The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially announced the detailed subject-wise examination schedule for the crucial University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) for the December 2025 cycle. The testing window will commence on December 31, 2025, and run through January 7, 2026, encompassing over 80 different academic subjects.
Exam Schedule and Shift Timings
The UGC NET December 2025 examination will be conducted in a computer-based test (CBT) mode across various centres in India. Each day will feature two distinct shifts to accommodate the large number of candidates. The first shift is scheduled from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, followed by the second shift from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Candidates must carefully note the specific date and shift for their chosen subject, as published on the official NTA website.
The notification regarding the allotment of exam cities will be made available to registered candidates on the NTA portal at least 10 days prior to the examination date. This allows aspirants sufficient time to plan their travel and logistics. The primary website for all updates and official communications remains ugcnet.nta.ac.in.
Purpose and Significance of UGC NET
The UGC NET, conducted biannually in June and December, serves a dual critical purpose in India's higher education landscape. A qualifying score determines eligibility for the award of the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and for appointments as Assistant Professor in Indian universities and colleges. It also serves as a benchmark for admission into PhD programmes across the country.
The performance of candidates is categorised into three distinct qualification levels:
- JRF and Assistant Professorship: Candidates qualifying at this level can apply for funded research positions and are also eligible for teaching roles.
- Assistant Professorship and PhD Admission: Qualifiers are eligible to apply for teaching positions and can seek admission to doctoral programmes.
- PhD Admission Only: Candidates in this category can proceed to apply for PhD admissions as per the guidelines of respective universities and institutions.
Context from the Previous Cycle
To understand the scale of the examination, one can look at the statistics from the June 2025 cycle. A massive 10,19,751 candidates registered for the test, with 7,52,007 actually appearing for it. The results, declared on July 21, 2025, saw 5,269 candidates qualifying for both JRF and Assistant Professorship. Furthermore, 54,885 candidates qualified for Assistant Professorship and PhD admission, and a significant 1,28,179 candidates qualified for PhD admission only.
These figures underscore the highly competitive nature of the exam and its pivotal role in shaping academic careers. Candidates are advised to meticulously prepare according to their subject syllabus and keep a close watch on the NTA website for any further updates, including the final release of their admit cards and exact centre details.
