CSIR NET Dec 2026: NTA extends deadline to Nov 9 as 2.36 lakh register

By TUF News Desk · Published 8 November 2026 · 3 min read

Fact-checked against 2+ independent sources · Editorial policy

Science graduates who have not yet applied for the December CSIR-UGC NET have one more day. The National Testing Agency has moved the last date from November 5 to Monday, November 9, 2026, and applications will stay open till 11:50 pm without a late fee.

The NTA announced the extension in a public notice on November 5, and confirmed it in an update on X the next day. The original deadline was November 5. Candidates who apply by the new date pay the normal fee only.

The exam decides eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship, Assistant Professor posts and PhD admission in five science subjects. This cycle also carries the new Life Sciences and Biotechnology discipline, which merges the DBT Biotechnology Eligibility Test into the CSIR-UGC NET. Our earlier report on the merged Life Sciences and Biotechnology paper has the background on that change.

The numbers so far

NTA said 2,36,656 candidates had registered by November 6. Of these, 1,98,479 had paid the examination fee, subject to bank reconciliation. That leaves more than 38,000 registered candidates who still have to pay.

Registration alone does not complete an application. The form, the photograph and signature upload, the fee payment and the confirmation page download all have to be finished before 11:50 pm on Monday. Anyone who registered but has not paid should treat the fee as the first thing to check.

What to finish before the deadline

Applications go through the official CSIR NET portal. Log in, complete the form, upload the photograph and signature, pay the fee and download the confirmation page. Keep a copy of the confirmation page saved; it is the proof that the application went through.

The fee is Rs 1,150 for General candidates, Rs 600 for General-EWS and OBC-NCL candidates, and Rs 325 for SC, ST, PwD and third-gender candidates. Candidates who need help with a payment that did not go through can contact NTA on 011-40759000 or 011-69227700.

Our admission documents checklist covers the papers and photo specifications exam portals commonly ask for, which helps to avoid a last-minute rejection of an uploaded file.

After November 9

The correction window runs from November 10 to 12, up to 11:50 pm. Candidates can edit particulars in their application during those three days through the same portal.

The exam itself will be held in computer-based mode on December 19, 22 and 27, 2026. NTA has said all other terms in the information bulletin and earlier notices stay unchanged, so the rest of the schedule stands as published.

Frequently asked questions

What is the last date to apply for CSIR NET December 2026?

November 9, 2026, up to 11:50 pm. Both the application form and the fee payment must be completed by then, and NTA is charging no late fee.

How many candidates have registered for CSIR NET December 2026?

NTA reported 2,36,656 registrations as of November 6, 2026. Of these, 1,98,479 candidates had paid the examination fee, leaving more than 38,000 yet to pay.

When is the correction window for CSIR NET December 2026?

The application correction window runs from November 10 to 12, 2026, up to 11:50 pm, on the official portal.

When is the CSIR NET December 2026 exam?

The computer-based exam will be held on December 19, 22 and 27, 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Sources: The Indian Express, Moneycontrol, The Telegraph