Over 2.18 lakh apply for December UGC-NET and CSIR-NET; exam centre rules announced

The December 2026 session is important for those preparing for the UGC-NET and CSIR-NET. According to figures from the National Testing Agency (NTA), more than 2.18 lakh applications have been received for the two examinations together. Candidates who have filled in the form should understand the rules at the exam centre as well as the dates.

A total of 1,86,301 candidates applied for the December 2026 UGC-NET. For the CSIR-NET, 32,660 applications were received. Together, the applications number 2,18,961.

The UGC-NET is held in 83 subjects, including Hindi, English, history, commerce, management, computer science and education. The examination makes candidates eligible to become assistant professors, to receive the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and to seek admission to PhD programmes. The December session of the UGC-NET will be held on computer from December 14 to 19, 2026. Candidates have been advised to keep checking the official information on the examination from time to time.

Instructions have also been issued on what to carry to the centre. Candidates will no longer need to bring a ballpoint pen, as one will be provided at the exam centre.

There are also instructions on footwear. Candidates may wear plain shoes, slippers or low-heeled sandals. Lug boots (long boots) are not allowed. All types of watches are on the list of prohibited items.

A candidate with diabetes may carry sugar tablets or whole fruits. A transparent water bottle will also be allowed. Candidates have been advised to check the list of prohibited items before leaving, so that they face no trouble at the centre.

Many candidates mark a question for review after answering it so that they can check it again. The rule on this has been clarified. A question that has been answered will be evaluated even if it is marked for review. No marks will be awarded for questions that have not been answered.

The percentile and normalisation process is also important. The NTA plans to hold the examination for each subject in a single shift. If a subject's examination is held in one shift, the percentile will be calculated from the total marks in Paper 1 and Paper 2. It will appear on the scorecard, but will not be used to decide who passes or for the cut-off.

If a subject's examination is held in different shifts, normalisation will be done by the equi-percentile method to bring marks to a common level. In such cases, the qualifying cut-off will apply to the normalised marks.

The CSIR-NET is held in five subjects. A major change has been made from the December 2026 session. The DBT-BET examination has now been included in the life sciences question paper, and the subject has been renamed "Life Sciences and Biotechnology".

The CSIR-NET for December 2026 will be held on December 19, 22 and 27. Candidates should check the date for their subject and other instructions on the official notice.