UGC NET Eligibility Criteria 2026 - Age Limit, Qualification, Percentage & JRF Rules

Age Limits

For JRF

• Maximum age is 30 years for General category as of the cut-off date (often the first day of the exam month or June 1 for the June cycle). Relaxations apply.

For Assistant Professor

• There is no upper age limit for eligibility when other educational criteria are met.

Relaxation and Other Provisions

• Age relaxations vary by category and situation (e.g., OBC-NCL, SC/ST, PwD, women candidates, etc.). Specific relaxations align with UGC/UGC norms.

Eligibility Overview

Educational Qualification

• Master’s Degree (or equivalent) from a UGC-recognized university/institution in a subject listed under UGC NET. UGC-approved open/distance learning PG degrees are valid if recognized as equivalent.

Minimum Percentage Requirements

Category	Minimum Marks in Master’s (aggregate, without rounding off)
General / Unreserved / EWS	55%
OBC-NCL / SC / ST / PwD / Third Gender	50%

• Candidates awaiting final results or in the final year are provisionally eligible but must achieve the required percentage upon declaration; otherwise, candidature is cancelled.

Final Year/Deferred Candidates

• Final-year Master’s students or those with awaited results may apply provisionally. They must complete the degree with the required marks within the timeframe specified in the information bulletin (often two years from the result date). Eligibility certificates are issued only after proof submission.

4-Year UG Degree Holders

• Candidates with a 4-year Bachelor's degree may be eligible for JRF and PhD admission (if meeting percentage norms like 75% in some cases), but are typically not eligible for Assistant Professor unless they also hold a Master’s degree.

Important Dates

• The exact examination dates are typically announced by NTA and may be notified in different cycles (e.g., June and December). If a specific date is not provided in the current notice, please refer to the official portal for the latest schedule.
• Updated on: 25-02-2026

Application Fees

• The notification provides category-wise fee details. Applicants should refer to the official notification for precise fee amounts and payment methods. Fees are typically non-refundable after application submission.

Additional Guidance

• Candidates must apply in the subject of their Master’s degree. If the PG subject isn’t listed, they may opt for a related subject as per UGC’s mappings.
• Reserved category relaxations apply to minimum marks as per norms. Valid category certificates are mandatory.
• Foreign degrees require equivalence certification from AIU or a UGC-recognised authority. Ensure documentation is ready for verification.
• Detailed subject mappings and eligibility criteria are provided in the official notification and information bulletin.