UGC NET Age Limit 2026 is one of the most important eligibility criteria for candidates applying for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Assistant Professor. While the maximum age for JRF is set at 30 years, the Commission offers relaxation to reserved categories such as OBC, SC, ST, PwD, and female candidates. On the other hand, there is no upper age restriction for Assistant Professor, making it open to candidates of all age groups. Understanding the UGC NET Age Limit 2026, category-wise relaxations, and exemptions is essential before applying.
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UGC NET Exam Date 2026 June Cycle
The UGC NET June 2026 Exam Dates will be released officially by the National Testing Agency once the registration process for the UGC NET June 2026 session starts. The candidates should stay up to date with the NTA official website for further updates and download the UGC NET 2026 exam date subject wise schedule once it is released officially. Click on the link below to UGC NET exam date 2026 subject wise PDF download after it is made available here:
UGC NET Exam Date 2026 Subject wise PDF Download for June 2026 session- Available Soon
Also Read: UGC NET Exam Date 2026
UGC NET Age Limit 2026 Overview
For anyone wondering what is the age limit for NET exam. The UGC NET 2026 eligibility Age Limit refers to the maximum age criteria set for candidates applying for Assistant Professorship & JRF roles. UGC NET JRF Age Limit for Female 2026 provides a key 5-year relaxation to promote gender balance. The UGC NET JRF age limit has been fixed at 30 years, and the age relaxations are also specifically designed for reserved categories. Those candidates who belong to the OBC, SC, ST, PwD, and women applicants receive a relaxation of 5 years and can apply up to 35 years of age. As for the UGC NET Age Limit for Assistant Professor, there is no age restriction.
Also Read: UGC NET Normalisation Process 2026
UGC NET Age Limit For JRF 2026
Candidates must check the category-wise UGC Age Limit 2026 before applying. Here’s a detailed table showing the maximum UGC NET age limit for JRF and applicable relaxations.
| Category | Maximum Age Limit | Age Relaxation |
| General (Unreserved) | 30 years | No relaxation |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 30 years | +5 years (up to 35 years) |
| SC/ST | 30 years | +5 years (up to 35 years) |
| PwD (Persons with Disabilities) | 30 years | +5 years (up to 35 years) |
| Female Candidates | 30 years | +5 years (up to 35 years) |
Also Read: UGC NET JRF 2026
Age Relaxation Rules for JRF
There are certain category-wise relaxations for the UGC NET age limit for JRF:
1. OBC (NCL), SC, ST, PwD and Women Candidates
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- Age relaxation: +5 years
- Maximum eligible age: 35 years
- Age relaxation: +5 years
2. LLM (Master of Laws ) Degree Holders
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- Age relaxation: +3 years
- General Category – Eligible up to 33 years
- Reserved Categories (OBC, SC, ST, PwD, Women) → Eligible up to 38 years (35 + 3)
- Age relaxation: +3 years
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3. Ex-Servicemen
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- Age relaxation is provided as per Government of India norms.
- The exact relaxation depends on service tenure and applicable rules.
4. Transgender Candidates
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- Age relaxation is granted based on their social category (OBC, SC, ST, etc.).
- No separate fixed relaxation; it follows the category they belong to.
Also Read: UGC NET Exam 2026
UGC NET Age Limit for Assistant Professor 2026
There is no UGC NET age limit for NET Exam for Assistant Professor. UGC NET Law Age Limit 2026 follows the same no-upper-age rule for this category, allowing candidates of any age to qualify. This opportunity has been open to anyone for a career as a lecturer, associate professor, or professor in the universities and colleges of India. The UGC NET certificate for Assistant Professor is valid throughout the lifetime after qualifying.
