UGC NET December 2026: Exam Dates Announced and Over 9.7 Lakh Candidates Registered

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially released the schedule for the upcoming UGC NET December 2026 examination. According to the latest notification, the test is set to take place on December 14, 18, and 21, 2026. This announcement provides clarity for the nearly one million students preparing for the national-level eligibility test.

Official data indicates that a total of 9,75,505 candidates have successfully paid their application fees, a figure that remains subject to final bank reconciliation. With the examination dates now confirmed, the NTA is preparing to roll out the necessary logistical information to help candidates plan their travel and logistics ahead of the testing window.

Key Examination Milestones and Admit Card Details

As the examination dates approach, the NTA has outlined a clear timeline for the release of essential documents. The city intimation slips, which allow candidates to identify the location of their assigned examination centre, are scheduled to be released on November 23, 2026. The agency has clarified that this slip is for informational purposes only and should not be confused with the final admit card.

The official admit cards, which are mandatory for entry into the examination hall, are expected to be available for download starting December 7, 2026. Once the download link is activated on the official website, candidates will be able to access their hall tickets. It is essential for all applicants to carefully verify the details printed on their admit cards, including their name, application number, assigned shift, reporting time, and specific examination centre address.

Preparation and Official Support

The NTA has advised all registered candidates to download and preserve their confirmation pages for future reference. Furthermore, the agency will release the subject-wise examination schedule on its official portal in the coming days. Candidates are encouraged to monitor the official websites, nta.ac.in and ugcnet.nta.nic.in, regularly for any further updates or changes to the schedule.

For those requiring assistance or clarification regarding the examination process, the NTA has established dedicated support channels. Candidates can reach the helpline at 011-40750000 between 8 AM and 10 PM, or utilize the 24/7 toll-free number at 1800 180 4747. Maintaining regular contact with official sources remains the best way for students to stay informed as the December examination dates draw closer.