The UGC NET Exam 2025, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), is scheduled to be held from 31 December 2025 to 7 January 2026. To ensure a smooth and stress-free examination experience, candidates must strictly follow the prescribed UGC NET Exam Day Guidelines 2025. These instructions are mentioned on the official admit card and must be followed without exception.

In this article, we will cover all the important UGC NET Exam Day Guidelines 2025 from the UGC NET rules and regulations, items allowed, reporting time, dress code, and UGC NET documents required 2025, as well as common questions asked by candidates, such as “Is calculator allowed in UGC NET exam?”, “Are shoes allowed?”, and “What to carry for the UGC NET exam?”

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UGC NET Exam Day Guidelines 2025 Overview

The UGC NET is a national-level exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the UGC. The December 2025 session of the exam will be held from 31 December 2025 to 7 January 2026 in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode at various exam centers across India. The exam determines eligibility for:

• Assistant Professor
• Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)
• PhD only

UGC NET is one of the most sought-after exams for postgraduate candidates looking to enter academia and research. The candidates must check the UGC NET guidelines 2025 before the exam day.

Also Read: UGC NET Timing & Schedule

What Are UGC NET Exam Day Guidelines 2025?

To ensure the smooth conduct of the UGC NET exam and maintain fairness and transparency, the NTA has prescribed a detailed set of UGC NET Exam Day Guidelines 2025 that all candidates must strictly follow on the day of the examination.

• Reporting: Candidates must report at least one hour before gate closing time for verification, frisking, biometric checks, and seating.
• Gate closing times: First shift 8:30 AM (report by 7:30 AM), Second shift 2:30 PM (report by 1:30 PM).
• UGC NET Documents required 2025: Carry printed UGC NET admit card, valid photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving License), passport-size photo, and a transparent blue/black ballpoint pen.
• UGC NET Dress Code: It requires simple, light clothing without metal elements or accessories; avoid shoes with thick soles or bulky designs; jewellery and metallic items are prohibited.

Also Read: UGC NET Admit Card

What is the Reporting Time for NET exam according to the UGC NET Exam Day Guidelines 2025?

According to the UGC NET exam day guidelines 2025, all candidates must report to their allotted examination center at least one hour before the gate closing time. This early reporting is essential due to the various pre-examination formalities that must be completed before a candidate is allowed to sit for the test. These formalities include:

• Verification of identity documents (Admit Card and valid photo ID)
• Frisking and security checks
• Biometric verification (such as fingerprint and photograph capture)
• Seating arrangement and hall allocation

Candidates who arrive just before the gate closing time may face delays in these procedures and risk being denied entry even if they are technically “on time.”

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What is the Gate Closing Time for NET exam as per the UGC NET Exam Day Guidelines?

The UGC NET 2025 exam is conducted in two shifts per day. Based on the UGC NET Exam Day Guidelines 2025, the gate closing timings for each shift are strictly enforced and are as follows:

• First Shift:

• • • Gate closes at 8:30 AM
    • Candidates must report by 7:30 AM or earlier

• Second Shift:

• • Gate closes at 2:30 PM
  • Candidates must report by 1:30 PM or earlier

Also Read: UGC NET Selection Procedure 2026 

What Documents are required for NET exam as per UGC NET Exam Day Guidelines 2025?

Based on the UGC NET rules and regulations, the candidates appearing for the UGC NET 2025 must bring certain essential items to the exam center. The documents required as per UGC NET exam day guidelines include:

• UGC NET Admit Card 2025

• • • Printed copy downloaded from ugcnet.nta.ac.in. Digital copies are not allowed.

• Valid Photo ID Proof (Any One)

• • • Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving License (original and unexpired).

• Passport-size Photograph

• • • Same as the one uploaded in the application form, for verification purposes.

• Transparent Ballpoint Pen (Black or Blue)

• • Required for signing the attendance sheet and rough work, even though the exam is online.

Also Read: UGC NET Results 2025

What are the UGC NET Exam Day Guidelines for Dress Code and Attire in 2025?

To ensure transparency, fairness, and smooth frisking at the examination center, based on the UGC NET rules and regulations 2025, the candidates must follow the prescribed UGC NET dress code on the day of the UGC NET 2025 exam. The dress code based on UGC NET exam day guidelines is as follows:

• Wear Simple and Comfortable Clothing

• • • Opt for light, plain clothes without layers, embroidery, or large buttons.

• Avoid Shoes with Thick Soles or Bulky Designs

• • • Shoes that cover the ankle or have thick soles may lead to extra frisking or may not be allowed.

