Are you preparing for the UGC NET December 2025 Examination and eagerly waiting for the hall ticket release? If yes, this blog is meant just for you.
The hall ticket is expected to be released in the coming days by the National Testing Agency (NTA), and candidates are advised to regularly monitor official announcements to avoid missing any important updates.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially opened the registration portal for the UGC NET December 2025 Examination. This national-level eligibility test plays a crucial role in determining candidates’ eligibility for:
- Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)
- Assistant Professor positions
- Ph.D. admissions in universities and colleges across India
The examination will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode across 85 subjects. Applications are accepted only through the official NTA website — ugcnet.nta.nic.in. Candidates are strongly advised to rely solely on official sources for accurate and timely information.
UGC NET Admit Card Release Dates (December 2025 – January 2026)
| UGC NET Exam Date (2025–26) | Admit Card Status & Release Date |
|---|---|
| 31 December 2025 | ✅ Released on 27 December 2025 |
| 2 January 2026 | 📅 Expected on 29 December 2025 |
| 3 January 2026 | 📅 Expected on 30 December 2025 |
| 5 January 2026 | 📅 Expected on 1 January 2026 |
| 6 January 2026 | 📅 Expected on 2 January 2026 |
Note for Candidates
- Admit cards are released 3–4 days before the exam date.
- Candidates must download the admit card only from the official NTA UGC NET website.
- Check details like exam date, shift timing, exam centre, and instructions carefully.
UGC NET December Session Exam Dates 2025–26
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially announced the examination schedule for the UGC NET December Session 2025–26. The University Grants Commission–National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) is a national-level examination conducted to determine eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Assistant Professor positions.
According to the notification released by NTA, the UGC NET December Session examination will commence on 31 December 2025 and continue until 7 January 2026. The examination will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode at designated examination centres across the country.
Candidates are advised to check the subject-wise exam schedule through the link provided below to confirm their exam date, shift, and reporting time.
Steps to Download UGC NET December Admit Card 2026
Step 1: Visit the official website of the National Testing Agency (NTA): ugcnet.nta.ac.in
Step 2: On the homepage, navigate to the “Latest Updates” section.
Step 3: Click on the link titled “UGC NET December Admit Card 2026”.
Step 4: Enter your Application Number, Password, and Security Pin in the login window.
Step 5: After entering the required details, click on the Submit button.
Step 6: Your UGC NET December Admit Card 2026, along with important exam-day instructions, will appear on the screen.
Step 7: Download the admit card and take 3–4 clear printouts for use on the examination day and for future reference.
UGC NET December 2025 — Key Dates to Remember
| Event | Date |
| Application Window | 7th October 2025 to 7th November 2025 (up to 11:50 PM) |
| Fee Payment Deadline | 7th November 2025 (up to 11:50 PM) |
| Correction Window | 10th to 12th November 2025 |
| Exam Date | 31-12-2025 to 07-01-2026 |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Official Websites | ugcnet.nta.nic.in / nta.ac.in |
NTA UGC NET December 2026 Exam Day Guidelines
Along with the release of the UGC NET December 2026 Admit Card, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has issued important instructions that all candidates must strictly follow on the day of the examination.
Instructions for UGC NET Exam Day
- Candidates must carry a printed copy of the UGC NET December 2026 Admit Card. Entry will not be permitted without the admit card.
- A valid photo identity proof such as Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving Licence is compulsory for identity verification.
- Candidates should reach the examination centre well before the reporting time mentioned on the admit card to avoid last-minute inconvenience.
- Candidates must occupy only the seat allotted to them and strictly follow the instructions given by the invigilators.
- Only permitted items are allowed inside the exam hall, including a transparent ball-point pen, transparent water bottle, and PwD-related documents (if applicable).
- Carrying electronic devices, written notes, study materials, or any prohibited items inside the examination hall is strictly forbidden.
Important Note
Candidates must ensure they carry the following items on the exam day:
- UGC NET Admit Card (printed copy)
- Valid Photo ID Proof
- Passport-size Photograph
- Transparent Ball-point Pen
- PwD Certificate (if applicable)
- Transparent Water Bottle
What Is the UGC NET Eligibility Criteria?
To appear for the UGC NET examination, candidates must meet specific educational qualifications, age limits, and nationality requirements as prescribed by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Understanding the eligibility criteria is crucial before applying, as it directly impacts your eligibility for Assistant Professor, Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), and Ph.D. admissions.
Below is a detailed and updated overview of the UGC NET eligibility guidelines.
