The crucial UGC NET December 2025 examination cycle is set to commence tomorrow, December 31, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Aspirants aiming for Junior Research Fellowship and assistant professor eligibility must strictly adhere to the detailed schedule and stringent list of prohibited items issued by the testing body.
UGC NET December 2025: Exam Schedule and Shift Timings
The examination will kick off with a single shift on December 31, 2025. Subsequently, from January 2, 2026, the test will be conducted in two shifts daily until the cycle concludes on January 7, 2026. Candidates will tackle both Paper I and Paper II in a continuous, unbroken session lasting three hours.
The NTA has provided a precise framework for entry and examination timings to ensure smooth conduct. For the first shift, the entry window at the exam centre is from 7:20 AM to 8:30 AM, with the gate closing firmly at 8:30 AM. The test itself will run from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. For the second shift, candidates can enter between 1:45 PM and 2:00 PM, with the gate closing at 2:00 PM. The afternoon shift exam timing is from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Mandatory Reporting Time and Late Entry Policy
The agency has reiterated that candidates must report at least 90 minutes before the exam starts. This allows sufficient time for mandatory security checks, document verification, and biometric attendance. Entry will be strictly prohibited after the gate closing time under any circumstances.
For Shift I, aspirants should aim to reach the centre between 7:30 AM and 7:45 AM. For Shift II, the ideal reporting time is between 1:30 PM and 1:45 PM. Once the examination begins, candidates are not allowed to leave the hall before the full three-hour duration is complete.
What to Carry and What is Strictly Prohibited
To avoid any last-minute hassles, candidates must carefully pack only the essential items. The mandatory documents include a printed copy of the UGC NET December 2025 admit card (A4 size with a clear photograph), an original valid photo ID proof (Aadhaar, Passport, PAN, Voter ID, etc.), and one or two recent passport-sized photographs.
Permitted items are minimal: a simple transparent ballpoint pen, a transparent water bottle, and essential medicines with a valid prescription.
The NTA has issued a strict and specific list of prohibited items that candidates must leave at home. The ban includes:
- All electronic and communication devices like mobile phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth devices, earphones, and calculators.
- Extra stationery such as geometry boxes, scales, log tables, or mechanical pencils.
- Bags, wallets, purses, or handbags of any kind, as storage facilities are generally not provided.
- Metallic jewellery, ornaments, large belt buckles, badges, or brooches that could slow down frisking procedures.
- Any study material, books, notebooks, or food items (except for medical reasons).
Candidates are strongly advised to double-check all details on their admit card, including the exam date, shift, reporting time, and centre address. Planning your journey to reach the venue well in advance is crucial for a stress-free start to this important examination.
