UGC-NET, Research Fellowship Exams: Over 2 Lakh Apply, Registration Ends Soon
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced that registration for the UGC-NET (National Eligibility Test) and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) exams scheduled for December 2026 is now closed. As of October 22, 2026, the NTA confirmed receiving a substantial 2,180,000 applications, marking a significant increase in interest in pursuing higher education and research opportunities in India.
Key Dates and Details
The NTA released a revised examination calendar earlier this month, outlining a series of exams spanning from December to March 2027. The UGC-NET and JRF exams are a crucial step for candidates seeking to pursue doctoral studies or research positions at universities and research institutions across India. The exams assess a candidate’s knowledge and understanding of various subjects aligned with the UGC’s guidelines.
Here’s a summary of the important dates:
- Registration Closure: October 22, 2026
- Exam Dates: December 2026 (Specific dates will be announced on the official website)
- Admit Card Release: November 2026 (Date to be confirmed)
- Last Date for Editing Application Form: November 10, 2026
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the UGC-NET exam, candidates must typically hold a Master’s degree in a relevant subject from a recognized university. For the JRF exam, a candidate needs to have secured at least 55% marks in their Master’s degree. Specific subject requirements and detailed eligibility criteria are available on the NTA website. It’s important for prospective candidates to carefully review these criteria before applying to ensure they meet all the requirements.
Official eligibility details can be found on the NTA website: https://ugcnet.nta.nic.in/
Registration Process and Important Updates
The NTA provided detailed instructions on how to upload a photograph during the registration process. Candidates were directed to log in to the portal using their registration number and password and follow the specific steps outlined in the guidance. Recent updates, as reported by NDTV and Hindustan Times, clarified the process for uploading the photograph to avoid any issues during the examination.
The NTA’s official notification stated: “Candidates are advised to visit the official website regularly for any updates or changes to the examination schedule or guidelines.”
Exam Format and Scoring
The UGC-NET exam is conducted in two stages: a multiple-choice question (MCQ) paper and a compulsory viva voce (oral examination). The MCQ paper assesses the candidate’s subject knowledge, while the viva voce evaluates their research aptitude and communication skills. The final result is determined by the aggregate score obtained in both stages.
Detailed information about the exam pattern, syllabus, and scoring system can be found on the NTA website. Candidates should familiarize themselves with these details to prepare effectively for the exam.
Resources for Candidates
The NTA has provided several resources to assist candidates in their preparation. These include:
- UGC-NET Syllabus: https://ugcnet.nta.nic.in/syllabus
- Previous Year Question Papers: Available on the NTA website
- Official Notifications and Guidelines: https://ugcnet.nta.nic.in/notifications
It is advisable for candidates to stay updated with the latest announcements from the NTA to ensure a smooth and successful examination experience.
Based on reporting by NDTV. Read the original report.
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