UGC NET Educational Qualification
Master’s Degree Requirement
Candidates applying for the UGC NET exam must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent qualification from a UGC-recognized university or institution.
Minimum Marks Required:
- General / Unreserved / EWS: At least 55% marks in post-graduation
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer), SC, ST, PwD, and Third Gender: Minimum 50% marks
Important Note:
Candidates who completed their Master’s degree by 19 September 1991 and later obtained a Ph.D. are eligible for a 5% relaxation, making them eligible with 50% marks.
Final Year Candidates
Students currently in the final semester of their Master’s degree or those awaiting results are eligible to apply provisionally for the UGC NET exam.
However, such candidates must:
- Complete their degree with the required minimum percentage
- Submit proof within two years from the date of the UGC NET result
Failure to meet this requirement may lead to cancellation of eligibility.
Honours / Research Degree Holders
Candidates who have completed a 4-year Bachelor’s Degree (Honours / Research) are directly eligible to appear for the UGC NET exam.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Minimum 75% marks or equivalent grade
- No Master’s degree required
Such candidates can apply directly for UGC NET eligibility under the updated UGC norms.
UGC NET Subject Flexibility & Ph.D. Requirement Clarified
Earlier, candidates were required to appear for UGC NET only in the subject of their post-graduation. However, the UGC has now relaxed this rule.
Candidates are allowed to:
- Choose any subject of interest while applying for UGC NET
Important Clarification:
- If you clear UGC NET in a subject different from your post-graduation, you must pursue a Ph.D. in that subject to become eligible for the Assistant Professor role.
- Merely qualifying NET in an unrelated subject does not automatically qualify you for Assistant Professor positions.
Eligibility for teaching roles is confirmed only after completing a Ph.D. in the same subject in which NET was cleared.
Nationality Requirement
- Indian citizens are fully eligible to apply for the UGC NET examination.
- NRIs and foreign nationals are also permitted to apply.
However:
- Their eligibility is generally restricted to the Assistant Professor post.
- They are not eligible for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF).
What Is the Age Limit for the UGC NET Exam?
For Assistant Professor
Qualifying UGC NET makes candidates eligible to apply for Assistant Professor positions in universities and colleges.
- No upper age limit to appear for the UGC NET exam.
- As per UGC 2021 regulations, a Ph.D. is mandatory for permanent Assistant Professor roles in universities.
- In colleges, UGC NET qualification is widely accepted, but having or pursuing a Ph.D. significantly enhances career prospects.
For Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)
Candidates qualifying UGC NET with JRF are eligible to receive a monthly fellowship to pursue a Ph.D. program.
Age Limit to Become JRF
- Upper age limit: 30 years
UGC NET JRF Age Relaxation:
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 years
- SC / ST / PwD / Third Gender: 5 years
- Women candidates: 5 years
- Candidates with research experience: As per UGC norms
What Is the UGC NET Exam Pattern?
The UGC NET examination is conducted in two papers — Paper 1 and Paper 2. Both papers are held in a single session and are mandatory for all candidates. The combined performance in these two papers determines eligibility for Assistant Professor and/or Junior Research Fellowship (JRF).
Understanding the exam pattern in detail helps candidates plan their preparation strategy effectively.
UGC NET Paper 1
UGC NET Paper 1 is designed to assess a candidate’s teaching and research aptitude. This paper is common for all candidates, irrespective of the subject chosen.
It evaluates key skills such as:
- Teaching and research aptitude
- Reasoning ability
- Reading comprehension
- Divergent thinking
- General awareness
Paper 1 tests analytical thinking, problem-solving ability, and the overall academic aptitude required for a teaching and research career.
UGC NET Paper 2
UGC NET Paper 2 focuses on the subject of specialization selected by the candidate. The subject can be based on the candidate’s postgraduate qualification or chosen area of interest, as permitted by UGC guidelines.
This paper is designed to test:
- In-depth subject knowledge
- Conceptual clarity
- Analytical and application-based understanding of the subject
Paper 2 plays a crucial role in determining a candidate’s rank and subject-wise merit.
