The National Testing Agency (NTA) has started the online application process for the Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 examination. The examination is conducted to determine eligibility for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), Assistant Professor positions and PhD admission, according to the applicable qualification category.
Eligible candidates can submit their applications through the official CSIR-UGC NET website. Candidates should read the information bulletin carefully to check eligibility, application fees, examination dates and other important instructions before applying.
An important change for the December 2026 session is the merger of DBT-BET with CSIR-UGC NET Life Sciences. Candidates interested in this subject should review the updated syllabus and eligibility requirements.
CSIR UGC NET December 2026: Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Examination Body | CSIR and UGC |
| Examination Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 7 October 2026 |
| Last Date Without Late Fee | 5 November 2026 |
| Application with Late Fee | 6–9 November 2026 |
| Examination Dates | 19, 22 and 27 December 2026 |
| Subjects | Five science disciplines, including the newly combined Life Sciences & Biotechnology |
| Official Website | https://csirnet.nta.nic.in/ |
Important Dates
Candidates should note the important dates for the CSIR UGC NET December 2026 examination.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Starts | 7 October 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Without Late Fee | 5 November 2026 |
| Application with Late Fee | 6–9 November 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | 10–12 November 2026 |
| Examination Dates | 19, 22 and 27 December 2026 |
| Exam City Intimation | To be announced |
| Admit Card Release | To be announced |
| Result Declaration | To be announced |
Candidates should check the official NTA website for any changes to the examination schedule.
CSIR UGC NET December 2026: Subject List
The examination covers the following science disciplines:
- Chemical Sciences
- Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences
- Life Sciences & Biotechnology (LS & BT)
- Mathematical Sciences
- Physical Sciences
Important update: The December 2026 session introduces the combined Life Sciences & Biotechnology discipline following the merger of DBT-BET with CSIR-UGC NET Life Sciences. Candidates should consult the updated official syllabus before preparing for this subject.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must meet the educational qualification requirements specified in the official information bulletin.
Eligibility may depend on the candidate’s qualifying degree, subject, marks and category. Candidates with relevant postgraduate qualifications or other qualifications specifically accepted under the examination rules should check the applicable eligibility conditions.
Candidates who are currently studying or awaiting results should refer to the official bulletin for the rules governing provisional eligibility.
Age Limit
The age limit depends on the eligibility category for which the candidate applies.
- Junior Research Fellowship (JRF): The upper age limit and applicable relaxations are prescribed in the official information bulletin.
- Assistant Professor: The JRF upper-age restriction does not apply in the same manner; candidates must satisfy the applicable educational eligibility criteria.
- PhD Admission: Eligibility depends on the prescribed qualification and the relevant examination category.
Candidates should verify the current age limit, cut-off date and category-wise relaxation rules in the official December 2026 information bulletin.
Application Fee
Candidates should confirm the applicable examination fee according to their category in the official information bulletin.
The fee should be paid through the authorised online payment options available on the application portal. Any late fee and payment deadline should also be checked before submitting the application.
Selection Process
The Joint CSIR-UGC NET examination is conducted through a computer-based test.
The result determines eligibility according to the applicable categories, which may include:
- Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Assistant Professor eligibility.
- Assistant Professor eligibility and admission to PhD.
- PhD admission only.
The eligibility category awarded depends on the candidate’s performance and the rules specified by NTA and CSIR. Qualifying for the examination does not automatically guarantee a fellowship, appointment or admission.
How to Apply for CSIR UGC NET December 2026
Follow these steps to complete the online application:
- Visit the official CSIR-UGC NET website.
- Open the December 2026 application link.
- Complete the registration process using the required details.
- Fill in the online application form carefully.
- Select the appropriate subject and examination details.
- Upload the required photograph, signature and supporting documents in the prescribed format.
- Pay the applicable examination fee.
- Review the information entered in the application form.
- Submit the application before the applicable deadline.
- Download or print the confirmation page for future reference.
Candidates should use accurate personal and educational information and retain their application number for future updates.
Important Links
- Apply Online: https://csirnet.nta.nic.in/
- Official Website: https://csirnet.nta.nic.in/
- Information Bulletin: Available on the official CSIR-UGC NET website.
- Official Notification: Check the December 2026 public notice.
- Updated Syllabus: Refer to the official information bulletin, especially for Life Sciences & Biotechnology.
- Exam City and Admit Card: To be announced through official notices.
- Result: To be announced.
Candidates should use the official portal for registration, payments and examination-related updates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is CSIR UGC NET December 2026?
It is a national-level examination conducted by NTA for determining eligibility for JRF, Assistant Professor positions and PhD admission in specified science disciplines.
2. What is the last date to apply for CSIR UGC NET December 2026?
The reported last date to apply without a late fee is 5 November 2026. Applications with the prescribed late fee are scheduled for 6–9 November 2026.
3. When will the CSIR UGC NET December 2026 examination be held?
The examination is scheduled for 19, 22 and 27 December 2026, subject to official updates.
4. How many subjects are included in CSIR UGC NET?
The examination covers five science disciplines, including Life Sciences & Biotechnology, the combined discipline introduced for the December 2026 session.
5. Is there an age limit for CSIR UGC NET?
The upper age limit applies according to the eligibility category. JRF has a prescribed upper age limit, while other categories follow their applicable eligibility rules.
6. Where can candidates apply online?
Candidates can apply through the official website: https://csirnet.nta.nic.in/.
7. Where can I download the CSIR UGC NET syllabus?
The official syllabus and information bulletin are available through the CSIR-UGC NET website. Candidates should use the updated syllabus for the December 2026 session.
Disclaimer
MathsIQ.in is an independent educational information website and is not affiliated with NTA, CSIR or UGC. Examination information is provided for general guidance. Candidates should verify eligibility, fees, application deadlines and examination dates through the official notification and information bulletin before applying.