The race to secure eligibility for research fellowships, assistant professor posts and doctoral admissions is gathering pace, with more than 2.18 lakh candidates registering for the December 2026 UGC-NET and Joint CSIR-UGC NET examinations.The National Testing Agency (NTA) shared the latest registration figures on its official X account on October 22, urging aspirants to complete their applications early to avoid last-minute delays.According to the agency, a combined 2,18,961 applications have been received for the two examinations. The figures indicate that thousands of candidates are preparing for the upcoming tests, which determine eligibility for different academic and research opportunities.UGC-NET LEADS WITH 1.86 LAKH APPLICATIONSOf the total applications received, 1,86,301 candidates have registered for the University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) December 2026 session.

The Joint Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (Joint CSIR-UGC NET) has received 32,660 applications. Here is the registration breakdown released by the NTA:ExaminationApplications receivedUGC-NET December 20261,86,301Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 202632,660Total2,18,961MISSED THE DEADLINE?

CHECK THESE DATESCandidates who have not yet submitted their applications should note that the two examinations have different registration deadlines.ExaminationLast date to applyUGC-NET December 2026October 28, 2026Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2026November 5, 2026 Candidates can apply through the official portals: ugcnet.nta.nic.in for UGC-NET and csirnet.nta.nic.in for Joint CSIR-UGC NET. WHEN WILL THE EXAMS BE HELD?The UGC-NET December 2026 examination is scheduled from December 14 to 19 in computer-based test mode.

It determines eligibility for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), appointment as an assistant professor and admission to PhD programmes.The Joint CSIR-UGC NET examination is scheduled for December 9, 22 and 27. It covers Chemical Sciences, Earth Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences and Physical Sciences.The NTA has advised candidates to check the respective examination websites for updates on city intimation slips, admit cards and other instructions.- Ends