The National Testing Agency (NTA) has extended the application deadline for the UGC NET June 2026 examination after receiving multiple requests from students facing technical issues during the registration process.
Candidates who were unable to complete their forms earlier due to server errors or document upload problems can now apply online until May 23, 2026.
The extension comes as a major relief for lakhs of aspirants preparing for the prestigious University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET).
UGC NET June 2026 Application Deadline Extended
Earlier, the last date to submit the application form was May 20, 2026. However, due to:
- Slow website performance
- Upload issues
- Heavy traffic on the portal
the NTA decided to provide candidates with additional time.
According to the latest notification:
- Online application process can be completed till May 23, 2026
- Candidates can submit forms up to 10:00 AM
- Fee payment window will remain open till 11:50 PM on May 23
Why UGC NET Is Important
UGC NET is one of India’s most important national-level examinations conducted for:
- Assistant Professor eligibility
- Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)
- PhD admission eligibility in many universities
Every year, lakhs of postgraduate students appear for the examination across various subjects.
Eligibility Criteria for UGC NET June 2026
Educational Qualification
Candidates must fulfill the following conditions:
- Master’s degree in the relevant subject with at least 55% marks
- Students appearing in the final semester or final year of postgraduate studies are also eligible
- Candidates with a 4-year bachelor’s degree can also apply under specified conditions
Age Limit Details
For Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)
- Maximum age limit: 31 years
For NET Eligibility
- No upper age limit
Reserved category candidates will receive age relaxation as per government rules.
Category-Wise Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General | ₹1,150 |
| EWS / OBC | ₹600 |
| SC / ST / PwD | ₹325 |
Candidates can pay the fee through:
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- Net Banking
- E-Challan
UGC NET June 2026 Exam Date
The examination will be conducted by the National Testing Agency between:
- June 22 to June 30, 2026
The exam will be held in:
- Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode
What Happens After the Examination?
After the exam concludes:
- Provisional answer key will be released
- Candidates can raise objections
- Final answer key will be prepared
- Result declaration will follow
Step-by-Step Process to Apply Online
Candidates can complete the application process by following these steps:
- Visit the official NTA website
- Click on the “UGC NET June 2026 Application” link
- Complete new registration
- Fill in all required personal and academic details
- Upload:
- Photograph
- Signature
- Necessary documents
- Pay the application fee online
- Submit the form
- Download and save the confirmation page
Students Advised Not to Wait Till the Last Moment
Since the portal may experience heavy traffic near the deadline, candidates are advised to:
- Complete registration early
- Double-check uploaded documents
- Verify payment status
- Keep login credentials safe
Applicants should also regularly monitor official notifications for updates regarding:
- Admit cards
- Exam city slips
- Answer keys
- Result announcements
The deadline extension has provided another opportunity for candidates who were unable to apply earlier due to technical issues or incomplete documentation.
