreserved and General-EWS candidates must have secured at least 55% marks, without rounding off, in their Master’s degree or equivalent examination. Candidates belonging to OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD and third-gender categories must have secured at least 50% marks, without rounding off.

Candidates who are currently pursuing a Master’s degree, have appeared in their final-year qualifying examination but are awaiting results, or whose qualifying examinations have been delayed may also apply. Such applicants will be admitted provisionally.

To become eligible, provisionally admitted candidates must complete their Master’s degree or equivalent qualification with the required percentage of marks within two years from the date of the NET result. Candidates qualifying specifically under the Ph.D.-only category must complete their Master’s degree within one year from the date of the NET result, meeting the applicable minimum marks requirement. Failure to meet these conditions will result in disqualification.

Application Fees for CSIR UGC NET December 2026

Candidates must pay the application fee according to their category. The fee can be paid online using net banking, debit card, credit card or UPI.

Candidates should verify the applicable fee and payment instructions in the official information bulletin before completing the application.

How to Apply for CSIR UGC NET December 2026

Eligible candidates can complete the application process online through the National Testing Agency’s official CSIR-UGC NET portal. Follow these steps to submit your application:

1. Visit the official CSIR-UGC NET website using the link provided in the Important Links section below.
2. Locate and open the Online Application Form link.
3. Complete the application form by entering the required personal and educational details.
4. Upload the necessary documents as instructed in the application portal.
5. Pay the application fee applicable to your category using an available online payment method.
6. Review the entered information and submit the application form.
7. Download or print a copy of the submitted application form for future reference.

Candidates should complete the process before the last date and keep a copy of their application details for future use.

Important Dates for CSIR UGC NET December 2026

• Online Application Start Date: 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.

Important Links for CSIR UGC NET December 2026

Junior Research Fellowship Stipend

Candidates selected for the Junior Research Fellowship through the CSIR-UGC NET can receive a monthly stipend, subject to the applicable fellowship terms and conditions.

• JRF Stipend: ₹37,000 per month for the first two years.
• Annual Contingent Grant: ₹20,000, reimbursed directly to the fellow.
• SRF (NET) Stipend: ₹42,000 per month from the third year onwards, subject to the applicable conditions.

After completing two years as a JRF, a fellow registered for a Ph.D. may have the fellowship upgraded to Senior Research Fellowship (SRF-NET), with the increased stipend applicable for the third and subsequent years.

The fellowship is governed by the terms and conditions of CSIR, UGC or the applicable research scheme.

FAQ for CSIR UGC NET December 2026