1. UGC NET December 2025: Important Dates

The UGC NET 2025 December session is one of the key exams for aspirants aiming to become Assistant Professors or qualify for Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) in Indian universities. The National Testing Agency (NTA) will announce the detailed schedule soon, but based on previous years, here’s an expected timeline for the December session.

Candidates can expect the application process to begin around September 2025, with the exam likely scheduled between January 1–19, 2026. The specific exam dates and result declaration will be confirmed once the official notification is released.

Here’s a summary of the important events and dates you should keep in mind for the UGC NET December 2025 session:

1.1 Key Points to Remember:

• Application Release: The application window typically opens in September, giving you ample time to register.

• Fee Payment: Ensure you pay the application fee before the last date; once the correction window opens, no changes can be made without proper correction.

• Correction Window: If you make any mistakes during the form-filling process, there will likely be a short window in late October 2025 to make corrections.

• Admit Cards: You can expect to download your admit card in December 2025, closer to the exam dates.

• Exam Dates: The UGC NET December 2025 exam is tentatively scheduled between January 1–19, 2026. Be sure to check for updates when the official notification is released.

• Result Declaration: Results are usually declared by February 2026, so plan your next steps accordingly.

2. UGC NET 2025 Application Fee

The fee for the UGC NET December 2025 exam varies depending on your category. Here's how it’s structured:

Key Details:

• Payment Mode: The application fee must be paid online, using options like credit card, debit card, or net banking.

• No Refund: The fee is non-refundable, so make sure to double-check all details before payment.

• Late Fee: If there's any provision for a late fee, the official notification will provide details about that.

3. UGC NET 2025 Eligibility Criteria

To appear for the UGC NET 2025 exam, candidates must meet both educational and age eligibility requirements. Here's a breakdown of the criteria you need to meet to apply:

3.1. Educational Eligibility for UGC NET 2025:

1. Bachelor's Degree:

Candidates who have completed a four-year bachelor's degree (in any stream) can now apply for the UGC NET exam.

2. Master's Degree:

You should have completed your Master’s degree or be appearing for the final year to be eligible for the exam.

3.2. Age Limit for UGC NET 2025:

1. For Junior Research Fellowship (JRF):

• Applicants must be 30 years or younger to apply for JRF.

• Relaxation: There is age relaxation for candidates from SC/ST/OBC/PwD/Third Gender categories, according to UGC guidelines.

2. For Assistant Professor:

• There is no upper age limit to apply for the Assistant Professor position.

•  If you have completed your post-graduation or are in your final year, you can apply for the Assistant Professor role, regardless of age.

3.3. Age Relaxation for UGC NET/JRF

Candidates from certain categories are entitled to age relaxation as per government rules:

This ensures that all eligible candidates get a fair opportunity to appear for the exam, regardless of their background or situation.

3.4. A Few Additional Points to Remember:

If you are completing your final year of post-graduation, you are still eligible to apply.

The age relaxation provisions are designed to help candidates from various backgrounds, including those with military service, research experience, and specific social categories.

4. Exam Pattern of UGC NET

• Marking Scheme: +2 for each correct answer, no negative marking

• Medium: English and Hindi

5. Previous Session Stats of UGC (December 2024)

Here’s a summary of key statistics from the UGC NET December 2024 session, which can give you a sense of the scale and competition involved in the exam:

• Applicants: 8,49,166

• Test-Takers: 6,49,490

6. Conclusion:

The UGC NET 2025 December session is a significant exam for candidates aspiring to become Assistant Professors or qualify for Junior Research Fellowships (JRF). With an expected application window starting in September 2025, it's crucial for candidates to keep track of important dates and prepare thoroughly. The exam will assess general teaching aptitude and subject-specific knowledge, with no negative marking to reduce exam stress. While the competition remains high, with over 8.4 lakh applicants in the previous session, a solid preparation strategy can help you stand out. Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, complete the application process correctly, and stay updated with official notifications to ace the UGC NET December 2025 exam.