Also Read: UGC NET Notification 2026
UGC NET Age Limit for General Category 2026
UGC NET Age Limit for General Category is one of the most crucial criteria for UGC NET JRF eligibility age limit. The UGC NET JRF Age Limit for General category must be within the prescribed upper UGC NET 2026 eligibility age limit. Check details below:
| Category | Age Limit for JRF | Age Limit for Assistant Professor |
| General (Unreserved) | 30 years | No Age Limit |
Also Read: UGC NET Assistant Professor 2026
UGC NET Age Limit for OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) 2026
Candidates belonging to the OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) category are provided relaxation in the age criteria to ensure equal opportunities in research and teaching careers. This provision encourages wider participation from OBC candidates in higher education. Below are the details for the UGC NET age limit for OBC 2026:
| Category | Age Limit for JRF | Relaxation | Age Limit for Assistant Professor |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 30 years | +5 years (up to 35) | No Age Limit |
Also Read: UGC NET Eligibility Criteria 2026
UGC NET Age Limit for Female Candidates 2026
Female candidates are provided special consideration under the UGC NET JRF eligibility age limit framework to promote their active participation in academia. UGC NET JRF Age Limit for Female 2025 offers a 5-year relaxation, extending eligibility to 35 years. This initiative helps create a balanced representation of women in research and teaching professions. Such supportive measures also encourage more women to pursue higher education and contribute to the academic community. The UGC NET age limit for female candidates is as follows:
| Category | UGC Age Limit for JRF | Age Relaxation | Age Limit for Assistant Professor |
| All Female Candidates | 30 years | +5 years (up to 35) | No Age Limit |
UGC NET Age Limit for LLM Holders 2026
Candidates with an LLM degree are granted 3 years age relaxation.
- General: Eligible till 33 years.
- Reserved (OBC/SC/ST/PwD/Female): Eligible till 38 years.
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UGC NET Age Limit for Ex-Servicemen
Ex-Servicemen are also given additional relaxation as per UGC/GoI rules. This ensures fair opportunities for those who served in the armed forces.
UGC NET Age Limit – Number of Attempts
No limit on attempts – Candidates can appear any number of times within the prescribed age limit.
Also Read: UGC NET Application Form 2026
Reservation Policy for UGC NET Seats
The UGC NET follows the Government of India’s reservation policy to ensure equal opportunities in higher education and research for candidates from diverse backgrounds. Category-wise reservation is applied to the total number of seats available for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Assistant Professor posts. This policy helps promote inclusivity, social justice, and fair representation across academic institutions.
Reservation Breakdown:
- 15% of seats are reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC) candidates.
- 7.5% of seats are reserved for Scheduled Tribes (ST) candidates.
- 27% of seats are reserved for Other Backward Classes (OBC) – Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) candidates.
- 10% of seats are reserved for General – Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) candidates.
- 5% of seats in all the above categories are reserved for Persons with Disabilities (PwD) with 40% or more disability.
Also Read: UGC NET Preparation Tips 2026
Conclusion
The UGC NET Age Limit 2026 is crucial for aspirants, especially those targeting Junior Research Fellowship. While JRF has an upper age cap of 30 years, various relaxations ensure inclusivity for women, OBC, SC, ST, PwD, Ex-servicemen, and LLM holders. For Assistant Professor, there is no age restriction, allowing candidates from all backgrounds and ages to pursue a career in academics.
UGC NET Age Limit 2026 FAQs
Does the UGC NET JRF Age Limit for females also come with any age relaxation?
Yes, the UGC NET JRF age limit for females includes a 5-year age relaxation (maximum age: 35 years).
Is there any relaxation in age for candidates having L.L.M?
Yes, those candidates who have a L.L.M. degree will be eligible for 3-year age relaxation for UGC NET JRF.
If I have cleared UGC NET JRF, can I apply for an Assistant Professor position after crossing 30 years of age?
Yes, there is no upper age limit for Assistant Professor, all can apply after qualifying UGC-NET at any age.
Are Ph.D. holders exempted from UGC NET?
Yes, the candidates with PhD degree holders are exempted from appearing in UGC NET for Assistant Professor eligibility.
