UGC NET December 2025 Notification: Exam Date, Eligibility, Application Form & Syllabus
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the official notification for the UGC NET December 2025 Examination. The exam will determine eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), Assistant Professor, and Ph.D. admission across universities and colleges in India. Candidates can now check important dates, eligibility, application process, exam pattern, syllabus, admit card, and result details in this article.
Table of Contents
- UGC NET December 2025 Important Dates
- UGC NET December 2025 Application Fee
- Eligibility Criteria
- Exam Pattern & Syllabus
- How to Apply Online
- Admit Card & Exam Centers
- Answer Key & Result
- Fellowship & Assistant Professor Eligibility
- Preparation Tips
- FAQs
UGC NET December 2025 Important Dates
The official schedule for UGC NET December 2025 has been released by NTA. Candidates must note these important dates carefully:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Registration & Application Form | 25th September 2025 to 24th October 2025 (till 11:50 PM) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 25th October 2025 (till 11:50 PM) |
| Correction Window | 27th October to 29th October 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | To be announced later on website |
| Exam Date | 18th December 2025 (Shift 1: 9:00 AM – 12:00 Noon, Shift 2: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM) |
| Answer Key Release | To be announced after exam |
| Result Declaration | Will be announced on NTA website |
UGC NET December 2025 Application Fee
The application fee for UGC NET December 2025 varies by category. Payment can be made online via Debit/Credit Card, UPI, or Net Banking.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General | ₹1150 |
| General-EWS / OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | ₹600 |
| SC / ST / PwD / Third Gender | ₹325 |
Note: Bank service charges may apply. Candidates must read payment instructions carefully before paying the fee.
UGC NET December 2025 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must carefully check the eligibility criteria for UGC NET December 2025 before applying. Eligibility is based on educational qualification and age limit.
Educational Qualification
- Candidates must have secured at least 55% marks (without rounding off) in their Master’s degree or equivalent examination from recognized universities/institutions.
- For candidates belonging to OBC (NCL), SC, ST, PwD/PwBD, and Third Gender categories, the minimum qualifying marks are 50%.
- Candidates who are in the final year of their Master’s degree or awaiting results can also apply provisionally, provided they complete their degree within the stipulated time.
- Ph.D. holders whose Master’s degree was completed by 19th September 1991 are eligible for a relaxation of 5% marks (i.e., 55% → 50%).
- Candidates with a 4-year/8-semester Bachelor’s degree program must have at least 75% marks (relaxation of 5% for reserved categories) to be eligible for JRF/Ph.D. admission.
Age Limit
- Junior Research Fellowship (JRF): Maximum age is 30 years as on 1st December 2025.
- Relaxation of up to 5 years for OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD/PwBD, Third Gender, and Women candidates.
- Candidates with research experience or service in the armed forces may also get relaxation (maximum up to 5 years).
- Assistant Professor: No upper age limit.
- Admission to Ph.D.: No upper age limit.
Important: Candidates must ensure they fulfill eligibility before applying. If found ineligible at any stage, their candidature may be canceled.
UGC NET December 2025 — Exam Pattern & Syllabus
The Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2025 is a Computer Based Test (CBT) consisting of three parts (Part A, Part B and Part C). The paper format, number of questions to attempt, marks per question and negative marking vary by subject — see the subject-wise scheme below. (Source: Official Information Bulletin).
