UGC NET
National Testing Agency (NTA), on behalf of the University Grants Commission
📚 TET / Teaching
🇮🇳 National level
● Active
UGC NET (University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test) is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), on behalf of the University Grants Commission as an eligibility test for teaching posts. A single three-hour session of two papers with no break between them. Paper I tests teaching and research aptitude; Paper II tests the subject the candidate selects.
UGC NET 2026 — Key Facts at a Glance
| Exam name | UGC NET — University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test |
|---|---|
| Conducting body | National Testing Agency (NTA), on behalf of the University Grants Commission |
| Latest cycle | UGC-NET June 2026 |
| Exam date | 22 June 2026 to 30 June 2026, in Computer Based Test mode. |
| Papers | A single three-hour session of two papers with no break between them. Paper I tests teaching and research aptitude; Paper II tests the subject the candidate selects. |
| Qualification | A Master’s degree or equivalent in the subject chosen, with the minimum percentage of marks prescribed by the UGC. Candidates awaiting their result may apply, and relaxations in the qualifying percentage apply to reserved categories as set out in the Information Bulletin. |
| Application fee | General / Unreserved: ₹1,150. Gen-EWS and OBC-NCL: ₹600. SC, ST, PwD, PwBD and Third gender: ₹325. Bank and payment gateway charges apply on top. |
| Qualifying marks | Qualifying candidates are placed in one of three categories: JRF, Assistant Professor and Ph.D. admission; Assistant Professor and Ph.D. admission but not JRF; or Ph.D. admission only, which confers neither JRF nor eligibility for Assistant Professor. |
| Certificate validity | The category a candidate qualifies in determines what the certificate is worth. A Ph.D.-only qualification does not make you eligible for Assistant Professor, and this is the distinction most often misread. |
| Negative marking | No. There is no negative marking for an incorrect response in either paper. |
| Scale | Conducted as a Computer Based Test across the country |
| Official website | ugcnet.nta.nic.in |
UGC NET — the University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test — is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), on behalf of the University Grants Commission as an eligibility test for teaching posts. The UGC-NET June 2026 is on 6 September 2026.
A single three-hour session of two papers with no break between them. Paper I tests teaching and research aptitude; Paper II tests the subject the candidate selects. Conducted as a Computer Based Test across the country.
UGC NET exam pattern
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I — Teaching and Research Aptitude | 50 | 100 |
| Paper II — Subject selected by the candidate | 100 | 200 |
| Total | 150 | 300 |
All questions are objective multiple choice. No. There is no negative marking for an incorrect response in either paper.
Qualifying marks
Qualifying candidates are placed in one of three categories: JRF, Assistant Professor and Ph.D. admission; Assistant Professor and Ph.D. admission but not JRF; or Ph.D. admission only, which confers neither JRF nor eligibility for Assistant Professor.
Validity of the certificate
The category a candidate qualifies in determines what the certificate is worth. A Ph.D.-only qualification does not make you eligible for Assistant Professor, and this is the distinction most often misread.
Three ways to qualify, and they are not equivalent
UGC NET does not simply pass or fail you. Qualifying candidates fall into three categories — JRF with Assistant Professor and Ph.D., Assistant Professor with Ph.D., or Ph.D. admission alone. The third confers neither the fellowship nor Assistant Professor eligibility. Check which category your result places you in before assuming the certificate does what you need.
What this qualification is for
Award of the Junior Research Fellowship, eligibility for appointment as Assistant Professor in Indian universities and colleges, and admission to Ph.D. programmes — depending on the category a candidate qualifies in.
What is next
UGC-NET June 2026 runs from 22 to 30 June 2026. The result date is yet to be announced by NTA.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions
Does clearing UGC NET give me a teaching job?
No. A teaching eligibility test qualifies you to apply for teaching posts — it establishes that you meet the required standard. Actual vacancies are filled through a separate recruitment process run by the relevant authority.
When is UGC NET 2026?
22 June 2026 to 30 June 2026, in Computer Based Test mode.
What is the last date to apply for UGC NET 2026?
10 June 2026 at 23:59, for both the application form and the fee. The application window opened on 11 May 2026.
What is the UGC NET application fee?
General / Unreserved: ₹1,150. Gen-EWS and OBC-NCL: ₹600. SC, ST, PwD, PwBD and Third gender: ₹325. Bank and payment gateway charges apply on top.
What are the qualifying marks for UGC NET?
Qualifying candidates are placed in one of three categories: JRF, Assistant Professor and Ph.D. admission; Assistant Professor and Ph.D. admission but not JRF; or Ph.D. admission only, which confers neither JRF nor eligibility for Assistant Professor.
How long is the UGC NET certificate valid?
The category a candidate qualifies in determines what the certificate is worth. A Ph.D.-only qualification does not make you eligible for Assistant Professor, and this is the distinction most often misread.
Is there negative marking in UGC NET?
No. There is no negative marking for an incorrect response in either paper.
What is the difference between UGC NET Paper I and Paper II?
A single three-hour session of two papers with no break between them. Paper I tests teaching and research aptitude; Paper II tests the subject the candidate selects.
Does qualifying UGC NET guarantee a teaching job?
No. Qualifying CTET does not confer a right to recruitment or employment — it is one of the eligibility criteria for appointment. Schools give weightage to the CTET score, but vacancies are filled through a separate recruitment process.
What qualification is required for UGC NET?
A Master’s degree or equivalent in the subject chosen, with the minimum percentage of marks prescribed by the UGC. Candidates awaiting their result may apply, and relaxations in the qualifying percentage apply to reserved categories as set out in the Information Bulletin.
When is the UGC NET result?
The date is yet to be announced.
Where does UGC NET apply?
Award of the Junior Research Fellowship, eligibility for appointment as Assistant Professor in Indian universities and colleges, and admission to Ph.D. programmes — depending on the category a candidate qualifies in.