The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially released the UGC NET June 2026 notification. The application window is open until 24 May 2026. This guide provides essential details on eligibility, exam dates, the revised pattern, syllabus, salary structure, and a step-by-step application walkthrough.
UGC NET June 2026 Notification
The official UGC NET June 2026 notification is now available for download on the NTA website. While the primary application phase has concluded, the application correction window is active from 26 May to 28 May 2026. This notification outlines critical updates to eligibility criteria, the examination schedule, and the revised exam pattern for the June 2026 cycle. We strongly recommend all candidates review the official document thoroughly before proceeding with form corrections.
For the June 2026 session, the National Testing Agency has introduced significant revisions to the UGC NET subject list. These updates include adjustments to subject names, codes, and syllabus structures to align with contemporary academic research standards. Candidates should verify the updated list to ensure their chosen subject aligns with their credentials.
UGC NET 2026 Notification: Overview
The NTA has formally announced the notification for the UGC NET June cycle. The examination is conducted entirely via a Computer-Based Test (CBT) format. Please keep your academic documentation and identity proofs organized to ensure a smooth application process:
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | UGC National Eligibility Test (NET) |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Purpose | JRF, Assistant Professor, PhD Admission |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Exam Language | English and Hindi |
| Total Subjects | 87 |
| Notification Release | 29 April 2026 (Released) |
| Official Notification | |
| Official Website | ugcnet.nta.nic.in |
UGC NET 2026: Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start | 29 April 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 24 May 2026 up to 11:50 PM(Closed) |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 24 May 2026 up to 11:50 PM (Closed) |
| Correction Window | 26 May to 28 May 2026 (Last date Extended) |
| Exam City Intimation | By 10 June 2026 |
| Exam Date | 22 to 30 June 2026 |
UGC NET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the UGC NET June 2026 exam, candidates must possess a Master’s degree (or an equivalent qualification) from a UGC-recognized university. Students currently in their final year of a Master’s program may apply provisionally, provided their results are declared and requirements are met by the specified deadline.
| Category | Minimum Marks Required in Master’s Degree |
|---|---|
| General / EWS | 55% aggregate marks |
| OBC-NCL / SC / ST / PwD / Third Gender | 50% aggregate marks |
Age Limit For JRF and Assistant Professor
The age limits for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Assistant Professor positions follow distinct regulations. Age relaxation is granted strictly in accordance with Government of India directives, and all relevant category certificates must be produced during the application process.
| Post | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) | Maximum 30 Years |
| Assistant Professor | No Upper Age Limit |
Age Relaxation
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| OBC-NCL / SC / ST / PwD / Third Gender / Women | Up to 5 Years |
UGC NET June 2026 Application Form
The application portal for UGC NET 2026 is officially live. Candidates are encouraged to review the June 2026 eligibility criteria carefully to avoid disqualification. Access the direct application link below:
How to Apply for the UGC NET Online Application Form?
Applicants are required to upload digital copies of their passport-size photograph, signature, and educational certificates. The application fee can be settled via secure online channels, including net banking, credit/debit cards, or UPI. Follow the official instructions to complete your registration for the UGC NET 2026 exam.
- Go to the official website: ugcnet.nta.nic.in
- Click on the UGC NET June 2026 Application Form link
- Register using basic personal details such as name, email ID, and mobile number
- Log in with the generated credentials and fill in the complete application form
- Upload photograph (10-200 KB, JPEG) and signature (10–50 KB, JPEG)
- Upload required documents like the degree certificate and the category certificate (if applicable)
- Pay the application fee online through UPI, Net Banking, or Credit/Debit Card
- Submit the form and save the confirmation page for future reference
UGC NET 2026 Exam Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General (Unreserved) | ₹1,150 |
| General-EWS / OBC-NCL | ₹600 |
| SC / ST / PwD / Transgender | ₹325 |
UGC NET 2026 Exam Pattern
The UGC NET June 2026 session will be held as a Computer-Based Test (CBT). The exam structure includes two papers, Paper I and Paper II, conducted in a single continuous session without breaks. There is no negative marking, making it a candidate-friendly format. Review the UGC NET 2026 exam pattern below:
| Feature | Paper 1 | Paper 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Common for All | Subject-Specific |
| Number of Questions | 50 | 100 |
| Total Marks | 100 | 200 |
| Duration | 1 Hour | 2 Hours |
| Question Type | MCQs | MCQs |
| Negative Marking | No | No |
| Marks per Correct Answer | +2 | +2 |
UGC NET Syllabus of Paper 1 and Paper 2
The UGC NET syllabus is divided into two parts. Paper 1 is mandatory for all candidates and evaluates teaching aptitude, research methodology, logical reasoning, and communication skills. Paper 2 is subject-specific, covering one of the 85 available disciplines.
