
UGC NET December 2025 Notification has been released, and the registration process is now live. Candidates can apply online from 7th October 2025 to 7th November 2025 through the official NTA website. The exam is scheduled to be held in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode from 31st December 2025 to 7th January 2026. This exam determines eligibility for Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) positions across Indian universities and colleges. Aspirants should keep checking the official website for updates and important instructions.
The official public notice for the UGC NET December 2025 Notification was released on October 07, 2025, formally commencing the registration process. This key document contains all the essential details regarding the official website to register, application guidelines, and official schedule for the session.
The UGC NET December 2025 Exam Date has been released by the NTA. Aspirants must check the timeline below:
| UGC NET December 2025 Exam Date | |
| Online Application submission start and end | October 07 to November 07, 2025 (up to 11:50 P.M.) |
| Last date for fee payment | November 07, 2025 (up to 11:50 PM) |
| Correction in application form | November 10 to November 12, 2025 |
| Exam Date | 31st December 2025 to 7th January 2026 |
The process to submit the UGC NET December 2025 Application Form is entirely online and must be completed on the official NTA website. Candidates must register, fill in their particulars carefully, upload scanned documents (photo and signature), and pay the application fee before the November 7 deadline.
Application Fee Structure:
| Category | Application Fee |
| General/Unreserved | Rs 1150 |
| General-EWS/OBC-NCL | Rs 600 |
| SC/ST/PwD/Third Gender | Rs 325 |
Understanding the UGC NET December 2025 Eligibility criteria is crucial before initiating the application process. Eligibility is primarily based on educational qualification and age (for JRF only).
General/Unreserved/General-EWS Candidates must have secured at least 55% marks (without rounding off) in their Master’s Degree or equivalent examination.
Reserved Categories (OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD, Third Gender) require a minimum of 50% marks in their Master’s degree or equivalent examination.
Candidates whose Master’s results are still awaited may apply provisionally. They must complete their degree with the required marks within two years of the NET result date to validate their qualification.
The age restriction applies exclusively to the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) post, while there is no upper age limit for the position of Assistant Professor or Ph.D. admissions.
JRF Maximum Age: The maximum age is 30 years as of the first day of the month of the examination (e.g., December 1, 2025).
JRF Age Relaxation: A relaxation of up to 5 years is available for OBC-NCL/SC/ST/PwD/Third Gender/Women candidates.
To achieve success in the UGC NET 2025 examination, candidates must thoroughly understand the test format prescribed by the NTA. The structure is designed to holistically assess both general aptitude for teaching and specialized subject knowledge, ensuring qualified candidates are ready for academic roles.
The UGC NET follows a fixed pattern comprising two separate papers, Paper I and Paper II, which are conducted in a single, three-hour session in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.
Paper I: Teaching & Research Aptitude
This paper consists of 50 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), with each question carrying 2 marks, totaling 100 marks.
It evaluates the candidate's reasoning ability, comprehension, divergent thinking, teaching and research aptitude, and general awareness.
Paper II: Subject-Specific
This paper includes 100 subject-specific MCQs based on the chosen subject from the list of 85 disciplines, totaling 200 marks.
It tests the depth of the candidate's subject knowledge and expertise in their specialization.
However, there is no negative marking for incorrect answers in either Paper I or Paper II, which encourages candidates to attempt all questions with confidence.