UGC NET Exam Date 2025 Out, Check Complete Schedule

The National Testing Agency has officially announced the UGC NET December 2025 exam schedule for December cycle. The examination will be conducted over multiple days to accommodate all subjects and candidates. As per the UGC NET 2025 exam date is from December 31 to January 07, 2026. Candidates who have applied for UGC NET December cycle should download the UGC NET admit card 2025 once it is released. Know more about the UGC NET December 2025 exam date and more information here.

Check the table below for the UGC NET exam date 2025 overview:

UGC NET exam involves several key events, starting from admit card release to result declaration.

UGC NET 2025 City Intimation Slip is released by the National Testing Agency before the admit card on the official website. One must download the UGC NET city intimation slip to know about the exam city allotted to them. This city intimation slip helps candidates plan their travel and accommodation in advance. It includes details such as the exam city, subject, and exam date but does not mention the exact exam centre address.

UGC NET admit card will be released online by NTA before the examination. Only registered candidates can download it using their application number and date of birth.

The admit card consists of the following details that one should cross-verify before going for the exam.

• Candidate’s name and roll number

• Exam date and shift timing

• Exam centre address

• Subject name and code

• Important exam-day instructions

Candidates must carry a printed admit card and a valid photo ID proof to the exam centre.

Understanding the UGC NET exam pattern helps candidates plan their preparation effectively. The exam consists of two papers conducted in a single session without any break. Both papers are compulsory and held on the same day.

• The total exam duration is 3 hours, with no sectional break between Paper 1 and Paper 2

• Both papers contain objective-type multiple-choice questions (MCQs)

• Paper 1 tests teaching aptitude, research aptitude, reasoning ability, and general awareness

• Paper 2 focuses entirely on the candidate’s chosen subject

• There is no negative marking, which makes it important for candidates to attempt all questions

• Each correct answer carries 2 marks

NTA will release the UGC NET provisional answer key after the exam is over. Candidates can download the provisional answer and use it to calculate their UGC NET score. Also, if the candidates find any discrepancy, they can raise objections during the answer key challenge window. The NTA will open the objection link soon and candidates have to object by paying the prescribed fee.

UGC NET result will be declared online based on the final answer key. Candidates can download their scorecard from the official website.

The scorecard includes:

• Candidate’s name and roll number

• Subject and category

• Marks obtained in both papers

• Percentile score

• Qualifying status for JRF and/or Assistant Professor

UGC NET cut-off marks are the minimum marks that a candidate has to score to get certificate. The cut off marks for UGC NET 2026 vary each year based on factors such as the difficulty level of the paper, availability of seats for JRF, and category-wise reservation norms. Only the top 6% of candidates in each subject are declared qualified to maintain national level exam. The National Testing Agency releases separate cut-off marks for Assistant Professor eligibility and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF). While qualifying for Assistant Professor allows candidates to apply for teaching positions, the JRF cut-off is higher and determines eligibility for research fellowships and PhD programmes.

There is no centralised counselling or seat allotment in the UGC NET 2025 selection process. The final selection is based on the UGC NET cut off marks for different subjects. Candidates who qualify for Assistant Professor eligibility receive an e-certificate, which remains valid for a lifetime. Candidates can use it and apply for teaching positions across Indian universities and colleges. Similarly, candidates who qualify for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) are issued a JRF award letter. This will be valid for three years from the date of release of the result.