UGC NET 2026 Registration: Over 5.5 Lakh Applications Submitted in 17 Days, NTA Issues Update

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has reported that over 5.5 lakh candidates have registered for the UGC NET December 2026 examination within the first 17 days of the application window opening. As the registration process approaches its scheduled closure, authorities have advised eligible aspirants to complete their submissions promptly via the official website, ugcnet.nta.nic.in, rather than waiting for the final deadline.

Application Status Breakdown

According to the details shared by the NTA regarding the ongoing registration phase:

• Total registered candidates stand at 5,50,048.
• A total of 3,73,419 applicants have successfully completed their forms and paid the required examination fee.
• For 1,36,993 candidates, uploading photographs and signatures as well as fee payment are still pending.
• A total of 31,580 candidates have uploaded their photographs and signatures, but their application fee payment remains pending.

Important Examination Dates

The official schedule indicates that the UGC NET 2026 examinations are planned to commence on December 14.

Practical Implications and Verification

Candidates who have initiated their registration but have yet to complete fee payment or document uploads must do so before the official window closes to avoid technical issues or disqualification. Aspirants can verify all updates, check official notifications, and complete their submissions directly by visiting the official NTA web portal at ugcnet.nta.nic.in.