• Do Not Wear Clothes with Metallic Elements

• • • Avoid clothing with metal accessories, zippers, brooches, or decorative items that could trigger metal detectors.

• Jewellery and Accessories are Strictly Prohibited

• • Do not wear rings, chains, earrings, nose pins, bracelets, or any metallic accessories.

Also Read: UGC NET Exam Dress Code 2025

UGC NET Exam Day Guidelines Dos and Don’ts at the Exam Center

Preparing for the UGC NET exam involves not only thorough study but also understanding important UGC NET Exam Day Guidelines 2025 to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Candidates must strictly follow the UGC NET guidelines 2025 issued to avoid any issues during the exam.

Let’s check all the do’s as per the UGC NET exam day guidelines first. The candidates must follow these steps and carry the UGC NET documents required 2025, to avoid any last-minute anxiety: 

• Arrive on Time: Reach the exam center well before the reporting time mentioned on your admit card to avoid any last-minute hassles.
• Carry UGC NET Required Documents: Bring your UGC NET admit card along with a valid photo ID proof such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, Passport, or Driving License.
• Know Your Seat: Locate your designated seat using your roll number and sit accordingly.
• Follow Instructions: Carefully read and follow all instructions printed on the admit card and given by the invigilators.
• Manage Your Time: Keep track of time during the exam to ensure you complete all questions within the allotted time.
• Stay Calm and Positive: Maintain a calm and focused attitude throughout the examination.
• Use Only Provided Stationery: Use the stationery provided by exam authorities; do not bring your own pens or pencils unless specified.

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Dont’s at UGC NET Exam Center

Dont’s at the exam centre based on the UGC NET exam day guidelines refer to the things the candidates should avoid in order to have a smooth UGC NET exam experience. Avoid these:

• Do Not Arrive Late: Late arrival may lead to denial of entry and you won’t be allowed to take the exam.
• Avoid Carrying Prohibited Items: Mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, Bluetooth devices, or any electronic gadgets are strictly prohibited inside the exam hall.
• Do Not Leave Early: You must stay in the exam hall until the exam is officially over; leaving early is not permitted.
• No Unfair Means: Cheating, copying, or any form of malpractice can result in disqualification.
• Do Not Carry Personal Stationery or Paper: Use only the materials provided by the exam center.
• No Food or Beverages: Eating or drinking inside the exam hall is prohibited.
• Handle OMR Sheets Carefully: Do not fold, damage, or tamper with your OMR sheet to avoid invalidation.

Also Read: UGC NET Exam Centre

Conclusion

Following the UGC NET Exam Day Guidelines 2025 is crucial for a smooth, hassle-free examination experience. Arriving early, carrying the UGC NET required documents 2025, adhering to the dress code, and strictly avoiding prohibited items will help you focus entirely on your performance without unnecessary distractions or complications. Remember to stay calm, manage your time effectively, follow all instructions, and UGC NET exam day guidelines given by the exam authorities. Preparing not only academically but also mentally and logistically for exam day can make a significant difference.

UGC NET Exam Day Guidelines 2025 FAQs

What documents are required for NET exam as per the UGC NET Guidelines 2025?

Candidates must carry the printed UGC NET Admit Card 2025, a valid photo ID proof (such as Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving License), a passport-size photograph, and a transparent ballpoint pen (black or blue).

What is the prescribed dress code mentioned in the UGC NET Exam Day Guidelines 2025?

Candidates should wear simple, comfortable clothing without metal accessories, embroidery, or large buttons. Shoes with thick soles or bulky designs are discouraged, and all jewellery and metallic accessories are strictly prohibited.

Is calculator allowed in UGC NET exam as per the UGC NET Exam Day Guidelines 2025?

No, the candidates are not allowed to take calculators in the UGC NET exam. Any electronic devices such as mobile phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth devices, electronic gadgets, etc are strictly prohibited.

What is the reporting time and gate closing time as per the UGC NET Exam Day Guidelines 2025?

Candidates must report at least one hour before the gate closes. For the first shift, the gate closes at 8:30 AM (report by 7:30 AM or earlier). For the second shift, the gate closes at 2:30 PM (report by 1:30 PM or earlier).

Are candidates allowed to carry water bottles inside the exam hall as per UGC NET Exam Day Guidelines 2025?

No, based on the UGC NET Exam Day Guidelines 2025, carrying water bottles or any beverages inside the examination hall is not allowed to maintain the exam environment and prevent distractions.