NTA Updates UGC NET December 2026 Rules and Exam Schedule

NTA has issued an updated information bulletin for UGC NET December 2026. It sets out the examination schedule, application process, evaluation rules and revised candidate instructions.

By Career Ahead AI — AI-assisted, fact-verified against cited sources. Readers should verify key facts.

Applicants have separate dates for submission and corrections

The examination is scheduled for December 14–18 and December 21, 2026, and the bulletin specifies computer-based test mode. The examination lasts three hours, with no break between the two papers. Candidates can use the published schedule and format to plan their exam preparation and sitting.¹²

The application window opened on October 8 and closes on October 28, 2026. The late-fee application period runs from October 29 through October 31, and the correction window runs from November 2 to November 4. Applicants should check which stage applies before making an application or correction.²

Applicants should check which stage applies before making an application or correction.2

Answer review status and shift pattern affect evaluation

Answered or attempted questions are evaluated even when marked for review, while unanswered or unattempted questions are not evaluated. For single-shift subjects, percentile scores appear on scorecards but do not determine qualification or cut-offs. For subjects held across multiple shifts, qualifying cut-offs apply to normalised marks.¹

Candidates may revise their examination city preferences during the correction window. If fewer than four cities are available in their state or Union Territory of permanent or present address, they may choose from the available options displayed. Applicants with fewer choices can use those options when reviewing their city preferences.¹

Candidates need to track release dates and centre rules

The examination city intimation slip is scheduled for November 23, while admit cards are available from December 7, 2026. Candidates should check each item separately. Examination-centre gates close 30 minutes before the examination begins, making arrival time part of exam-day planning.¹²

The examination centre provides a ball-point pen, so candidates do not need to bring one. Watches of all kinds are prohibited. Eligible candidates who have submitted the prescribed certificates are entitled to compensatory time of 20 minutes per hour, along with a scribe where applicable.¹

The Rs 500 late fee is additional to the applicable examination fee. The answer-key challenge fee is Rs 200 per question challenged. Applicants considering either payment should check the relevant fee basis: one is added to the examination fee, while the other applies to each question challenged.¹

Candidates need to track release dates and centre rules The examination city intimation slip is scheduled for November 23, while admit cards are available from December 7, 2026.

Check which rules apply before making exam decisions

Candidates should check whether their circumstances match the stated eligibility and certificate conditions for compensatory time, and identify which qualification rule applies to their subject’s shift pattern. These checks connect a candidate’s own exam arrangements with the rules governing qualification.¹

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