UGC NET Notification 2025: Every year, the National Testing Agency (NTA), entrusted by the University Grants Commission (UGC), conducts the UGC NET Examination twice once in June and once in December. For the year 2025, the UGC NET exam for the June cycle has been completed, and the notification for the December cycle is expected to be released in October 2025, based on the timeline followed for the June exam. As per this timeline, the NET Exam is expected to be held in December 2025. In this blog, we have provided all the details about the UGC NET notification, eligibility, exam pattern, and more.
When will the UGC NET December Cycle Notification be released?
The UGC NET notification for the December cycle is expected to be released in October, based on the timeline previously followed for the June exam. However, the exact date of the UGC NET examination, which is expected to be held in December 2025, is going to be released soon.
Why is the UGC NET examination conducted?
The UGC NET examination is conducted to determine the eligibility of Indian nationals for
(i) the award of Junior Research Fellowship and appointment as Assistant Professor,
(ii) appointment as Assistant Professor and admission to Ph.D., and
(iii) admission to Ph.D. only in Indian universities and colleges.
Attempt UGC NET Mock Test 2025
UGC NET Notification 2025 Overview
Candidates can check the complete UGC NET December 2025 notification overview including important highlights, schedule, and official updates in one place. The key details of the UGC Net Notification are as follows:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Name | UGC NET 2025 |
| Frequency | Biannually (2 sessions per year) |
| Purpose | Recruitment for Assistant Professor roles & awarding Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) |
| Notification Release | TBA (For Dec Cycle) |
| UGC NET 2025 Application Form Last Date | TBA (For Dec Cycle) |
| Exam Pattern | Two Papers: Teaching & Research Aptitude & Subject-Specific Knowledge |
| Eligibility Criteria | Master's degree or equivalent; minimum percentage marks as per category (relaxations apply) |
| Syllabus Overview | Covers research skills, teaching methodologies, and comprehensive subject-specific topics |
| Application Process | Online registration via the official website |
| Admit Card | TBA (For Dec Cycle) |
| Result Declaration | Expected within a month after the exam |
| Official Website | www.ugcnet.nta.nic.in |
UGC NET December Notification 2025 PDF
The National Testing Agency (NTA) is expected to release the UGC NET December notification soon, providing detailed information for candidates aiming to qualify for Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) positions. Based on the timeline followed by the UGC, the registration process for the December cycle is expected to begin in October 2025.
Until the December notification is released, aspirants can download the notification for the previous cycle through the direct link provided below.
Download UGC NET Notification PDF for June 2025
UGC NET 2025 Notification Important Dates
The NTA is expected to release the notification for the UGC NET December 2025 cycle soon. The details related to the UGC NET December exam dates are as follows:
| Event | UGC NET Dates |
|---|
| UGC NET 2025 Notification Release | TBA |
| Start of UGC NET Online Application | TBA |
| Last Date to Apply | TBA |
| Application Correction Window | TBA |
| Admit Card Release | TBA |
| UGC NET Exam Date 2025 | December (Expected) |
| Provisional Answer Key | To be Announced |
| Final Answer Key | To be Announced |
What are the Eligibility Requirements to Appear for the UGC NET Exam?
Before applying for UGC NET December Notification 2025, it is essential to go through the eligibility criteria set by NTA (National Testing Agency). The UGC NET Eligibility Criteria 2025 includes educational qualification, age limit, and reservation policies, which every candidate must fulfill to be considered for Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) posts.
