UGC NET Dec 2026 Exam Pattern, Eligibility, Age Limit

Reviewed by Shivaji · Last updated: 1 November 2026

UGC NET December 2026 is a 3-hour computer-based test with two papers and no break between them. There are 150 questions worth 2 marks each, for 300 marks, and no negative marking. The exam is held in 87 subjects.

Exam pattern

• Paper I (teaching and research aptitude, common to all): Questions: 50; Marks: 100
• Paper II (your subject): Questions: 100; Marks: 200
• Total: Questions: 150; Marks: 300

Each question carries 2 marks. A wrong answer or an unanswered question gets 0 marks.

What you can qualify for

• Category 1: JRF and Assistant Professor, and PhD admission.
• Category 2: Assistant Professor and PhD admission (no JRF).
• Category 3: PhD admission only.

Eligibility

• Master's marks: at least 55% for General and Gen-EWS (not rounded off), and at least 50% for OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD and third gender candidates.
• Age limit for JRF: not more than 30 years on 1 December 2026. OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD, third gender and women candidates get up to 5 years' relaxation.
• Assistant Professor and PhD admission: no upper age limit.

FAQs

Is there negative marking in UGC NET December 2026?
No. Wrong answers get 0 marks, so attempt every question.

Is there a break between Paper I and Paper II?
No. Both papers are in one 3-hour sitting.

Is there an age limit for Assistant Professor?
No. The age limit (30 years, with relaxations) applies only to JRF.

See the dates and fee: UGC NET December 2026 correction window and dates.