UGC NET, CSIR NET December 2026: Over 2.18 Lakh Candidates Register; Check Application Deadlines
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has received a total of 2,18,961 registrations for the UGC National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) and the Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 examinations. The registration figures were reported on October 22, 2026, as the application windows for both national-level eligibility tests remain open.
According to the reported figures, 1,86,301 candidates have registered for UGC NET, while 32,660 candidates have applied for the Joint CSIR-UGC NET examination. Candidates who intend to appear for either examination should note that the two tests have different application deadlines.
UGC NET December 2026 registration deadline
The application window for UGC NET December 2026 is scheduled to close on October 28, 2026. Eligible candidates who have not yet completed the application process should submit their forms before the deadline.
The examination is conducted to determine eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), appointment as Assistant Professor, and admission to PhD programmes under the applicable eligibility categories. UGC NET is relevant to candidates seeking academic and research opportunities in Indian universities and colleges.
Applicants should visit the official UGC NET website at https://ugcnet.nta.nic.in/ to access the application portal, read the information bulletin and check the latest notices. Candidates should carefully review the details entered in the form and ensure that the application fee and submission process are completed according to the official instructions.
Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 last date
The application deadline for the Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 examination is November 5, 2026. The examination is intended for eligible candidates pursuing research and academic careers in relevant science and technology disciplines.
The Joint CSIR-UGC NET examination determines eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship, appointment as Assistant Professor and admission to PhD programmes, subject to the applicable qualification category and rules. Candidates should consult the official information bulletin to understand the examination requirements, subject details and eligibility conditions.
The official application portal is available at https://csirnet.nta.nic.in/. Applicants should use this website to complete registration, access official instructions and check announcements related to the examination.
Registration figures at a glance
The latest reported figures show that UGC NET has received 1,86,301 registrations, compared with 32,660 registrations for Joint CSIR-UGC NET. Together, the two examinations have recorded 2,18,961 registrations, equivalent to approximately 2.19 lakh candidates.
These figures indicate the level of participation recorded at the time of the update. They should not be interpreted as the final number of candidates who will appear for the examinations, as registrations and actual attendance are different measures.
Candidates should also distinguish between the two examinations before applying. Each has its own application portal, deadline and examination requirements. Applicants must select the appropriate test and follow the instructions specified in the relevant notification.
Examination schedule and preparation
Both examinations are scheduled for December 2026. The National Testing Agency publishes examination-related information through its official portals, including notices and updates that candidates need to follow during the application and examination process.
Candidates should regularly check the relevant website for announcements about examination dates, examination city information, admit cards and other instructions. Any dates not yet confirmed in an official notice should be treated as pending rather than assumed.
While waiting for further announcements, candidates can review the syllabus and examination pattern provided in the official information bulletin. They should plan their preparation according to their chosen subject, revise key concepts and practise relevant question formats. Applicants should also retain their registration details and payment confirmation for future reference.
Important instructions for applicants
Candidates who have not submitted their applications should avoid waiting until the final hours. Completing the process early can provide time to review the form and address any technical or payment-related issues.
Before submitting an application, candidates should check that their personal information, educational details and other required entries are accurate. They should upload documents in the prescribed formats and pay the applicable fee through the permitted payment methods. After submission, applicants should save the confirmation page and other relevant records.
Candidates should rely on official NTA portals for the latest application information and avoid unverified messages or third-party websites claiming to provide examination updates. If there is any difference between information published elsewhere and an official notice, the official notification should be treated as the primary reference.
With the UGC NET deadline approaching on October 28 and the Joint CSIR-UGC NET deadline set for November 5, applicants should identify the examination relevant to them and complete the required steps within the respective application period.
The registration figures of 2,18,961 reflect the combined applications reported for the December 2026 sessions as of October 22. Candidates should continue monitoring the official websites for any subsequent announcements, including changes or additional instructions issued by the examination authority.
