CSIR UGC NET 2026 – Overview

Note: Dates listed above are based on the published recruitment-information page. Candidates should confirm the complete schedule in the official December 2026 information bulletin before applying.

Important Dates for CSIR UGC NET December 2026

Candidates should keep track of the following dates to avoid missing any stage of the application process.

CSIR UGC NET Eligibility Criteria 2026

Candidates must satisfy the educational qualification and age requirements specified in the official information bulletin.

Educational Qualification

• General and OBC candidates: M.Sc. or an equivalent qualification with at least 55% marks, subject to the applicable category and eligibility rules.
• SC/ST and eligible PwD candidates: 50% marks, as specified in the applicable rules.
• Candidates with relevant Integrated Courses, B.E./B.Tech., B.Pharma or MBBS qualifications may also be eligible under the prescribed conditions.

Candidates should check the official bulletin for the exact qualification requirements applicable to their course, category and chosen subject.

Age Limit

The age criteria depend on the eligibility category:

• Junior Research Fellowship (JRF): The maximum age limit is generally 30 years, subject to applicable relaxations.
• Assistant Professor: No upper age limit is generally prescribed.
• Ph.D. Admission: Candidates must satisfy the relevant eligibility requirements.

Age relaxations and the cut-off date for calculating age should be verified in the official notification.

CSIR UGC NET Subject List 2026

The examination covers five major subject areas.

Candidates should select the subject appropriate to their educational background and as permitted by the official eligibility rules.

CSIR UGC NET Application Fee 2026

The following category-wise fees are listed in the recruitment information.

Important: Verify the exact category-wise fee, applicable exemptions and payment rules in the December 2026 information bulletin before making payment.

CSIR UGC NET Selection Process 2026

The examination is conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. Candidates must qualify according to the applicable examination and category-wise criteria.

The examination is intended to determine eligibility for:

1. Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Assistant Professor.
2. Assistant Professor and admission to Ph.D. programmes.
3. Admission to Ph.D. programmes only.

The applicable eligibility category and qualifying requirements depend on the official examination rules and candidate performance.

CSIR UGC NET Syllabus and Exam Pattern

Candidates should prepare according to the syllabus for their selected subject. The examination pattern, question distribution, marking scheme and other instructions should be checked in the official information bulletin.

The five subjects are Chemical Sciences, Earth Sciences, Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Mathematical Sciences, and Physical Sciences.

Candidates are advised to review the syllabus before beginning their preparation and practise questions relevant to their chosen subject.

How to Apply Online for CSIR UGC NET December 2026

Follow these steps to complete the application process:

1. Visit the official website: Open https://csirnet.nta.nic.in/.
2. Open the application link: Find the Joint CSIR UGC NET December 2026 application link.
3. Complete registration: Enter the required personal and contact details to generate your registration credentials.
4. Fill in the application form: Provide your educational qualifications, category and examination-related information accurately.
5. Upload the required documents: Upload your photograph, signature and other documents in the prescribed format.
6. Pay the application fee: Complete the online payment according to your category.
7. Review your application: Check all details carefully before final submission.
8. Download the confirmation page: Save a copy of the submitted form and payment confirmation for future reference.

Candidates should submit their applications before the closing date and retain their registration details securely.

Important Links – CSIR UGC NET 2026