Important Note
Candidates must qualify in both Paper 1 and Paper 2 to obtain a valid UGC NET score. The final score determines eligibility for Assistant Professor and/or Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), based on the cut-off criteria set by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
UGC NET Syllabus
We provide the latest, updated syllabus for:
UGC NET Paper 1 Syllabus:
Unit-I Teaching Aptitude
Unit-II Research Aptitude
Unit-III Comprehension
Unit-IV Communication
Unit-V Mathematical Reasoning and Aptitude
Unit-VI Logical Reasoning
Unit-VII Data Interpretation
Unit-VIII Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Unit-IX People, Development and Environment
Unit-X Higher Education System
Download UGC NET Paper 1 Syllabus
UGC NET Paper 2 Syllabus
UGC NET Paper 2 covers the subject-specific syllabus, including fields like
Download English Syllabus
Download Computer Science Syllabus
Download Commerce Syllabus
Download Economics Syllabus
Download Education Syllabus
Download Management Syllabus
Download Tamil Syllabus
Download Law Syllabus
Download History Syllabus
Download Home Science Syllabus
Download Geography Syllabus
and more
Download the syllabus PDF for all UGC NET Paper 1 and Paper 2 subjects officially released by NTA
Medium of UGC NET Examination
The UGC NET examination is conducted in English and Hindi for most subjects. However, for language-specific subjects such as English, Hindi, Tamil, and other regional or foreign languages, the question paper is set exclusively in the respective language.
During the online application process, candidates are required to select their preferred medium of examination. This choice must be made carefully, as it cannot be changed after submission of the application form.
UGC NET Cut-off Criteria
UGC NET does not have separate cut-offs for Paper 1 and Paper 2. The final qualification is determined based on the combined aggregate score obtained in both papers.
How the UGC NET Cut-off Works
- Paper 1 assesses teaching and research aptitude and carries 100 marks
- Paper 2 evaluates subject-specific knowledge and carries 200 marks
To be considered for qualification, candidates must secure the minimum aggregate marks in both papers:
- General / EWS category: 40% aggregate
- OBC-NCL / SC / ST / PwD / Third Gender: 35% aggregate
Among the candidates who meet the minimum qualifying criteria, only the top 6% of candidates nationwide, calculated subject-wise and category-wise, are declared UGC NET qualified.
The final cut-offs are released by the National Testing Agency (NTA) after the declaration of results.
Key Benefits of Clearing the UGC NET Exam
1. Eligibility for Assistant Professor Positions
Qualifying the UGC NET exam makes you eligible to apply for Assistant Professor posts in UGC-recognized universities and colleges across India. It is the minimum mandatory qualification for teaching positions in higher education institutions.
- Accepted by Central, State, and Private Universities
- Recognized nationwide
- Enhances credibility and academic profile
Note: As per UGC regulations, a Ph.D. is mandatory for permanent Assistant Professor posts in universities, while colleges still accept NET qualification.
2. Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) – Financial Support for Research
Candidates who qualify UGC NET with JRF receive a monthly fellowship to pursue full-time Ph.D. research.
JRF Benefits:
- Monthly fellowship (as per UGC norms)
- Research contingency grant
- Opportunity to work under top research supervisors
- Financial independence during Ph.D.
JRF significantly reduces the financial burden of doctoral studies and allows scholars to focus entirely on research.
3. Direct Admission to Ph.D. Programs
UGC NET and NET-JRF qualified candidates are preferred or exempted from entrance tests in many universities for Ph.D. admissions.
- Priority during Ph.D. interviews
- Exemption from written entrance exams (in many universities)
- Higher chances of selection
This accelerates your academic journey and saves valuable preparation time.
4. Strong Career Growth in Academia
Clearing UGC NET lays the foundation for long-term academic growth, including roles such as:
- Assistant Professor
- Associate Professor
- Professor
- Research Scientist
- Academic Consultant
With experience and publications, candidates can also move into academic administration and leadership roles.
5. National Recognition & Academic Credibility
UGC NET is a national-level competitive examination. Qualifying it establishes your subject expertise and teaching aptitude at a national standard.
- Improves academic reputation
- Adds weight to your CV
- Increases selection chances in interviews
6. Opportunities Beyond Teaching
UGC NET qualification is valued not only in universities but also in:
- Research organizations
- Think tanks
- Educational policy bodies
- Government projects
- Content development & academic publishing
This makes UGC NET a versatile qualification with multiple career pathways.
UGC NET vs UGC NET with JRF – Quick Comparison
| Feature | UGC NET | UGC NET + JRF |
| Assistant Professor Eligibility | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Monthly Fellowship | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Ph.D. Funding | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Research Priority | ❌ Limited | ✅ High |
UGC NET Certificate Validity
Understanding the validity of the UGC NET certificate is essential for planning your academic and professional journey. The validity period varies depending on whether you qualify for JRF, Assistant Professor eligibility, or Ph.D. admission.
JRF Certificate Validity
The Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) is valid for three years from the date mentioned in the official JRF award letter. Candidates must secure admission to a Ph.D. program within this three-year period to activate and utilize the fellowship benefits.
