UGC NET December 2026 to be held from December 14 to 21 as NTA updates information bulletin

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released an updated information bulletin for UGC NET December 2026. The new bulletin was updated on October 16. Along with the exam dates, it changes the process for choosing an exam city, entry to the exam centre, evaluation of answers, the dress code, prohibited items and some other important instructions.

According to the updated schedule, the UGC NET December 2026 exam will be held on December 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 21. It will be conducted in computer-based test (CBT) mode. The exam is held to determine eligibility for JRF, assistant professor posts and PhD admission.

The application process began on October 8. The last date for the general application is October 28, 2026, and candidates can apply until 11:50 pm. Applying with a late fee is also allowed.

The changes have come while the application process is under way and candidates are gathering documents and key exam information along with their preparation. Candidates should therefore go through the updated bulletin carefully rather than rely on the old bulletin or the rules from last time.

The rule on choosing exam cities has changed. Earlier, candidates had to choose four exam cities from the state or Union Territory of their permanent or current address. Now, if that state or Union Territory has fewer than four cities, candidates can choose from the options shown on the screen. Candidates will also get a chance to change their exam city preference during the correction window. The change is especially important for those whose states have limited exam centre options.

The rules on evaluation of questions have also been clarified. If a candidate saves an answer to a question and then marks that question for review, the answer will be evaluated. Unanswered questions will not be evaluated. There is no negative marking in the UGC NET exam.

Under the new rules, the exam centre gate will be closed 30 minutes before the exam starts. The NTA has advised candidates to reach the centre ahead of time. The bulletin also says candidates should report to the centre about two hours before the exam begins.

There are also some new changes to the dress code. Candidates may go to the exam centre in ordinary shoes, slippers and low-heeled sandals. Long boots will not be allowed. There is also a change regarding the provision of pens at the exam centre. Candidates would therefore do well to read the list of prohibited items carefully.