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UGC NET Dec 2025: Notification, Application Form, Exam Date
The National Eligibility Test (NET), conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the University Grants Commission (UGC), is a national-level examination in India. It determines the eligibility of Indian nationals for the roles of Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellow (JRF) in universities and colleges across the country. UGC NET is held twice a year, in June and December, and is regarded as a key gateway for those pursuing careers in research or academia. The notification for the December 2025 cycle is expected to be released in September 2025.
UGC NET December 2025 Notification
The National Testing Agency (NTA) is expected to release the notification for the UGC NET December 2025 session in September 2025. The official schedule for the UGC National Eligibility Test is expected to be released in September 2025. Once announced, eligible candidates can fill the application form for the UGC NET Dec 2025 at ugcnet.nta.ac.in.
Purpose of the UGC NET Exam
The UGC NET examination serves several key objectives:
- Ensuring Academic Standards: It sets a benchmark of quality for candidates aspiring to become teachers and researchers in higher education institutions.
- Recognizing Research Potential: By awarding the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), it identifies talented individuals and supports them in pursuing advanced research.
- Facilitating PhD Admissions: UGC has approved NET scores as a valid criterion for PhD admissions, increasing the exam’s relevance and scope.
The following table shows the expected dates for the UGC NET December 2025 session, based on the information released so far. 
UGC NET Dec 2025 – Session Schedule
- Application Schedule: Registration from October to November 2025
- Application Correction Window: October to November 2025
- Exam Timings: Two shifts daily
- Shift 1: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Shift 2: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | September, 2025 (TBA) |
| Application Start Date | October – November, 2025 (TBA) |
| Application Correction Window | October – November, 2025 (TBA) |
| Exam City Intimation Slip Release | To be informed later |
| Admit Card Release | To be informed later(TBA) |
| Exam Dates | January, 2026 (TBA) |
| Result Declaration | Within 2-3 months post-exam |
Important Pre-Examination Documents and Release Dates
Before appearing for the examination, candidates must download certain key documents. Let us understand each of these in detail:
1. City Intimation Slip
The City Intimation Slip is the first official document released after registration. It is usually available about 10 days before the exam. This slip informs candidates about the city where their test center will be located, enabling them to plan travel and accommodation.
Note: The slip does not include the exam center address, only the city.
2. Admit Card
The Admit Card is released a few days after the City Intimation Slip, typically 7 to 10 days before the exam. This document contains critical details such as:
- Exact exam center address
- Reporting time
- Examination instructions
Candidates must carry the Admit Card on the exam day.
3. Subject-Wise Exam Schedule
The UGC NET covers 85 subjects, ranging from classical fields like English Literature and History to modern disciplines such as Computer Science and Environmental Studies. The subject-wise schedule is published to help candidates prepare and track their exam dates. As soon as you get your admit card, you can determine your subject’s examination time with precision. This systematic approach results in no subject being overlooked and each examination being given the due attention and resources.
Examination Pattern
The UGC NET consists of two papers, conducted together in a single three-hour session without any break.
- Paper 1: Common for all candidates. It contains 50 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) worth 100 marks in total. This paper tests teaching aptitude, research aptitude, and general reasoning ability.
- Paper 2: An individual subject has 100 MCQs worth 200 marks, examining knowledge in one of 83 subjects taught.
Question Pattern
- Total Questions: 150 (50 in Paper 1, 100 in Paper 2).
- Total Marks: 300 (100 for Paper 1, 200 for Paper 2).
- Marking Scheme: 2 marks for every right answer; no penalty for a wrong answer.
- Exam Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT).
- Language: Hindi and English.
Step-by-Step UGC NET Application Process
Follow these simple steps to register for the UGC NET December 2025 exam:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to ugcnet.nta.ac.in, this only real site for UGC NET application.
- Registration: Create an account with basic details and choose your exam subjects carefully, as they cannot be updated later on.
- Fill Application Form: Fill in all information, upload documents, and pay the application fee.
- Application Correction: if needed, small change you can do in the correction window.
- Final submit: check details one more time, then submit the application form.
Eligibility Criteria
To take the UGC NET December 2025 exam, you need to follow these steps:
- Education Qualification: An M.A. degree in the concerned subject, preferably 55% marks (50% marks for the reserved category).
- Age Limit: For JRF, the upper age limit is 31 years with relaxation for reserved classes. For Assistant Professor, no age limit.
Application Fee
To participate in the UGC NET December 2025 session, applicants must pay the application fee according to their category.
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General/UR | Rs. 1,150/- |
| OBC/EWS | Rs. 650/- |
| SC/ ST/ PWD | Rs. 325/- |
Results and Certificates
The results are announced after 2-3 months of the exam on the UGC NET website. Candidates can see the result by application number and date of birth. Whoever is shortlisted gets an e-certificate. The certificate is valid lifelong for an Assistant Professor, but only for 2 years for JRF. Candidates can download certificates from the website.
The UGC NET exam is a great chance for researchers and scholars in India. The next exam is in December 2025. Candidates have a specific time period for preparation. Exams check subject knowledge and also teaching skills, so they need good preparation. By staying updated through the official UGC NET website and giving enough time for preparation, candidates can ensure a good chance of clearing the post of Assistant Professor or Junior Research Fellowship.