CSIR-UGC NET December 2026: apply by Nov 5; DBT biotech exam merged into life sciences paper
By TUF News Desk · Published 20 October 2026 · 3 min read
Fact-checked against 2+ independent sources · Editorial policy
Science postgraduates who want a research fellowship or a PhD seat have until November 5, 2026 to file their applications for the Joint CSIR-UGC NET December session. The National Testing Agency opened the registration window on October 7, and both the form and the fee have to be in by 11:50 pm on the last day.
The exam decides three things: eligibility for the Junior Research Fellowship, appointment as Assistant Professor, and admission to PhD programmes in Indian universities and colleges. It covers five subjects: Chemical Sciences; Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences; Life Sciences and Bio-Technology; Mathematical Sciences; and Physical Sciences.
Applications go through the official CSIR-UGC NET portal. The test runs in computer-based mode on December 19, 22 and 27, 2026, in two shifts (9 am to 12 noon, 3 pm to 6 pm), with papers set in English and Hindi.
One structural change for biology students
This cycle carries a genuine change for the life sciences crowd. The Department of Biotechnology’s eligibility test, DBT-BET, will no longer run as a separate exam. The NTA has folded it into the CSIR-UGC NET Life Sciences paper under a new discipline called Life Sciences and Bio-Technology.
In practice, one sitting of the life sciences paper can now lead to a CSIR, UGC or DBT fellowship. The revised syllabus for the combined paper is part of the CSIR information bulletin, and that is the syllabus biology aspirants should study. Older question-paper patterns predate the merger, so treat them as background reading at best.
Dates to note
Applications close on November 5, 2026 (11:50 pm). Candidates who miss it get a late window from November 6 to 9 by paying an additional Rs 500, with the correction window open from November 10 to 12 for edits to submitted forms.
The exam itself is on December 19, 22 and 27, 2026. The city intimation slip and admit card dates are yet to be announced; check the NTA portal for those rather than relying on forwarded links.
How to apply
It is one online form on the NTA portal: register with your name, email and mobile number, log in with the credentials you receive, fill the form, upload documents in the prescribed format, pay the fee, and download the confirmation page.
Keep scanned copies of your photograph, signature and degree certificates ready before you open the form. Our admission documents checklist runs through the standard paperwork most entrance applications ask for. Read the information bulletin for eligibility, fee slabs and the exam pattern before you pay.
Frequently asked questions
What is the last date to apply for CSIR-UGC NET December 2026?
November 5, 2026, up to 11:50 pm. NTA will accept late applications from November 6 to 9 with a fee of Rs 500.
When is the CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 exam?
December 19, 22 and 27, 2026, in computer-based mode, in two shifts: 9 am to 12 noon and 3 pm to 6 pm.
What is the DBT-BET merger?
The Department of Biotechnology’s eligibility test has been merged with the CSIR-UGC NET Life Sciences paper from this cycle, creating a new Life Sciences and Bio-Technology discipline. One attempt at the paper can now lead to CSIR, UGC or DBT fellowships.
What is CSIR-UGC NET for?
It decides eligibility for the Junior Research Fellowship, Assistant Professor posts, and PhD admission in Indian universities and colleges.
Frequently asked questions
What is the last date to apply for CSIR-UGC NET December 2026?
November 5, 2026, up to 11:50 pm. NTA will accept late applications from November 6 to 9 with a fee of Rs 500.
When is the CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 exam?
December 19, 22 and 27, 2026, in computer-based mode, in two shifts: 9 am to 12 noon and 3 pm to 6 pm.
What is the DBT-BET merger?
The Department of Biotechnology's eligibility test has been merged with the CSIR-UGC NET Life Sciences paper from this cycle, creating a new Life Sciences and Bio-Technology discipline. One attempt at the paper can now lead to CSIR, UGC or DBT fellowships.
What is CSIR-UGC NET for?
It decides eligibility for the Junior Research Fellowship, Assistant Professor posts, and PhD admission in Indian universities and colleges.
Sources: The Indian Express, The Times of India, Edex Live