UGC NET Educational Qualification
The details of the UGC NET Educational Qualification are as follows:
| Criteria / Point | Details |
|---|
| Minimum Qualification | Master's degree or equivalent from a UGC-recognized university. |
| Minimum Marks (General/EWS) | At least 55% marks (without rounding off). |
| Minimum Marks (OBC-NCL/SC/ST/PwD/Third Gender) | At least 50% marks (without rounding off). |
| Appearing Candidates | Final year Master's students or those awaiting results can apply provisionally. Must secure required marks within 2 years of NET result (1 year for Ph.D.-only qualification). |
| Ph.D. Holders (before 19 Sept 1991) | Eligible with relaxation of 5% marks (i.e., 50% instead of 55%). |
| Third Gender Candidates | Eligible for same relaxation in fee, age, and marks as SC/ST/PwD. |
| 4-Year Bachelor's Degree Holders | Eligible with 75% marks (or equivalent grade). Relaxation of 5% for reserved categories. |
| Eligibility based on 4-Year UG Degree | Can apply for JRF and Ph.D. admission (not for Assistant Professor). Final-year students of such programs may also apply provisionally. |
| Subject Selection | Should appear in the subject of post-graduation. If not available, can choose a related subject (list in Appendix-II of June Notification 2025). |
| No Document Submission During Application | Candidates need not send any documents to NTA. Must self-verify eligibility. |
| Equivalence of Foreign or Diploma Degrees | Must verify equivalence from AIU (www.aiu.ac.in) or Bar Council of India (for law degrees). |
| JRF Validity | JRF award valid for 3 years from the date of issue. For Ph.D. students, fellowship starts from the date of NET result or joining whichever is later. |
| Assistant Professor Eligibility | Subject to university/state recruitment rules. Qualifying NET is a minimum requirement. |
| Exemption from NET | - Candidates who qualified UGC/CSIR JRF before 1989. - Candidates who cleared SET before 1st June 2002 can apply anywhere in India. - SET after June 2002 is valid only within that state. |
| Fellowship Schemes | NFSC and NFOBC follow guidelines by respective Ministries. |
UGC NET Age Limit
The age limit for JRF and Assistant professor is different. Here are the details of the UGC NET age limit based on the June 2025 Notification:
| Category | Age Limit / Relaxation |
|---|
| Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) | Not more than 30 years as on 01 June 2025 (Based on June 2025 Notification) |
| OBC-NCL / SC / ST / PwD / Third Gender / Women | Up to 5 years relaxation |
| Candidates with Research Experience | Relaxation up to 5 years, limited to research done in relevant PG subject (excluding UG/PG coursework), with valid certificate from recognized institution |
| L.L.M. Degree Holders | 3 years relaxation |
| Armed Forces Personnel (Ex-servicemen) | Up to 5 years relaxation based on length of service (not exceeding total 5 years overall) |
| Maximum Age Relaxation (All Combined Grounds) | Cannot exceed 5 years in total |
| Assistant Professor | No upper age limit |
| Admission to Ph.D. | No upper age limit |
UGC NET 2025 Reservation Criteria
As per Government of India norms, reservation is applicable for different categories:
| Category | Reservation % |
|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 15% |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 7.50% |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 27% |
| Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | 10% |
| Persons with Disability (PwD) | 5% (Horizontal) |
How to Apply Online for UGC NET December 2025?
To apply online for the UGC NET December examination, follow the steps below:
| Step | Details |
|---|
| 1. Visit Official Website | Go to official UGC website at www.ugcnet.nta.nic.in and click on "Apply Online for UGC NET 2025". |
| 2. Register Yourself | Click "New Registration" and enter: • Full Name • Email ID • Mobile Number • Date of Birth • Security Pin (Captcha) You will Receive the Application Number and Password via email/SMS. |
| 3. Fill Application Form | Log in using the credentials and fill in: • Personal Information • Academic Qualifications • Exam Preferences (Subject, Centres) |
| 4. Upload Documents | Upload scanned copies of: • Passport-size Photograph • Signature • Category Certificate (if applicable) • PwD Certificate (if applicable) Format: JPEG/JPG, within size limits. |
| 5. Pay Application Fee | Pay using Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI. Save the transaction ID or receipt for future use. |
| 7. Final Review & Submission | Review all details carefully. Make corrections if needed. Click "Final Submit" and download the confirmation page. |
| 8. Print Application Form | Download and print the filled application form and fee receipt. Keep them for exam and counseling purposes. |
How Much is the UGC NET 2025 Application Fee?
Before applying for the UGC NET 2025 exam, it's important for candidates to have an idea about the application fee structure. The National Testing Agency (NTA) charges different fees based on the candidate's category. The fee must be paid online during the application process, and the application will not be considered complete without successful payment. The expected fee structure for UGC NET 2025 are as follows:
| Category | Application Fee (Expected) |
|---|
| General (Unreserved) | ₹1150 |
| OBC-NCL / EWS | ₹600 |
| SC / ST / PwD / Third Gender | ₹325 |
Note: These fees are based on the previous cycle and may be updated when the official notification is released.
