UGC NET June 2026: Exam from June 22 to 30 across 85 Subjects in CBT Mode

NEW DELHI, June 12. The June 2026 session of the UGC NET — considered decisive for eligibility to become an assistant professor, for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and for PhD admission — is almost here. Releasing the subject-wise schedule, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced that the exam will be conducted in computer-based test (CBT) mode at centres across the country from June 22 to June 30, 2026. For lakhs of aspirants seeking a career in higher education and research, this session is hugely important.

This time the exam is being held across 85 subjects. There will be two shifts each day — the first from 9 am to 12 noon and the second from 3 pm to 6 pm. Each paper will run for 180 minutes (three hours), with no break between Paper 1 and Paper 2. In other words, candidates must hold their concentration steadily for three hours at a stretch.

The format of the exam

UGC NET has two papers taken in a single session. Paper 1 tests general aptitude — research attitude, teaching aptitude, reasoning ability and general awareness. Paper 2 focuses on the candidate's chosen subject. Both papers are multiple-choice (MCQ) and carry no negative marking — that is, no marks are deducted for a wrong answer, which is strategically important for candidates. It means attempting every question can be worthwhile.

City intimation slip and admit card

The NTA has said that the city intimation slip, which conveys the exam city, is made available roughly 8 to 10 days before the exam date. Candidates appearing on June 22 can expect their city allotment between June 12 and June 14 on the official website ugcnet.nta.ac.in. The admit card follows a few days later. Candidates are advised to keep checking the website regularly and to plan travel and stay as soon as the city slip arrives, so that there is no chaos on exam day.

The three purposes of NET

The UGC NET result comes in three categories — assistant professor eligibility only, assistant professor along with JRF, and eligibility for PhD admission. In recent years, a major change has linked the NET score to PhD admission, making the exam an even more important step into the world of research. Candidates who secure JRF receive a monthly fellowship during their research, so competition is especially fierce. A single exam now opens three pathways, which has further raised its importance.

Preparation strategy

Experts believe Paper 1 often proves decisive, because it is comparatively easier to score in and its syllabus is limited and predictable. Solving past years' papers, practising time management, and preparing in depth from the standard textbooks of one's subject are the three pillars of success. Since the exam is in CBT mode, taking online mock tests to get used to reading and answering on screen is also essential. In the final days, focusing on revision rather than starting new topics is more rewarding.

Eligibility and two chances a year

For UGC NET, a postgraduate degree in the relevant subject with at least 55 per cent marks is generally required, while reserved categories get a relaxation in marks. An age limit is also fixed for JRF, though there is no upper age limit for assistant professor eligibility. A major convenience is that the exam is held twice a year — in the June and December sessions — giving candidates more than one opportunity. Once NET is cleared, the eligibility is valid for life, so many candidates take the exam again to improve their rank or to secure JRF. This flexibility makes the exam more inclusive and full of opportunity. For working professionals and those balancing study with jobs, the two-window system is a particular relief, allowing them to attempt the exam when they are best prepared rather than gambling everything on a single annual chance.

What's next

After the exam concludes, the NTA releases a provisional answer key, then invites objections, and finally declares the result. A separate cut-off is fixed for each subject and category, and only the top 6 per cent of candidates are declared qualified. The cut-off for JRF is higher still, and competition for it grows keener each year. For the lakhs of aspirants dreaming of a career in higher education and research, this June session is a major opportunity — and only calm, well-planned and consistent preparation can turn that opportunity into lasting success.