CSIR NET December 2026: Apply by 5 November, Exam on 19, 22 and 27 December
Published 26/10/2026
In short: The form for the Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 closes at 11:50 pm on Thursday, 5 November. The exam is on 19, 22 and 27 December. This matters to science students who hold, or are finishing, a Master's degree (or a four-year bachelor's) and want a research fellowship, a PhD seat or a college teaching post, and to the families helping them plan the next two years.
What happened
The National Testing Agency (NTA) opened the CSIR NET December 2026 form on 7 October, with an information bulletin that sets out the dates, fees and rules. NTA's exam calendar for 2026-27 lists the same three exam days. With about ten days left, this is the week to finish the form.
Our earlier piece on UGC NET December 2026 covers the humanities and commerce exam. CSIR NET is the separate test for the sciences, in five subjects:
- Chemical Sciences
- Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences
- Life Sciences and Biotechnology
- Mathematical Sciences
- Physical Sciences
One change to note: Life Sciences now carries Biotechnology in the same paper, and the bulletin says DBT fellowships will be awarded through it too.
For students
- Check which result you are aiming for. A pass can mean one of three things: JRF plus Assistant Professor plus PhD admission, Assistant Professor plus PhD, or PhD admission only. Students with a four-year bachelor's degree can get JRF and PhD admission, but not Assistant Professor eligibility.
- Check your marks. You need at least 55% in your Master's (General and EWS), or 50% for OBC (NCL), SC, ST, PwD and third-gender candidates, with no rounding off. Four-year bachelor's holders need 75% (with a 5% relaxation for some categories).
- Final-year students can apply. You are admitted provisionally and count as qualified only after you pass your Master's with the required marks.
- Check the JRF age limit. You must be 30 or younger on 1 December 2026. Some groups, including women, OBC (NCL), SC, ST and PwD candidates, get up to five years more, but never more than five in total. There is no age limit for Assistant Professor or PhD-only.
- Know the paper. A three-hour computer-based test with Parts A, B and C, and negative marking in most sections. Each subject totals 200 marks. Read your subject's marking scheme in the bulletin before you start practising timed papers.
- Pick four exam cities in your state. City choices are limited to your permanent or present state, and NTA may still allot another city.
For parents
The fee. The bulletin lists ₹1,150 for General, ₹600 for EWS and OBC (NCL), and ₹325 for SC, ST, PwD and third-gender candidates. Bank charges and GST are extra. Paying after 5 November (up to 9 November) costs ₹500 more, so it is worth finishing this week.
Why it matters for the family budget. A JRF is a paid research fellowship, which can make a PhD financially possible without a loan. Without JRF, the result can still count: some candidates qualify for Assistant Professor posts and PhD admission, and others for PhD admission only. The scorecard will say which.
Paperwork. Keep a recent colour photo, a signature scan, the category or disability certificate (in PDF), and a photo ID ready. A name change needs its supporting documents. If your child is in the final year, they will need the result-awaited form attested by their college.
After submitting. There is one chance to correct the form, from 10 to 12 November. Download and save the confirmation page.
Key dates
| Date | What |
|---|---|
| 5 Nov 2026, 11:50 pm | Last date to apply and pay the normal fee |
| 6–9 Nov 2026 | Late window (₹500 extra) |
| 10–12 Nov 2026 | One-time correction window |
| Later | City slip and admit card (dates to be announced) |
| 19, 22 and 27 Dec 2026 | Exam (9 am to noon and 3 pm to 6 pm) |
Sources
- NTA, Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 Information Bulletin (7 October 2026): dates, late fee, fees, eligibility, age limit, subjects, exam pattern and documents. Checked 26 Oct 2026.
- NTA, CSIR NET official website for the form and later notices. Checked 26 Oct 2026.
If a calm map of the PhD and fellowship route would help, more on easyapply.in.
Dates can change. Confirm on the official website before you pay or apply.