UGC NET December 2025 Notification Released

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the official UGC NET December 2025 notification. This post explains the update in very simple Indian English — so you can quickly know the important dates, who is eligible, fees, exam pattern and how to apply step-by-step.

• Application window: 7 Oct 2025 — 7 Nov 2025 (up to 11:50 PM)
• Correction window: 10 — 12 Nov 2025
• Mode: Computer Based Test (CBT)
• No negative marking. Total duration: 180 minutes (Paper 1 + Paper 2 together)

Important dates

Application fees

Note: Bank / payment gateway charges & GST (if any) will be extra as applicable.

Who is eligible?

• General candidates must have 55% marks in Master’s degree or equivalent (without rounding off).
• OBC-NCL / SC / ST / PwD / PwBD / Third gender candidates need 50% marks.
• Final year students awaiting results can apply provisionally (they must finish required marks within the period specified in notification).
• PhD holders who completed Master’s by 19 Sep 1991 get 5% relaxation.
• Four-year UG degree candidates: must have 75% marks (with permitted relaxations for reserved categories) — check notification for full details.

Exam pattern (brief)

The test is in two parts conducted in a single session without any break:

No negative marking. Each correct answer gives +2 marks. If a question is found flawed, NTA’s policy for awarding marks will apply (see notification).

Reservation & age limit

Reservation follows Government of India rules: SC 15%, ST 7.5%, OBC-NCL 27%, EWS 10%, and 5% for PwD/PwBD (where applicable).

Age for JRF: Not more than 30 years on 01.12.2025. Relaxations up to 5 years for reserved categories, women, research experience, and other grounds as defined in the notification. There is no upper age limit for Assistant Professor or PhD admission.

How to apply — step by step

1. Open https://ugcnet.nta.nic.in/ and click Registration.
2. Register with your own email and mobile number. Save the system generated Application No.
3. Fill the application form carefully. Choose subject code and four preferred exam cities (Appendix-III in notification).
4. Upload scanned images: Photograph (10–200 KB, 80% face visible) & Signature (10–50 KB). If claiming PwD/PwBD, upload certificate (50–300 KB PDF). [ use our free tool for image size reduction]
5. Pay fee online (Netbanking / Debit / Credit / UPI). Keep payment proof and confirmation page.
6. Download and keep multiple printouts of the Confirmation Page and the same photograph for the exam day.

Admit card & exam day instructions (key points)

• Admit card will be available on the NTA website. It will not be sent by post.
• Report at the test centre as per time on Admit Card (usually 2 hours before the exam).
• Bring printed Admit Card, one passport photograph (same as uploaded), and one government photo ID (original & valid).
• Centre staff may verify identity; follow all instructions. No request for re-test will be entertained for missing the exam.

Result, challenges & answer key

NTA will publish provisional answer keys and recorded responses on the website for a short period. Candidates may challenge keys by paying the prescribed fee per challenge. Final result will be declared after processing the challenges and (if applicable) normalization for multi-shift papers.

Important checklist before applying

• Ensure you meet eligibility — marks, subject & documents.
• Keep scanned files ready (photo, signature, PwD certificate if applicable).
• Choose four exam cities carefully.
• Only one online application is allowed. Multiple forms may lead to rejection.

If you need the official bulletin PDF, download it from ugcnet.nta.nic.in. Always follow the exact instructions given in the official information bulletin.

UGC NET December 2025 is an important chance for those aiming for teaching and research careers. Apply within 7 Oct — 7 Nov 2025, follow the steps in this post and read the official bulletin carefully. Good luck!

Apply here UGC NET resources on StudyCommerce.IN