Source: Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2025 Information Bulletin. :
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT). |
| Paper Structure | Part A (General Aptitude), Part B (Subject-related MCQs), Part C (Higher-order & analytical questions). |
| Language | English and Hindi (bilingual). English version will prevail in case of ambiguity. |
| Duration | 180 minutes (03 hours). See official schedule for shift timings. : |
| Exam Date | 18 December 2025 (Shifts as per admit card). : |
Subject-wise Exam Scheme (selected subjects)
Below are representative subject-wise schemes (questions, attempts allowed, marks per question, negative marking). For full list see Annexure-I of the bulletin. :
| Subject (Code) | Part A | Part B | Part C | Total Marks | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Sciences (701) | 20 Qs (attempt max 15) — 2 marks each | 40 Qs (attempt max 35) — 2 marks each | 60 Qs (attempt max 25) — 4 marks each | 200 | 25% (0.5, 0.5, 1 respectively). : |
| Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean & Planetary Sciences (702) | 20 Qs (max 15) — 2 marks | 50 Qs (max 35) — 2 marks | 80 Qs (max 25) — 4 marks | 200 | Part A/B: 25% (0.5); Part C: 33% (~1.32). |
| Life Sciences (703) | 20 Qs (max 15) — 2 marks | 50 Qs (max 35) — 2 marks | 75 Qs (max 25) — 4 marks | 200 | 25% across parts. |
| Mathematical Sciences (704) | 20 Qs (max 15) — 2 marks | 40 Qs (max 25) — 3 marks | 60 Qs (max 20) — 4.75 marks | 200 | Part A/B: 25% ; Part C: No negative marking (special rules apply; some Part C may have multiple correct options — full credit only if ALL correct options are chosen). : |
| Physical Sciences (705) | 20 Qs (max 15) — 2 marks | 25 Qs (max 20) — 3.5 marks | 30 Qs (max 20) — 5 marks | 200 | 25% negative marking (values vary by part). : |
Notes on Question Types & Scoring
- Part A — General aptitude: logical reasoning, analytical and numerical ability, graphs, series, puzzles, etc. (common to all subjects). :
- Part B — Subject-related conventional MCQs covering syllabi topics. :
- Part C — Higher-order analytical questions testing deeper scientific application and problem solving. Some subjects (e.g., Mathematical Sciences) have Part C questions with multiple correct options; credit is given only when all correct options are selected. :
- There is no separate cut-off for Parts A/B/C; cumulative marks decide merit. Minimum benchmark: 33% for General/EWS/OBC and 25% for SC/ST/PwD categories.
Full syllabus & subject codes: See Annexure-I of the bulletin (detailed specializations per subject) for chapter-wise topics and full subject codes.
How to Apply Online for UGC NET December 2025
Follow these exact steps to complete the online application for Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2025. The process is fully online — registration, uploading documents, fee payment and printing the confirmation page must be done via the NTA portal.
- Valid personal ID (Aadhaar/Passport/Voter ID/Driving Licence/Ration Card)
- Master’s degree certificate or last semester mark sheet (or result awaited attestation, if applicable)
- Scanned passport-size photograph (JPG/JPEG, 10 KB — 200 KB)
- Scanned signature in running hand (JPG/JPEG, 10 KB — 50 KB)
- Category certificate / PwD certificate / EWS certificate (if applicable) — PDF (50 KB — 300 KB)
- Four exam city preferences (choose 1st to 4th)
- Active email and mobile number (one each per application)
Step-by-Step Registration & Submission
-
Step 1 — Registration
Visit the official portal and register using your own email address and mobile number. Note down the system-generated Application Number — you will need it for later login and payment. :
-
Step 2 — Complete the Online Form
Log in using the Application Number and fill the required personal, academic and exam-choice fields. You may save the draft and return later — but the application is considered incomplete until payment is made. Make sure to:
- Enter name, date of birth and other details exactly as in your certificates.
- Select subject code (from Annexure-I) and four preferred exam cities.
- Upload scanned documents (photo, signature, category/PwD/EWS/attestation forms where applicable).
