The National Testing Agency (NTA) has received more than 8.78 lakh registrations for the University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) December 2026 examination. With the revised application deadline approaching, candidates who have not completed the registration process must submit their forms, pay the examination fee and verify their application status by October 31.
According to the latest figures released by the agency, more than 6.92 lakh candidates have completed their fee payments. However, the examination fee remains unpaid for 1,86,144 applicants, indicating that a significant number of registered candidates still need to complete the process.
The application deadline was extended following an NTA public notice issued on October 27. Candidates can complete their applications through the official UGC NET website, ugcnet.nta.nic.in.
Over 1.86 Lakh Candidates Yet to Complete Fee Payment
The NTA has provided a breakdown of applicants whose registration formalities remain incomplete.
According to the agency, 1,45,888 candidates are yet to upload their photographs and signatures and complete the fee payment. Another 7,512 applicants have uploaded their images but have not submitted their forms or paid the examination fee. Meanwhile, 32,744 candidates have submitted their applications but are yet to complete the payment process.
These figures highlight why candidates should check their individual application status instead of assuming that initial registration is sufficient. An application may remain incomplete if required documents have not been uploaded, the form has not been submitted successfully or the payment has not been recorded.
The NTA has advised applicants not to wait until the final day, as last-minute technical difficulties or payment delays could complicate the process.
UGC NET December 2026: Important Dates
The revised deadline for submitting the online application form and completing the examination fee payment is October 31, 2026, by 11:50 pm. Candidates should complete both steps within the stipulated time.
The application correction window is expected to run from November 2 to November 4, 2026, according to published registration information. Candidates should check the official NTA notices for confirmation of the correction schedule and any subsequent updates.
Applicants should carefully review their personal details, academic information and uploaded documents before submitting the form. Once the application and fee payment are completed, they should download and retain the confirmation page for future reference.
How to Complete the UGC NET Application
Candidates who have not finished the registration process can follow these steps:
- Visit the official website at ugcnet.nta.nic.in.
- Open the UGC NET December 2026 application portal and log in.
- Complete any pending personal and academic details.
- Upload the required photograph, signature and other documents, where applicable.
- Submit the application form and pay the examination fee through the available online payment options.
- Verify that the payment has been successful and download the confirmation page.
The NTA has also advised candidates to use identity verification options through DigiLocker, including Aadhaar, PAN or a driving licence, where applicable. Applicants facing difficulties with registration or payment can contact the agency through its designated helplines or email support.
Why UGC NET Matters for Academic Careers
UGC NET is a national-level examination that determines eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), appointment as an Assistant Professor and admission to PhD programmes in eligible Indian universities and colleges, subject to the applicable criteria.
For candidates pursuing teaching and research careers, qualifying can open pathways to academic opportunities and research funding. JRF eligibility provides an opportunity to pursue research with fellowship support, subject to the prescribed conditions.
With registrations crossing 8.78 lakh, candidates should prioritise completing the application process before the deadline. Those who have already registered should also verify that their forms and payments have been accepted rather than relying solely on their registration status.
