The UGC NET June 2026 examination will be conducted from June 22 to June 30 in Computer-Based Test mode, with admit cards being released in phases by the National Testing Agency.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is set to conduct the UGC NET June 2026 examination from June 22 to June 30 for candidates seeking eligibility for Assistant Professor positions, Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), and Ph.D. admissions across Indian universities and higher education institutions.

With the examination date approaching, the NTA has started releasing exam city intimation slips and admit cards in a phased manner based on candidates' scheduled examination dates and subjects.

Exam Process Underway

Candidates can access their exam city details and admit cards through the official UGC NET portal using their application credentials. Officials have advised aspirants to regularly check the portal for updates, as admit cards are being issued progressively rather than all at once.

The examination is among the country's largest eligibility tests for higher education and research aspirants, attracting lakhs of candidates from various academic disciplines every year.

Nine-Day Examination Window

The June 2026 session will be conducted over nine days, from June 22 to June 30, at designated examination centres across the country.

The NTA conducts the examination in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode, allowing candidates to appear for both papers in a single sitting. The schedule has been designed to accommodate multiple subjects across different shifts during the examination period.

Candidates have been advised to verify their reporting time, examination shift and centre details carefully before appearing for the test.

Combined Paper Format

The UGC NET examination consists of two papers conducted in a single three-hour session without any break.

Paper 1 focuses on teaching and research aptitude, reasoning ability, comprehension, communication, data interpretation and general awareness. It comprises 50 compulsory questions.

Paper 2 contains 100 questions from the candidate's chosen subject and assesses domain-specific knowledge. Both papers are mandatory and contribute to the final score.

The total examination duration is 180 minutes.

Marking Scheme Remains Unchanged

According to the prescribed pattern, candidates receive two marks for every correct answer.

There is no negative marking for incorrect responses or unanswered questions, allowing aspirants to attempt all questions without the risk of score deductions.

Education experts believe the absence of negative marking encourages broader participation and strategic answering during the examination.

Answer Key Expected Next Month

Following the conclusion of the examination, the NTA is expected to release a provisional answer key, allowing candidates to review responses and raise objections, if any.

Based on previous examination cycles, the answer key and response sheets are likely to be published in July. The final results are tentatively expected during the fourth week of July 2026, although the agency has not yet announced an official date.

The results will determine eligibility for Assistant Professor appointments, Junior Research Fellowship awards and admission opportunities in Ph.D. programmes.

Candidates Advised to Stay Updated

As the examination approaches, officials have urged candidates to download their admit cards well in advance and verify personal details, examination centre information and reporting instructions.

Aspirants are also advised to carry valid identification documents and follow examination-day guidelines issued by the NTA to avoid last-minute inconvenience.

With preparations entering the final phase, universities and coaching institutes across the country are witnessing heightened activity as candidates gear up for one of India's most significant higher education eligibility examinations.