For Prelims: CSIR-UGC NET, National Testing Agency (NTA), Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), Exam Name, Conducting Body, Registration Closes, Total Applicants, Exam Dates
For Mains: National Testing Agency (NTA), Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), Computer-Based Test (CBT), research ecosystem
Source:
Hindustan
5 facts for one-day exams
SSC, railway, police and teaching exams ask direct questions like these.
- CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 registration closes on 9 November 2026.
- The exam is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
- Exam dates: 19, 22, and 27 December 2026.
- Application fee for General category is ₹1,150.
- Correction window is open from 10 to 12 November 2026.
Why in the news?
The National Testing Agency (NTA) closes the online application window for the Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 exam today, 9 November 2026. Over 2.01 lakh candidates have registered for this national-level test, which determines eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Assistant Professor/Lectureship in science subjects.
Summary
- CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 exam is scheduled for 19, 22, and 27 December 2026 in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.
- JRF candidates must be aged 30 years or less as of 1 December 2026, while Assistant Professor/Lectureship has no upper age limit.
- Applicants must hold M.Sc, B.E/B.Tech, B.Pharma, or MBBS with minimum 55% marks (50% for reserved categories).
Highlights
Registration Deadline Today
The online application window for CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 closes at 11:50 PM on 9 November 2026, with a late fee of ₹500 applicable.
JRF and Assistant Professor Eligibility
Candidates with M.Sc, B.E/B.Tech, B.Pharma, or MBBS (minimum 55% marks) can apply; JRF has a 30-year age limit, while Assistant Professor has none.
Exam Schedule and Correction Window
The exam will be held on 19, 22, and 27 December 2026 in CBT mode, with a correction window from 10 to 12 November 2026.
Background
The CSIR-UGC NET is a national-level eligibility test for science graduates to qualify for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Assistant Professor/Lectureship positions. It is conducted by the NTA, which replaced the earlier CSIR-HRDG system. The December 2026 cycle has seen over 2.01 lakh applicants, reflecting its importance for science careers in India.
Key Analysis and Impact
The exam determines admission to research programs and teaching positions across Indian universities. The JRF fellowship provides a monthly stipend and research contingency grant, while the Assistant Professor eligibility is valid for life. The high number of applicants (over 2 lakh) indicates sustained demand for research and teaching careers in science.
Way Forward
After the correction window from 10-12 November 2026, NTA will issue admit cards. The exam will be held on three dates in December 2026, and results are expected in early 2027. Successful candidates can apply for JRF positions or Assistant Professor posts in universities and colleges.
Background GK
Textbook concepts you need to understand this news
- CSIR-UGC NET
- A national-level examination conducted by the NTA to determine eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Assistant Professor/Lectureship in science subjects.
- National Testing Agency (NTA)
- An autonomous body under the Ministry of Education, established in 2017, responsible for conducting major entrance exams like JEE Main, NEET UG, and NET.
- Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)
- A fellowship awarded to NET-qualified candidates to pursue research leading to a PhD, with a monthly stipend and contingency grant.
Facts to remember
Tap a card to see the answer. Try to recall it first.
How exams will ask this
- Data: Over 2,01,464 applicants for CSIR-UGC NET December 2026
- Nodal Body: National Testing Agency (NTA) under Ministry of Education
Don't make this mistake!
Students may confuse CSIR-UGC NET with UGC NET (for arts/commerce). CSIR-UGC NET is specifically for science subjects (M.Sc, B.E/B.Tech, B.Pharma, MBBS). Also, JRF has an age limit (30 years) while Assistant Professor has none.
Write these in mains answers
- National Testing Agency (NTA), Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), Computer-Based Test (CBT), research ecosystem
Stuck? Get it in one tap
CSIR-UGC NET is a national exam for science graduates who want to become researchers or professors. The last date to apply online is 9 November 2026. Over 2 lakh students have already applied. The exam will be held in December 2026 on computers at centres across India.
- CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 registration closes on 9 November 2026.
- The exam is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
- Exam dates: 19, 22, and 27 December 2026.
- Application fee for General category is ₹1,150.
- Correction window is open from 10 to 12 November 2026.
- Education: National-level entrance exams and fellowships
- Science and Technology: Research and development ecosystem in India
Related concepts: CSIR-UGC NET, National Testing Agency (NTA), Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)
Practice questions
Pick an answer, then read the explanation.
- Q1Easy
Which body conducts the CSIR-UGC NET examination?
Explanation: The NTA, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Education, conducts the CSIR-UGC NET. CSIR-HRDG earlier conducted it, but NTA now handles it. UGC sets the eligibility criteria but does not conduct the exam. The Ministry of Science and Technology is not involved.
- Q2Hard
Consider the following statements regarding CSIR-UGC NET December 2026:
- 1.The online application window closes on 9 November 2026 at 11:50 PM.
- 2.The exam is conducted in offline pen-and-paper mode.
- 3.Candidates with M.Sc, B.E/B.Tech, B.Pharma, or MBBS degrees are eligible to apply.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: the deadline is 9 November 2026 at 11:50 PM. Statement 2 is incorrect: the exam is conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode, not offline pen-and-paper. Statement 3 is correct: M.Sc, B.E/B.Tech, B.Pharma, and MBBS graduates with minimum 55% marks are eligible.
- Q3Medium
What is the application fee for General category candidates for CSIR-UGC NET December 2026?
Explanation: The General category fee is ₹1,150. ₹600 is for EWS/OBC-NCL, ₹325 is for SC/ST/PwD/Third Gender, and ₹1,500 is not a valid fee for this exam.
- Q4Medium
What is the primary objective of the CSIR-UGC NET examination?
Explanation: The exam determines eligibility for both JRF (research fellowship) and Assistant Professor/Lectureship. It does not directly select for PhD or post-doctoral research; those are separate processes. CSIR laboratory recruitment is through a different procedure.
Frequently asked questions
1. When does the CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 registration close?
The online application window closes on 9 November 2026 at 11:50 PM.
2. What is the exam date for CSIR-UGC NET December 2026?
The exam will be held on 19, 22, and 27 December 2026 in Computer-Based Test mode.
3. Who conducts the CSIR-UGC NET exam?
The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the CSIR-UGC NET exam.
4. What is the age limit for Junior Research Fellowship in CSIR-UGC NET?
Candidates must be 30 years or younger as of 1 December 2026, with relaxation for reserved categories.
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- Original9 November 2026 · Read story
