CSIR UGC NET December 2026 registration window opens for Indian researchers

The CSIR-UGC National Eligibility Test (NET) registration portal has become operational, inviting candidates to apply for the December 2026 examination cycle. Aspiring researchers and academics seeking eligibility for junior research fellowships and lecturer positions can submit their applications through the official CSIR-UGC NET website until November 5, 2026.

The examination will be administered on three separate dates—December 19, 22, and 27, 2026—to accommodate the expected volume of applicants across the country. This staggered schedule is designed to ensure smooth conduct of the competitive assessment and reduce logistical constraints at examination centres.

The CSIR-UGC NET is a national-level test conducted jointly by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and the University Grants Commission. It serves as the qualifying examination for determining eligibility for junior research fellowships in CSIR-sponsored research laboratories and for appointment as lecturers in Indian universities and colleges across science and technology disciplines.

Candidates are advised to review the detailed notification and eligibility criteria on the official portal before submitting their applications. The examination assesses competency across life sciences, physical sciences, and earth sciences, and plays a crucial role in identifying talented researchers for India's scientific ecosystem.