UGC NET December 2026: Registration Deadline Extended, Over 9.6 Lakh Candidates Apply
The NTA has extended the UGC NET December 2026 registration and fee payment deadline to October 31, with over 9.60 lakh candidates applying so far.

Registration Window Extended
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially extended the registration deadline for the UGC NET December 2026 examination. Aspirants who have not yet completed their application process now have until October 31 to submit their forms and clear their examination fees.
According to official statistics released by the testing agency, the response has been massive, with more than 9.60 lakh candidates registering for the examination cycle. Out of the total registered applicants, over 7.91 lakh candidates have successfully completed their fee payments.
Important Deadlines and Fee Structure
Candidates aiming to appear for the upcoming examination must adhere to the revised timeline:
- Last Date for Application Submission: October 31, 2026 (up to 11:50 PM) - Last Date for Fee Payment: October 31, 2026 (up to 11:50 PM) - Late Fee: No late fee is applicable during this extended window.
The agency has reiterated that the extension applies uniformly to both online application submissions and fee transactions. All other terms, conditions, and eligibility criteria outlined in the original notification remain unchanged.
Step-by-Step Guide to Complete Registration
With the deadline hours away, officials have advised applicants to complete the process promptly and avoid last-minute technical glitches. Eligible candidates can follow these steps to finalize their applications:
1. Visit the official NTA UGC NET portal. 2. Locate and click on the active UGC NET December 2026 registration link on the homepage. 3. Log in using your registered credentials or sign up if you are a new user. 4. Fill out the comprehensive application form with accurate personal and academic details. 5. Upload scanned copies of required documents, including your photograph and signature, as per prescribed dimensions. 6. Proceed to pay the requisite examination fee through the available secure digital payment gateways. 7. Submit the final application and download the confirmation page.
Experts stress that merely registering on the portal does not constitute a successful submission. Candidates must ensure that the transaction status is successful and that the confirmation page is generated and saved for future correspondence.
About Gaurav Sen
Senior Editorial Director & Lead Geopolitical Analyst
Senior Editorial Director and investigative correspondent covering national affairs, international relations, defense, and economic policy for Daily News 365.


