UGC NET June 2026 Registration Now Open: Apply by May 20, Exams from June 22–30
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially released the notification for the UGC NET June 2026 examination, marking the beginning of the registration window for aspiring candidates. Those interested can now submit their applications through the official examination portal. This national-level test serves as a gateway for securing Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), eligibility for Assistant Professor positions, and admission to PhD programs across Indian universities and colleges.
Key Dates for UGC NET June 2026
The online application process commenced on April 29, 2026, and will remain open until May 20, 2026, with the deadline extending to 11:50 PM on the final day. Candidates are strongly advised to complete their submissions well before the cutoff rather than waiting until the last moment to avoid technical issues or server congestion.
The examination is scheduled to be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode between June 22 and June 30, 2026, covering 85 subjects. The NTA has outlined a clear timeline for other important milestones, including the release of exam city information by June 10 and the availability of admit cards by June 15. A dedicated correction window will also be provided from May 22 to May 24, 2026, allowing applicants to make necessary modifications to their submitted forms.
Complete Schedule at a Glance
- Application start date: April 29, 2026
- Application deadline: May 20, 2026 (up to 11:50 PM)
- Fee payment deadline: May 20, 2026 (up to 11:50 PM)
- Correction window: May 22–24, 2026
- Exam city notification: On or before June 10, 2026
- Admit card release: On or before June 15, 2026
- Examination dates: June 22–30, 2026
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
To apply for the UGC NET June 2026 examination, candidates must hold a Master’s degree from a recognized university or institution. Those currently in the final year of their postgraduate program are also eligible to apply. The minimum marks requirement stands at 55 percent for candidates from the General category, while those belonging to reserved categories—including SC, ST, OBC, and PwD—need a minimum of 50 percent in their Master’s degree.
Regarding age limits, the maximum age for JRF applicants is 30 years. However, there is no upper age restriction for candidates seeking eligibility for Assistant Professor roles or PhD admissions, making the examination accessible to a broader range of academic aspirants.
Application Process and Fee Structure
All applications must be submitted exclusively through the online mode. Candidates will need a valid email address and mobile number for registration purposes. It is important to note that each applicant can submit only one application form for the examination.
The application fee varies based on the candidate’s category. General category applicants are required to pay ₹1,150, while those belonging to EWS and OBC categories must pay ₹600. Candidates from SC, ST, PwD, and third-gender categories have a reduced fee of ₹325. Payment can be made through multiple digital channels, including debit cards, credit cards, net banking, and UPI.
New Subjects Added to the Syllabus
In a notable development, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has expanded its subject list for this examination cycle. Statistics has been introduced as a new subject in the main list, with its complete syllabus now available for candidates to review. Additionally, Forestry has been added to the list of additional subjects, offering more options for candidates with specialized academic backgrounds.
Important Instructions for Candidates
Applicants should keep the following essential points in mind while completing their registration:
- The application form will be accessible online from April 29 to May 20, 2026
- Applications must be submitted only through the official examination website
- Only one application per candidate will be accepted
- Ensure the use of a valid email ID and mobile number during registration
- Aadhaar-based verification is recommended for smoother processing
- The correction window will remain open from May 22 to May 24, 2026
Candidates are encouraged to regularly check the official website for any updates or announcements regarding the examination. With the registration window now open, prospective applicants should begin preparing their documentation and completing their applications at the earliest opportunity to avoid last-minute complications.