| Unit | Paper 1 – Common for All Candidates: |
|---|---|
| Unit 1 | Teaching Aptitude |
| Unit 2 | Research Aptitude |
| Unit 3 | Reading Comprehension |
| Unit 4 | Communication |
| Unit 5 | Mathematical Reasoning and Aptitude |
| Unit 6 | Logical Reasoning |
| Unit 7 | Data Interpretation |
| Unit 8 | Information and Communication Technology (ICT) |
| Unit 9 | People, Development, and Environment |
| Unit 10 | Higher Education System: Governance, Polity and Administration |
Paper 2: This section focuses on the specialized academic subject selected by the candidate during the registration process. With 85 subjects currently offered, ensure your selection matches your post-graduate specialization.
UGC NET 2026 Assistant Professor Salary
Candidates who qualify for the position of Assistant Professor are eligible for a competitive salary structure under the 7th Pay Commission (Level 10). This includes comprehensive benefits such as Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and other government-mandated perks.
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay | ₹57,700 (Pay Level 10) |
| Pay Band | ₹57,700 – ₹1,82,400 |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | 58% of Basic Pay |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | 10% – 30% of Basic Pay |
| Special Allowance | ₹2,500 per month |
| Total Monthly Package | ₹90,000 – ₹1.1 Lakhs (Approx.) |
JRF Fellowship Stipend: Qualified JRF candidates receive a monthly fellowship grant to support their doctoral research, significantly aiding financial stability during their PhD tenure.
| Fellowship Level | Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|
| Junior Research Fellow (First 2 Years) | ₹37,000 |
| Senior Research Fellow (Next 3 Years) | ₹42,000 |
Why is this opportunity important?
Achieving a qualifying score in the UGC NET is a pivotal step for those pursuing a career in higher education and research. It provides national-level recognition of subject expertise and opens pathways for prestigious teaching positions and PhD admissions across Indian universities.
- Qualifying for UGC NET opens doors for PhD admission in Central and State Universities across India, making candidates eligible for research programmes.
- After clearing UGC NET, candidates become eligible to apply for Assistant Professor posts across India, as it serves as a direct eligibility requirement for teaching positions in colleges and universities.
- Candidates who qualify for JRF receive a monthly stipend from the Government of India while pursuing their PhD, providing financial support throughout the research tenure.
- UGC NET is a nationally recognised qualification, enhancing academic credibility and career prospects in higher education and research fields.
- Clearing UGC NET strengthens long-term career opportunities in teaching, research, and higher education administration across reputed institutions.
JRF vs Assistant Professor – which route suits you?
For candidates under 30, pursuing the JRF is highly advantageous. Even for those prioritizing a teaching career, the JRF fellowship offers two years of full funding for PhD research, enhancing one's long-term academic trajectory. If you are above 30, focus your preparation on maximizing your score for Assistant Professor eligibility; historically, cut-offs for subjects like Geography range between 55% and 65%, depending on the yearly performance metrics.
UGC NET Notification Out 2026
Yes. Students appearing in their final year of a Master’s degree are eligible to apply provisionally. Final qualification is granted once the candidate produces proof of passing with the required minimum marks.
The final deadline to complete the online application for the June 2026 cycle is 24 May 2026 at 11:50 PM. Fee payments must also be completed by this deadline on the official ugcnet.nta.nic.in portal.
The exam follows a positive marking system. Candidates receive +2 marks for each correct answer, with no deductions for incorrect or unattempted questions.
The upper age limit for JRF is 30 years, with a 5-year relaxation period for OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD, Third Gender, and female applicants. There is no upper age limit for the Assistant Professor position.
UGC NET 2026 encompasses 87 subjects. Given the recent revisions to the syllabus and subject codes, candidates are strongly advised to refer to the official notification PDF before selecting their subject during registration.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) is the governing body responsible for issuing the notification, managing the application process, and conducting the UGC NET examination on behalf of the University Grants Commission (UGC).
The University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) is the premier national-level entrance exam in India. It determines a candidate's eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and recruitment as an Assistant Professor, as well as providing a pathway for PhD admissions in recognized institutions.
Regarded as a highly competitive examination, the UGC NET is conducted across more than 85 subjects. Beyond teaching and research, the exam serves as a gateway to several lucrative government-funded fellowships administered by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
Key fellowship programs include:
National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students (NFSC)
National Fellowship for Other Backward Classes (NFOBC)
Maulana Azad National Fellowship for Minority Students (MANF)
While the age limit for JRF is set at 30 years (with applicable category relaxations), there is no upper age restriction for candidates applying solely for the Assistant Professor post.
To be eligible, candidates must have secured at least 55% marks (50% for reserved categories) in their Master’s degree program from a university recognized by the UGC.