CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 applications open; biotechnology merged into Life Sciences paper

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has begun the online application process for the joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2026. The update is important for candidates preparing for careers in research and higher education. Interested candidates can fill in the form on the official website.

Applications opened on October 7. Candidates can submit the form and pay the examination fee until 11:50 pm on November 5, 2026. Those who miss the deadline can apply between November 6 and 9 with a late fee, for which an additional Rs 500 will have to be paid.

A correction window will be available between November 10 and 12 for fixing mistakes in the form. To apply, candidates must visit the official website, register through the link for the December 2026 examination, fill in the required details, upload documents and pay the fee. They should keep the confirmation page after submitting the form.

According to the schedule released by the NTA, the CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 examination will be held on December 19, 22 and 27. The test will be computer-based and each paper will be of three hours. It will be held in two shifts, the first from 9 am to 12 noon and the second from 3 pm to 6 pm.

The examination will be held for five subjects: Chemical Sciences; Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences; Life Sciences and Biotechnology; Mathematical Sciences; and Physical Sciences.

The dates for the exam city intimation slip and the admit card will be announced separately soon. Candidates should keep checking the official website for the latest updates.

A significant decision has been taken on biotechnology for the December 2026 examination cycle. The DBT-BET examination, earlier held separately, has now been merged with the Life Sciences paper of the CSIR-UGC NET. Following this change, a new subject named Life Sciences and Biotechnology has been introduced.

Candidates preparing for biotechnology should study the new syllabus closely. Rather than depending entirely on old notes or last year's exam pattern, it would be better to confirm the subject and eligibility from the official information bulletin. The CSIR-UGC NET determines eligibility for the Junior Research Fellowship and for the post of assistant professor, and qualification for PhD admission.