If you have been putting off your CSIR UGC NET December 2026 application, the clock is now your biggest worry. The National Testing Agency has extended the last date to submit the form, and the window closes tonight, November 9, at 11:50 pm. There is no late fee for applications filed by then, which makes today the last realistic chance to get in without paying extra.
The extension was announced after thousands of candidates were still midway through the process. According to the NTA update shared on November 6, the exam has received 2,36,656 registrations so far, but 1,98,479 candidates had completed the fee payment at that point. That leaves more than 38,000 applicants who had registered but were yet to pay, and many of them will be rushing to finish today.
What changed in the deadline
The original last date to apply and pay the fee was November 5, 2026. In a public notice dated November 5, the NTA moved the normal-fee deadline to November 9, 2026, up to 11:50 pm. The idea, the agency said, was to give more time to candidates who had not yet completed the application process.
Here is the key point candidates often miss. The extension applies to the form submission and the fee payment together. Both must be completed by 11:50 pm tonight. If you submit the form but the fee payment fails or stays pending, the application is not complete. Keep the confirmation page downloaded once the payment goes through, because that is your proof of a successful application.
Who the exam is for
The Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 examination decides eligibility for three paths in Indian science: Junior Research Fellowship, Assistant Professor posts, and PhD admission. The notification was released by the NTA on October 7, 2026, and the application process opened the same day.
The test covers subjects across the sciences, from chemical and life sciences to mathematical sciences, physical sciences and earth sciences. Candidates who qualify for JRF can take up research fellowships, while those who clear the Assistant Professor category become eligible for teaching posts in colleges and universities.
Fee structure and payment
- General category: Rs 1,150
- General-EWS and OBC-NCL: Rs 600
- SC, ST, PwD and third gender: Rs 325
Payment can be made online through the official portal. With heavy traffic expected in the final hours, candidates are advised not to wait until late evening. A failed transaction near the deadline is the most common reason applications stay incomplete, and the NTA has not indicated any further extension beyond tonight.
What happens after tonight
Once the application window closes, the next step is the correction window, which runs from November 10 to November 12, 2026. During these three days, candidates can edit certain details in their submitted forms. After that, the NTA is expected to share the exam city intimation in late November, followed by admit cards in early December.
The computer-based test will be held on December 19, 22 and 27, 2026, in two shifts each day. The exam is conducted in CBT mode, and the exact date and shift for each candidate will be printed on the admit card.
How to apply before the deadline
- Go to the official website, csirnet.nta.nic.in, and open the Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 registration link.
- Register with your details and note down the application number.
- Fill in personal, academic and subject details carefully.
- Upload the photograph, signature and other required documents in the prescribed format.
- Pay the fee online and download the confirmation page.
If you face a payment issue, the NTA helpdesk can be reached at 011-40759000 and 011-69227700, or by email at csirnet@nta.ac.in. Keep screenshots of any failed transaction, because they help when raising a query with the agency or the bank.
For more than 2.36 lakh aspirants, tonight is the line between being in the race and waiting for the next cycle. If your form is ready, submit it now, pay the fee, and save the confirmation page before the portal closes at 11:50 pm.
FAQs
What is the last date to apply for CSIR UGC NET December 2026?
The last date is November 9, 2026, up to 11:50 pm. Both the form submission and the fee payment must be completed by then, without any late fee.
How many candidates have registered for CSIR NET December 2026?
As of November 6, the NTA reported 2,36,656 registrations, of which 1,98,479 candidates had paid the examination fee.
When is the correction window for CSIR NET December 2026?
The application correction window will be open from November 10 to November 12, 2026, through the official website.
When will the CSIR NET December 2026 exam be held?
The computer-based test is scheduled for December 19, 22 and 27, 2026, in two shifts each day.
What is the official website for CSIR NET registration?
Candidates should apply only through csirnet.nta.nic.in or nta.ac.in, and avoid third-party links.
Stay tuned to Informeia for the latest updates on CSIR NET admit cards, exam city details and results.