How is UGC NET Selection Process 2025
The UGC NET Selection Process 2025 has been structured to ensure that only the most deserving candidates qualify for the Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) roles. The process is completely online, transparent, and merit-based. The detailed steps for candidate shortlisting through the UGC NET Exam 2025 are as follows:
- Mode of Exam: Online (CBT mode)
- Papers: Two Papers, Paper 1 (General Aptitude) & Paper 2 (Subject-specific)
- Total Questions & Marks: 150 questions, 300 marks
- Exam Session: Conducted in a single session
- Negative Marking: No negative marking
- Merit List: Separate lists for Assistant Professor and JRF + Assistant Professor
- Qualifying Criteria: Top 6% candidates (meeting minimum qualifying marks) declared NET qualified
- JRF Eligibility: Qualified candidates eligible for both JRF and Assistant Professor
- Assistant Professor Eligibility: Qualified candidates eligible for teaching roles only
- e-Certificates: Issued by NTA/UGC; no interview required
Check UGC NET Online Classes
What is the Exam Pattern for UGC NET 2025?
Understanding the UGC NET Exam Pattern 2025 is crucial for every aspirant preparing for the exam. As per the latest UGC NET Notification, the exam is conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode by the NTA. It comprises two papers, both held in a single session without any break.
- Total Questions: 150 (combined Paper 1 + Paper 2)
- Total Marks: 300
- Exam Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Negative Marking: No negative marking
- Session: Single session (no break between papers)
| Component | Paper 1 | Paper 2 |
|---|
| Type of Questions | Objective (Multiple Choice Questions) | Subject-Specific Objective (MCQs) |
| Number of Questions | 50 | 100 |
| Marks | 100 | 200 |
| Duration | 3 hours (combined for both papers) | 3 hours (combined for both papers) |
| Content | General Aptitude: Teaching & Research Aptitude, Reasoning, Comprehension, Communication, Data Interpretation, Environment, Higher Education, etc. | In-depth questions from chosen subject (e.g., Commerce, History, Education, etc.) |
UGC NET Syllabus 2025
The UGC NET Syllabus 2025 has been officially released by the National Testing Agency (NTA) along with the last cycle's notification. Specially curated to assess the eligibility of candidates for Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), the syllabus covers two papers: Paper I (general teaching and research aptitude) and Paper II (subject-specific knowledge across 85 disciplines). The syllabus for each subject is structured to reflect the latest academic standards and trends. Aspirants are advised to download the updated UGC NET syllabus PDF from the official website to streamline their preparation effectively. Understanding the detailed UGC NET syllabus is crucial for targeted study, time management, and achieving high scores in the exam.
Check Subject Wise UGC NET Syllabus 2025
What is the Salary After Clearing UGC NET?
The UGC NET Salary structure offers competitive pay and career stability for candidates qualifying as Assistant Professors and Junior Research Fellows (JRF). After qualifying UGC NET 2025, candidates appointed as Assistant Professors in Indian universities earn a handsome salary under the 7th Pay Commission. Meanwhile, JRF awardees pursuing research in recognized institutes receive monthly fellowships, making the UGC NET a financially rewarding opportunity for academic and research aspirants. The UGC NET salary not only includes basic pay but also allowances like HRA, DA, and medical benefits.
| Post | Basic Pay (Approx.) | Total Monthly Salary (with allowances) |
|---|
| Assistant Professor | ₹57,700 | ₹75,000 – ₹1,20,000 |
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | ₹37,000 (1st 2 years) | ₹42,000 (from 3rd year onwards) + HRA |
When will be the UGC NET Admit Card Releases?
The UGC NET Admit Card 2025 for the December session will be released approximately 7 days before the examination. Candidates can download their admit cards by logging in with their application number and date of birth. The admit card includes important details like the candidate's name, roll number, exam date, time, venue, and instructions. It is mandatory to carry a printed copy of the admit card along with a valid photo ID to the exam centre.
UGC NET Cut Off 2025
The UGC NET Cut Off 2025 will be released by NTA after the exam. The UGC NET Cut Off PDF provides the minimum marks needed to qualify for Assistant Professor or JRF. The cut off varies by subject along with that it also depends on factors like exam difficulty, number of candidates, and available seats. Candidates must check the official cut off PDF to know their qualifying status.
Check UGC NET Best Books for Paper 1 & All Subjects