Failing to enroll in a Ph.D. within the stipulated timeframe will result in the expiry of the JRF eligibility.
Assistant Professor Certificate Validity
UGC NET qualification for the Assistant Professor post carries lifetime validity. There is no upper time limit for applying to teaching positions in UGC-recognized universities and colleges once you have qualified NET.
This lifetime validity ensures long-term career flexibility and stability in the teaching profession.
Ph.D. Admission Validity
For Ph.D. admissions, the UGC NET qualification is generally considered valid for one year, subject to the admission rules of the respective university or institution.
Universities may have additional eligibility requirements or interview processes, so candidates are advised to check individual university guidelines before applying.
UGC NET E-Certificate Download
Qualified candidates can download their UGC NET e-certificate directly from the official UGC NET website. It is strongly recommended to securely store both digital and printed copies of the certificate for future academic admissions, recruitment processes, and verification purposes.
Clearing the UGC NET exam is more than just qualifying a test—it is a gateway to a respected academic career. Whether your goal is teaching, research, or higher studies, UGC NET provides the credibility, opportunities, and career stability required to succeed in India’s higher education ecosystem.
Prepare for UGC NET with Professor Academy
At Professor Academy, we specialize in guiding UGC NET aspirants toward success through expert-led courses, structured study plans, and exam-focused learning resources. With years of experience in competitive exam coaching, our UGC NET programs are designed to meet the latest NTA exam pattern, syllabus, and difficulty level.
Whether you are aiming for Assistant Professor eligibility or JRF, our courses and books provide the clarity, consistency, and confidence required to crack the UGC NET exam.
Our UGC NET Online Courses
We offer subject-wise UGC NET courses, handled by experienced faculty with in-depth conceptual teaching and regular practice support:
Join UGC NET Tamil Course
Join UGC NET Education Course
Join UGC NET PAPER 1 Course
Join UGC NET Commerce Course
Join UGC NET Home Science Course
Join UGC NET History Course
Join UGC NET Geography Course
Join UGC NET Law Course
Join UGC NET Economics Course
Join UGC NET English Course
Join UGC NET Computer Science Course
UGC NET Management
Each course includes live & recorded classes, syllabus-wise coverage, test series, and doubt-clearing support, making it suitable for both full-time aspirants and working professionals.
Buy Our UGC NET Books & Study Materials
Our UGC NET books are curated by subject experts, strictly aligned with the NTA syllabus, and designed for conceptual clarity + exam-oriented practice.
Buy UGC NET Paper 1 Books
Buy UGC NET English – Paper 2 Books
Buy UGC NET MEGA BOOK COMBO – English (Paper 2) + Paper 1 + PYQs:
UGC NET Paper 1 Books + UGC NET Previous Year Question Book
UGC NET Paper 1 Previous Year Question Bank
Our books are available in clear, exam-focused formats, combining theory, practice questions, and PYQs to maximize retention and performance.
Start Your UGC NET Journey with Confidence
With the right guidance, reliable resources, and consistent preparation, clearing UGC NET becomes achievable. Professor Academy is committed to supporting you at every step—from preparation to qualification.
To know more about us
Visit Our Website
And do connect with us at
Email : enquiry@professoracademy.com
FAQs – UGC NET Admit Card 2026
Q1. Has the UGC NET Admit Card 2026 been released?
Yes. The UGC NET Admit Card for the December 2025–26 session has been released by NTA on 27 December 2025 for candidates whose exam is scheduled on 31 December 2025.
Q2. What is the official website to download the UGC NET December Admit Card 2025–26?
Candidates can download the UGC NET December Admit Card from the official website: ugcnet.nta.ac.in.
Q3. Who conducts the UGC NET 2026 examination?
The National Testing Agency (NTA) is responsible for conducting the UGC NET examination.
Q4. What are the exam dates for the UGC NET December 2025–26 session?
The UGC NET December 2025–26 session examinations are scheduled to be conducted from 31 December 2025 to 7 January 2026.
Q5. For which exam date has the UGC NET Admit Card been released so far?
The UGC NET Admit Card has currently been released for candidates appearing on 31 December 2025.
Q6. For which exam dates are UGC NET Admit Cards yet to be released?
Admit cards for the UGC NET examinations scheduled on 2, 3, 5, and 6 January 2026 are yet to be released.
Q7. Are the UGC NET City Intimation Slip and Admit Card the same?
No. The City Intimation Slip only provides information about the exam city, whereas the Admit Card contains complete exam details and is mandatory for entry into the examination centre.