Important: Only one email & one mobile number is allowed per application. Multiple applications for the same candidate will result in all except the first being rejected. :
-
Step 3 — Payment of Fee & Confirmation Page
Pay the prescribed fee online via Netbanking / Debit Card / Credit Card / UPI. After successful payment, the Confirmation Page will be generated — download and print it for future reference. If the Confirmation Page is not generated after payment, contact the bank/payment gateway as per Annexure-VII. :
Note: If payment does not reflect, you may need to re-attempt payment; any duplicate payments identified will be refunded by the NTA in the same mode after reconciliation. No request for refund of fee once remitted will be entertained by NTA except duplicate reconciliation refunds. :
Upload Rules & File Size Limits
| Item | Format | File Size |
|---|---|---|
| Passport-size Photograph | JPG/JPEG | 10 KB — 200 KB |
| Signature (running hand) | JPG/JPEG | 10 KB — 50 KB |
| Attestation / Category / PwD / EWS certificates | 50 KB — 300 KB |
Tip: Use a white background photo, no caps or sunglasses; signature must be in blue/black ink in running hand. Applications with unclear or non-complying files may be rejected.
Payment & Important Notes
- Payment modes: Net-banking / Debit Card / Credit Card / UPI through listed payment gateways. Service charges by bank/gateway may apply. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
- If fee transaction fails but amount debited, contact respective bank/payment gateway (Annexure-VII) to confirm and reconcile. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
- Keep proof of fee payment and confirmation page printout safely for future correspondence. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
- Applications remain incomplete unless Step-2 (form) & Step-3 (payment) are both completed — incomplete forms will be rejected. :
Correction Window
A correction window is provided to change certain fields after submission. For UGC NET December 2025 the correction dates are:
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Correction in Application Form (online) | 27th October 2025 to 29th October 2025 (upto 11:50 PM). : |
Note: Fields editable in the correction window are limited — some entries cannot be changed after final submission. NTA’s decision is final.
Important Warnings
- Do not submit more than one application — only the first application will be considered; others will be rejected automatically. :
- Ensure all details (name, DOB, ID type/number) match the ID you will carry to the exam — mismatches can lead to denial of entry. :
- Aadhaar is not mandatory; any listed Govt ID is acceptable.
Helpdesk & Contact
If you face issues during the application or payment, contact the NTA helpdesk (details in Annexure-XIV of the bulletin). Typical contacts include Helpline Numbers and an official email (see bulletin’s helpdesk section). :
Source: Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2025 Information Bulletin — registration steps, upload rules, payment & correction window. :
UGC NET December 2025 Admit Card & Exam Centers
The Admit Card for UGC NET December 2025 will be released online on the official NTA website. No admit cards will be sent by post. Candidates must download and print their admit card using their application number and date of birth.
Details on Admit Card
- Candidate’s Name & Roll Number
- Photograph & Signature
- Exam Date and Shift (Shift 1 or Shift 2)
- Reporting Time & Gate Closing Time
- Exam Centre Address
- Exam Day Instructions
Documents Required on Exam Day
- Printed copy of Admit Card
- One passport size photograph (same as uploaded in the application form)
- Valid Government Photo ID (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, Driving License, PAN Card)
- PWD Certificate (if applicable)
Exam Centers
UGC NET December 2025 will be conducted across multiple cities in India. Candidates must select four exam city preferences while filling the application form. The final allotted city and exam center will be mentioned on the admit card. Exam center choices cannot be changed after submission.
Prohibited Items
These items are strictly not allowed inside the exam hall:
- Mobile Phones, Smart Watches, Bluetooth devices
- Calculators, Log tables, or Electronic Gadgets
- Books, Notes, or Printed Material
- Handbags, Purses, Geometry Boxes, Food items
Note: Diabetic candidates are allowed to carry fruits (like banana/apple/orange), sugar tablets, and a transparent water bottle.
UGC NET December 2025 Answer Key & Result
Answer Key
- NTA will first release the Provisional Answer Key along with recorded responses on its official website.
- Candidates can challenge the provisional answer key by paying a fee of Rs. 200 per question.
- The Final Answer Key will be published after reviewing challenges.
Result
- The result of UGC NET December 2025 will be announced on the official NTA website.
- Scorecards will include total percentile score and subject-wise marks.
- Minimum qualifying marks are 33% for General/EWS/OBC and 25% for SC/ST/PwD categories.
- No re-evaluation or re-checking of result will be entertained.
Important: The merit list is prepared based on cumulative marks of Part A, Part B, and Part C of the exam.
