UGC NET December 2025 Notification: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially released the notification for the UGC NET December 2025 examination. Candidates aspiring to become Assistant Professors or pursue a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) can now apply online at ugcnet.nta.ac.in. The test will be done between 31st December 2025 and 7th January 2026.
The University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) is one of India’s most prestigious national-level exams. It is administered biannually in June and December and it defines eligibility to teaching and research positions in all institutions of higher learning in the country.
UGC NET December 2025 Notification Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Name | UGC NET December 2025 |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Level | National |
| Frequency | Twice a year |
| Mode | Online (CBT) |
| Duration | 3 hours |
| Papers | Paper I & Paper II |
| Official Website | ugcnet.nta.ac.in |
Important Dates for UGC NET December 2025
We have mentioned the important dates for UGC NET December 2025 below. Please have a look and mark these dates in your calendar as well.
- Notification Release Date: 7th October 2025
- Online Application Start Date: 7th October 2025
- Last Date to Apply: 7th November 2025 (up to 11:50 PM)
- Application Correction Window: 10th to 12th November 2025
- Exam Dates: 31st December 2025 – 7th January 2026
- Admit Card Release: Third week of December 2025
- Result Declaration: To be announced later
Candidates are advised to complete the registration process before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.
Purpose of the UGC NET Exam
The UGC NET exam serves two main purposes:
- Assistant Professor – Eligible candidates meeting this category can seek employment in teaching positions (universities and colleges in India).
- Award of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) – A successful candidate is allowed to research his or her post-graduate course or any associated field and is given fellowship privileges.
The test is also a source of Ph.D. admissions in most universities.
Eligibility Criteria for UGC NET December 2025
The candidates are expected to pay close attention to the terms of eligibility before application:
Educational Qualification
- The candidate should possess a Master’s degree or its equivalent in a recognised university.
- General/Unreserved/EWS/OBC-NCL candidates should have achieved 55 percent marks.
- SC/ST/PwD/Third Gender candidates should possess a minimum of 50 percent marks.
- Final year Master’s students may also apply, as long as they graduate with the degree within the required period.
Age Limit
In the case of JRF, the age limit is 30 years as on 1st December 2025. Relaxations can be applied to reserved categories according to the governmental norms.
In the case of an Assistant Professor, age is not a limitation.
How to Apply for UGC NET December 2025
The application procedure is completely online. Candidates can register through the official website of NTA: ugcnet.nta.ac.in.
Steps to Apply:
- Visit the official website and click on “Apply for UGC NET December 2025.”
- Create an account using a genuine email address and phone number.
- Complete the application form by using the correct personal and academic information.
- Post a scanned image of a current passport-size photograph and signature.
- Pay the application fee online using Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI.
- Print the confirmation page and keep it with you.
Application Fees:
- General (Unreserved): ₹1150
- EWS/OBC-NCL: ₹600
- SC/ST/PwD/Third Gender: ₹325
It is recommended that once applicants make a payment and get a confirmation, they should save the proof and use it later.
UGC NET December 2025 Exam Pattern
The UGC NET exam will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. It involves two papers in a session with no break.
Paper I:
- General Teaching and Research Aptitude
- 50 Questions, 100 Marks
Paper II:
- Subject-specific questions chosen by the candidate
- 100 Questions, 200 Marks
Note: The exam duration is of 3 hours (180 Minutes), There will be +2 marks for each correct answer, and no negative marking for incorrect answers. The questions will be objective (MCQs), and the mode of examination will be in English and in Hindi.
Important Instructions for Candidates
- The candidates should make sure that all personal and educational information provided in the application form is accurate.
- The correction window will open between 10th and 12th November 2025, and during this period, limited changes will be permitted.
- City intimation slip will be made approximately 10 days before the exam, and then the release of admit cards will be made.
- On the examination days, applicants need to bring:
- A printed Admit Card,
- One Photo ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, or Driving License),
- A passport-size photograph (same as uploaded).
Electronic gadgets, calculators, or study materials are strictly prohibited inside the exam hall.
Final Words
The UGC NET December 2025 is an incredible opportunity for postgraduate candidates aiming to pursue a career in academia or research. Now that the application window is open, the aspirants need to register and start preparing as per the most recent syllabus and past year papers.
Hello, my name is Jyoti, I am a content writer and I provide latest information related to jobs and exams.