
The National Testing Agency (NTA) will close the free registration window for the CSIR UGC NET December 2026 exam on November 5, 2026. Candidates can still apply with a late fee of Rs 500 until November 9, 2026. The correction window opens on November 10 and closes on November 12, 2026.

The exam will be held on December 19, 22 and 27, 2026 in two shifts: 9 am to 12 noon and 3 pm to 6 pm. It will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode with objective-type multiple-choice questions and no break between papers. The application fee for General category is Rs 1,150, for General-EWS/OBC(NCL) is Rs 600, and for SC/ST/PwD/Third Gender is Rs 325. Candidates can apply at csirnet.nta.nic.in.
The NTA's deadline structure itself creates two classes of applicants: those who meet the November 5 deadline pay the standard fee, while those filing by November 9 incur a Rs 500 late fee on top. The correction window from November 10 to 12 is tight, leaving no room for error after payment is made. With the exam held on three separate dates in December, candidates must track which shift and day they are assigned, as the CBT format offers no break between parts. The Joint CSIR-UGC NET determines eligibility for fellowships and faculty appointments, making the fee and deadline details a direct barrier to entry for aspirants who miss the free window.
Source: hindustantimes.com
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