JRF (Junior Research Fellowship) & Assistant Professor Eligibility
The UGC NET (Joint CSIR-UGC NET) qualifies candidates for three outcomes: Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), Appointment as Assistant Professor, and Admission to Ph.D. Candidates may qualify under one of the categories depending on their performance and the results committee’s decisions.
Who is eligible for JRF?
- Candidates who meet the required percentile and are selected under the JRF category will be eligible for award of the Junior Research Fellowship along with eligibility for appointment as Assistant Professor and admission to Ph.D.
- JRF is awarded for a fixed tenure and is subject to institute rules and fellowship terms.
Fellowship Stipend & Upgradation
- JRF Stipend: Monthly stipend awarded to JRF fellows during the initial period.
- On satisfactory progress and registration for Ph.D., JRF fellows may be upgraded to SRF (Senior Research Fellowship) after assessment by an expert committee.
- SRF Stipend: Upgraded stipend is higher than JRF and is applicable for subsequent years subject to review of research progress.
- The fellowship also provides an annual contingent grant (for research expenses) as per fellowship rules.
- The number of fellowships available per subject is limited and may vary between exam cycles.
Assistant Professor Eligibility
- Candidates qualifying under the Assistant Professor category are eligible for appointment as Assistant Professor in colleges and universities.
- There is no upper age limit for applying as Assistant Professor.
- Qualification for Assistant Professor does not automatically entitle a JRF fellowship; categories are distinct based on merit and quota.
Admission to Ph.D.
- Candidates qualifying under the Ph.D. admission category may use their NET score for admission to Ph.D. programs in universities and institutions.
- For admission purposes, the NET marks of candidates in relevant categories may be given weightage (for example, written test marks + interview/viva), as per university rules.
- Marks obtained in the NET for admission to Ph.D. are generally valid for a limited period as per admission guidelines.
Additional Notes
- Ph.D. admission and fellowship award are subject to verification of eligibility documents and institute-specific rules.
- Fellows must follow the fellowship terms and research progress evaluation procedures to retain/upgrade their fellowship.
- Qualifying NET does not guarantee employment; it provides eligibility and fellowship opportunities which are subject to vacancies, institute selection procedures, and fellowship rules.
Preparation Tips for UGC NET December 2025
Cracking UGC NET requires a balanced approach of subject knowledge, practice and strategy. Here are some useful preparation tips:
- Understand the Exam Pattern: Go through the detailed syllabus and exam pattern for your subject before starting preparation.
- Make a Timetable: Divide your time between Part A (General Aptitude) and your chosen subject. Consistency is key.
- Focus on Previous Year Papers: Solve past year question papers to understand question trends and difficulty level.
- Take Mock Tests: Practice online mock tests to improve speed and accuracy in CBT mode.
- Revise Regularly: Keep short notes for formulas, definitions, and important concepts for last-minute revision.
- Stay Updated: Follow official NTA announcements for any changes in schedule or exam guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When will UGC NET December 2025 application form release?
The application form is available online from 25th September 2025 to 24th October 2025.
Q2. What is the exam date of UGC NET December 2025?
The exam will be conducted on 18th December 2025 in two shifts (morning and afternoon).
Q3. What is the application fee for UGC NET December 2025?
The fee is ₹1150 for General, ₹600 for OBC (NCL)/EWS, and ₹325 for SC/ST/PwD/Third Gender candidates.
Q4. Is there any age limit for Assistant Professor in UGC NET?
No. There is no upper age limit for Assistant Professor eligibility. However, for JRF the maximum age is 30 years (with relaxations for reserved categories).
Q5. What are the qualifying marks for UGC NET?
Minimum 33% marks are required for General/EWS/OBC candidates and 25% for SC/ST/PwD candidates.
Q6. Can I apply for multiple subjects in UGC NET?
No. Candidates can apply for only one subject per exam cycle as per their eligibility and subject specialization.
Q7. How will the result be declared?
The result will be published online at the official NTA website along with the final answer key and scorecards.
