The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially kicked off registrations for the UGC NET December 2025 examination. This crucial national-level test is your gateway to becoming an Assistant Professor or securing a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in India’s esteemed universities and colleges. Postgraduate students dreaming of an academic or research career can now complete their applications online. However, it’s vital to ensure all personal and academic details are perfectly accurate, as any errors could lead to disqualification. With over eight lakh candidates expected to apply, based on previous years’ figures, precision is key!
Key Dates and How to Apply for UGC NET December 2025
The application period for UGC NET December 2025 is currently active. To apply, head to the official NTA website. You’ll need to provide your personal information, educational background, preferred subject, and chosen exam city. Once these details are submitted, proceed to upload your scanned photograph and signature, make the necessary fee payment, and then download your confirmation page. Remember, only online applications are accepted – no physical submissions will be processed. Keep an eye out for the brief correction window that opens after registration closes; it’s your chance to fix any minor mistakes before final submission.
Essential Documents for Your UGC NET 2025 Application
Applicants should gather the following documents and details before starting their online application:
- Aadhaar card, passport, or voter ID for identity verification.
- Your Master’s degree certificate or official mark sheets to prove eligibility.
- Relevant Category certificates (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS) if you’re applying under a reserved category.
- A PwD certificate for candidates with benchmark disabilities.
- A recent passport-size photograph, scanned and adhering to the specified size and resolution.
- Your scanned signature in the prescribed format.
- A valid email ID and an active mobile number for all official communications.
- Proof of payment (transaction details or reference) after the application fee is submitted.
Ensure all your scanned documents are perfectly clear, meet the specified file size, and are in the correct format. A thorough double-check of these uploads is crucial to prevent any application rejections during the document verification stage.
UGC NET 2025 Application Fee: A Category-Wise Overview
As per the NTA information bulletin, here is the application fee structure for UGC NET December 2025:
| Category | Application Fee (₹) |
|---|---|
| General / Unreserved | ₹1,150 |
| OBC–NCL / EWS | ₹600 |
| SC / ST / PwD / Third Gender | ₹325 |
All application fees must be paid exclusively through online methods such as debit/credit cards, net banking, or UPI. After a successful payment, make sure to download both the fee receipt and the confirmation page for your records. It’s important to remember that the application fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
Understanding the UGC NET Exam Pattern and Eligibility Criteria
The UGC NET examination is structured into two papers, both administered in a single, comprehensive three-hour session. Paper I evaluates your general teaching and research aptitude, while Paper II delves deep into your chosen subject. To qualify, you must hold a Master’s degree with a minimum of 55% marks (or 50% for candidates belonging to reserved categories). Even if you’re in your final year of postgraduate studies, you can still apply provisionally.
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