NTA extends UGC NET 2026 December session application deadline

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has extended the application deadline for the University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) December 2026 examination to October 31. This gave candidates additional time to complete the registration process without paying a late fee.

According to a public notice, candidates can submit their online application forms and complete the examination fee payment by 11:50 pm on October 31, 2026. The extension applies to both the application submission and fee payment deadlines.

Candidates who have not yet completed their registration can apply through the official website, ugcnet.nta.nic.in. The NTA has advised applicants to avoid waiting until the last day to complete the process, as last-minute technical difficulties could affect submission.

As per the NTA, all other terms and conditions specified in the UGC NET December 2026 information bulletin and earlier public notices will remain unchanged. Candidates should regularly check the official NTA website, nta.ac.in, for further announcements.

According to the examination data cited in the notice, 5,50,048 candidates had registered for UGC NET December 2026 as of October 25. Of these, 3,73,419 candidates had completed their applications and paid the examination fee.

The UGC NET examination determines the eligibility of Indian nationals for the award of the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), appointment as assistant professors and admission to PhD programmes at Indian universities and colleges, subject to the applicable eligibility requirements.