NTA UGC NET June 2026 : The wait is finally over for lakhs of aspirants across India. If you are dreaming of becoming an Assistant Professor or securing the prestigious Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) , the moment has arrived. The National Testing Agency (NTA) is expected to release the official notification for NTA UGC NET June 2026 Apply Online for Assistant Professor and JRF recruitment by the first week of April 2026.
Yes, you read that right. The application window usually opens in April-May 2026, with the exam conducted in June 2026. But here’s the catch – thousands of candidates miss the deadline every year due to last-minute technical glitches or confusion about the correct portal.
UGC NET June 2026: Important Dates (Expected)
| Event | Tentative Date |
| Release of Official Notification | 1st week of April 2026 |
| Online Application Starts | 10 April 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 20 May 2026 (up to 11:50 PM) |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Correction Window | 15–20 May 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | 1st week of June 2026 |
| Exam Date (June 2026) | 15–25 June 2026 (multiple shifts) |
These dates are based on previous cycles (Dec 2024, June 2025 pattern). Always verify on the official website: ugcnet.nta.nic.in
Eligibility Criteria
For Assistant Professor (only):
- Educational Qualification: Master’s degree (or equivalent) with at least 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD/Transgender).
- No upper age limit. Yes, you can apply at 30, 40, or 50+.
- Final year Master’s students can also apply, but they must complete their degree within two years of the NET result.
For JRF (Junior Research Fellowship):
- Age Limit: Maximum 30 years as of 1 June 2026.
- Relaxation: 5 years for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD/Women (up to 35 years).
- Same educational criteria as Assistant Professor.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Fill UGC NET June 2026 Online Form
Follow this sequence exactly. One wrong click and you might have to wait for the correction window.
| Apply Online | Click Here to Apply |
| Official Website | www.nta.ac.in |
Step 1: Registration (One-time)
- Go to nta.nic.in
- Click on “New Candidate Registration” (June 2026 cycle)
- Enter your name, mobile number, email, and a strong password.
- Note down the system-generated Application Number.
Step 2: Fill Personal & Academic Details
- Upload your photo (10–200 KB, JPEG) – white background only.
- Upload your signature (4–30 KB).
- Enter your Master’s degree details – percentage, year of passing, university name.
- Select your subject (from 83 subjects). Choose carefully – you cannot change the subject easily later.
Step 3: Choose Exam City & Category
- Pick 4 preferred cities for the exam.
- Select your category (Gen/OBC-NCL/SC/ST/EWS/PwD).
- Decide: Assistant Professor only OR JRF only OR Both.
Step 4: Fee Payment (Online only)
- General: ₹1150
- OBC-NCL / EWS: ₹600
- SC / ST / PwD: ₹325
- Transgender: ₹325
- Modes: UPI, Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card.
Step 5: Final Submit & Print
- Preview the entire form. Zoom in on your photo and signature.
- Click “Final Submit” – then pay.
- Save the PDF confirmation page. Take a printout.
How to Prepare Alongside Applying?
Applying is just the first step. You have roughly 60 days between the form deadline and the exam. Here’s a quick action plan:
| Week | Task |
| Week 1–2 | Download syllabus from NTA website. Focus on Paper 1 (Teaching & Research Aptitude). |
| Week 3–5 | Master your chosen subject’s previous 10 years’ questions. |
| Week 6–7 | Take mock tests every alternate day. |
| Week 8 | Revise only – no new topics. Sleep well before exam day. |
Official Helpline & Important Links
- Official Website: https://ugcnet.nta.nic.in
- Email: ugcnet@nta.ac.in
- UGC Official Website: https://www.ugcnetonline.in
Final Verdict: Should You Apply for Both Assistant Professor & JRF?
| If your goal is… | Choose |
| Permanent teaching job in a college/university | ✅ Assistant Professor only |
| PhD with fellowship + research career | ✅ JRF only |
| Both teaching + research flexibility | ✅ Both (most recommended) |
Conclusion
The NTA UGC NET June 2026 Apply Online for Assistant Professor and JRF process is straightforward – but only if you follow the exact steps and deadlines. Don’t wait for the last day. Fill the form today (once the link goes live), pay the fee, and then forget about paperwork.
Focus entirely on your syllabus and mock tests. This exam is not about luck – it’s about consistent effort for two months.