UGC NET December 2025 Exam Dates Announced: Application Process Underway
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially announced the UGC NET December 2025 exam dates, marking a crucial opportunity for candidates aspiring to qualify for lectureship and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in Indian universities and colleges. This announcement brings clarity to thousands of aspirants eagerly waiting for the official notification. The exams will commence on December 31, 2025, and conclude on January 7, 2026, covering 85 subjects through a computer-based test (CBT) format.
This article provides a comprehensive guide on the UGC NET December 2025, including application details, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, important dates, and preparation tips. It is designed to help candidates successfully navigate the application process and optimize their preparation strategy.
Important Dates for UGC NET December 2025
The UGC NET December 2025 application process is currently open. It began on October 7, 2025, and will continue until November 7, 2025. Candidates who wish to apply for this prestigious examination must ensure timely submission of their applications.
- Application Start Date: October 7, 2025
- Application End Date: November 7, 2025
- Correction Window: November 10 – November 12, 2025
- Exam Dates: December 31, 2025 – January 7, 2026
It is important for candidates to submit their applications before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues or technical glitches. The NTA also provides a limited correction window for applicants to rectify errors in their application forms.
Application Process for UGC NET December 2025
The application process for UGC NET December 2025 is conducted entirely online through the official NTA portal: ugcnet.nta.nic.in. Candidates are advised to carefully read the instructions before filling out the form.
Steps to Apply:
- Visit the official UGC NET website: ugcnet.nta.nic.in
- Click on the “Apply Online” link for UGC NET December 2025.
- Register by providing basic details such as name, date of birth, and email ID.
- Fill in personal, educational, and communication details in the application form.
- Upload scanned documents, including:
- Photograph and signature
- Aadhaar card or UDID card (for candidates with disabilities)
- Category certificates (EWS/SC/ST/OBC-NCL)
- Pay the application fee using online payment modes.
- Submit the form and take a printout of the confirmation page for future reference.
It is crucial that all documents, especially the Aadhaar card and category certificates, are valid and updated to prevent discrepancies or rejection of the application.
Eligibility Criteria for UGC NET December 2025
Candidates applying for UGC NET December 2025 must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Educational Qualification: Candidates must have a Master’s degree or equivalent from a recognized university. Final-year students can also apply, provided they complete their degree by the specified date.
- Age Limit: For Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), the maximum age limit is 31 years. No upper age limit is specified for lectureship.
- Nationality: Indian citizens are eligible to apply. Overseas candidates must check the specific guidelines on the official NTA portal.
Meeting these criteria is essential, as incomplete or incorrect applications may be rejected by the NTA.
Exam Pattern for UGC NET December 2025
The UGC NET December 2025 exam will be conducted in a computer-based format (CBT), with questions designed to test candidates’ knowledge, comprehension, and analytical skills in their respective subjects.
- Mode of Exam: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Number of Papers: 2
- Paper 1: General Paper on Teaching and Research Aptitude (50 questions)
- Paper 2: Subject-specific paper (100 questions)
- Duration: 3 hours
- Marking Scheme: Each question carries 2 marks; no negative marking for incorrect answers.
Candidates should carefully analyze the exam pattern to strategize their preparation effectively. Paper 1 tests general teaching and research aptitude, while Paper 2 evaluates subject-specific knowledge.
Exam Centers
The NTA will provide a detailed list of exam centers approximately 10 days before the commencement of the exam. Candidates can check their city of exam center on the official NTA website. The exam will be held across multiple cities nationwide, ensuring convenient access for candidates from different regions.
Preparation Tips for UGC NET December 2025
Proper preparation is key to success in UGC NET December 2025. Here are some effective strategies:
- Understand the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with both Paper 1 and Paper 2 syllabi for your chosen subject.
- Time Management: Create a realistic study schedule and dedicate sufficient time to both general aptitude and subject-specific topics.
- Practice Previous Papers: Solve past years’ question papers to understand the exam pattern and difficulty level.
- Mock Tests: Take online mock tests to evaluate performance and improve speed and accuracy.
- Revision: Regularly revise important topics and formulas, especially for Paper 1.
Contact and Official Resources
For further updates and detailed instructions regarding UGC NET December 2025, candidates can regularly visit:
- NTA Official Website: nta.ac.in
- UGC NET Portal: ugcnet.nta.nic.in
Candidates facing difficulties during the application process can contact NTA at:
- Phone: 011-40759000 / 011-69227700
- Email: ugcnet@nta.ac.in
It is strongly recommended that candidates check the official website regularly for notifications, admit card releases, and other important announcements.
The announcement of UGC NET December 2025 exam dates by the NTA is a significant milestone for aspiring lecturers and researchers. With applications currently underway, candidates must ensure that they meet all eligibility criteria and submit their forms on time. By understanding the exam pattern, following effective preparation strategies, and staying updated with official notifications, aspirants can maximize their chances of success.
The UGC NET December 2025 is more than just an exam; it is a gateway to academic excellence and a career in research and teaching. Early preparation, focus, and adherence to deadlines will help candidates achieve their goals and secure their future in academia.
