UGC NET June 2026: Exam Dates, Eligibility & Essential Preparation Guide

The University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET), administered by the National Testing Agency (NTA), serves as the gateway for aspiring academics in India. Whether you are aiming for PhD admissions, seeking the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), or pursuing a career as an Assistant Professor, understanding the nuances of this national-level examination is crucial for success.

Key Dates for UGC NET June 2026

The exam is conducted twice annually to streamline the selection process for higher education positions. For a detailed breakdown of the schedule, refer to the UGC NET Exam Dates.

Events	Dates
Official Notification Release Date	29th April 2026
Apply Online Starts	29th April 2026
Last Date to Apply Online	23rd May 2026
Last Date to Pay Fee	23rd May 2026
Application Form Correction Dates	22nd to 24th May 2026
City Intimation	10th June 2026
Admit Card	15th June 2026
UGC NET Exam Dates	22nd to 30th June 2026

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must ensure they meet the specific academic and age requirements before proceeding with their applications. Official guidelines are detailed in the Official UGC NET Notification 2026 information bulletin.

Educational Qualifications

• Post-graduates of UGC-recognised universities with a master’s degree or equivalent (55% for general, 50% for reserved).
• 4-year/8-semester bachelor’s degree holders with at least 75% aggregate.
• PhD degree holders get 5% relaxation.
• Final semester post-graduate students are eligible to apply.

Age Limit Requirements

• JRF Upper Age Limit: 30 years.
• Assistant Professor: No upper age limit.
• PhD Admission: No upper age limit.
• SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD relaxation: 5 years for JRF.

Exam Pattern Overview

The exam is held in a computer-based format. With no negative marking, candidates should focus on maximizing their accuracy across both papers. You can visit the official portal at ugcnet.nta.nic.in for updates.

Particular	Details
Mode of Examination	Computer-Based Mode
Total Papers	2
Total Questions	Paper 1: 50 | Paper 2: 100
Total Marks	Paper 1: 100 | Paper 2: 200
Negative Marking	None

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the UGC NET Exam for?

The UGC NET Exam is conducted to determine eligibility for PhD admissions in Indian universities and colleges, for the award of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), and for recruitment as Assistant Professor.

Can I apply for JRF if I am 30 years old?

Yes, the upper age limit for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) is 30 years, with relaxations available for specific categories.

Are application fees refundable?

No, the UGC NET application fee is non-refundable under any circumstances, even if you withdraw your application.

How often is the exam held?

The UGC NET exam is conducted twice every year, typically following the June and December cycles.