UGC NET Selection Procedure 2026 describes the sequential process that the candidates have to follow to become eligible for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Assistant Professor positions. The National Testing Agency (NTA) organizes the UGC NET exam in two papers—Paper 1 (Teaching & Research Aptitude) and Paper 2 (Subject-Specific). To start with, the UGC NET Selection Procedure 2026, the candidates have to fulfill the eligibility criteria, start the UGC NET Application Process 2026, clear both papers, and secure the cutoff to be eligible. Aspirants should be familiar with the UGC NET Selection Procedure 2026, pattern of exams, and the marking scheme while preparing for the UGC NET June 2026 session.
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What is UGC NET Exam 2026?
For the candidates wondering what is UGC NET exam. It is a national-level exam conducted twice every year by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) that is conducted in a single sitting of 3 hours for the eligibility of Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF).
Also Read: UGC NET 2026 Exam
UGC NET Selection Procedure 2026 Overview
Aspirants who want to know how is UGC NET exam conducted to become Assistant Professors or JRF must pass the UGC NET 2026 exam, which is a two-paper exam held in a single sitting. The UGC NET Selection Procedure 2026 includes:
- Fulfilling the UGC NET Eligibility Criteria 2026
- Starting with the UGC NET Application Process 2026
- Appearing for the Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Achieving the Required Cutoff for Assistant Professor or JRF
- Shortlisting Based on Merit and Reservation Policies
- Issuance of UGC NET Certificate
Also Read: UGC NET Exam Pattern 2026
UGC NET Selection Procedure 2026 Steps
The candidates curious about how the UGC NET exam is conducted, the steps to the UGC NET Selection Procedure 2026 for the June session are as follows:
Step 1: Verification of UGC NET Eligibility Criteria 2026
Prior to joining the examination, the contenders have to qualify in terms of the UGC NET Eligibility Criteria 2026 regarding education, age, and reservation of categories. The candidates must meet the following UGC NET qualifications:
UGC NET Qualification 2026 (Educational)
- A Master’s in the relevant field from an accredited university is necessary.
Minimum marks needed:
- General/EWS – 55%
- OBC-NCL/SC/ST/PwD – 50%
- Final-year postgraduate students are also eligible to apply.
UGC NET Age Limit Criteria 2026
- For JRF: Age limit is 30 years (5 year relaxation for OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD, and women candidates).
- For Assistant Professor: No age limit.
Also Read: UGC NET Eligibility Criteria 2026
Step 2: UGC NET 2026 Application Process
To start the UGC NET Application Process, the candidates eligible to apply must fill out the UGC NET application form 2026 on the official portal ugcnet.nic.in by providing:
- Personal and academic details
- Scanned copies (photo, signature, category certificate)
- Payment of UGC NET application fee 2026
The UGC NET Application Fee 2026 is submitted online through various methods.
Also Read: UGC NET Application Fee 2026
Step 3: Appearing for the UGC NET Exam (CBT Mode)
Appearing for the UGC NET 2026 exam is one of the most important steps in the UGC NET Apply Process. The UGC NET exam consists of two papers- Paper 1& Paper 2.
| Paper | No. of Questions | Total Marks | Duration | Subject |
| Paper 1 | 50 | 100 | 3 Hours (Combined) | Teaching & Research Aptitude (Common for all) |
| Paper 2 | 100 | 200 | 3 Hours (Combined) | Subject-Specific (Based on candidate’s selection) |
Step 4: Qualifying UGC NET Cutoff Marks
- JRF Cut-off: Above Assistant Professor cut-off.
- Assistant Professor Cut-off: Differing according to subject and category.
Minimum Qualifying Marks 2026:
- General/EWS: 40% aggregate in both papers
- OBC-NCL/SC/ST/PwD: 35% overall in both papers
Also Read: UGC NET Cutoff Marks 2026
Step 5: Preparation of Merit List & Certificate Issuance
- The highest 6% of candidates passing the Assistant Professor cutoff will be considered NET-qualified.
- Merit-based JRF appointments are offered for a few available posts.
- Successful candidates will be issued the UGC NET Certificate, valid for a lifetime (Assistant Professor) and 3 years (JRF).
Also Read: UGC NET Toppers List 2026
UGC NET Selection Procedure 2026 Key Details
Here are the important details for the UGC NET Selection Procedure 2026 for the June cycle:
| Event | Details |
| Exam Name | UGC NET June 2026 |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Eligibility | Master’s degree with 55% marks (General) or 50% (OBC/SC/ST/PwD) |
| Age Limit for JRF | Maximum 30 years (Relaxation applicable) |
| Age Limit for Assistant Professor | No upper age limit |
| Total Papers | Paper 1 (General) + Paper 2 (Subject-Specific) |
| Exam Duration | 3 Hours (Combined) |
| Marking Scheme | +2 marks for each correct answer, No negative marking |
| Selection Process | CBT Exam → Cutoff Qualification → Merit List → Certificate Issuance |
Also Read: UGC NET Result 2026
Types of Papers in UGC NET 2026 Exam
Before starting the UGC NET Apply process, the candidates must understand the UGC NET exam. The UGC NET 2026 Exam consists of two papers conducted in a single session.
Paper 1 – General Paper (Common for All Candidates)
- 50 questions worth 100 marks
- Evaluates teaching and research aptitude
- Covers topics like:
- Teaching & Research Aptitude
- Logical Reasoning
- Data Interpretation
- ICT & Digital Learning
- People & Environment
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Paper 2 – Subject-Specific Paper
- 100 questions worth 200 marks
- Based on the subject chosen by the candidate
- Covers in-depth concepts, theories, and case studies
Also Read: UGC NET 2026 Question Papers
How to Prepare for UGC NET Selection Procedure 2026?
Below are the points mentioned to prepare for the UGC NET Selection Process 2026:
Understand the UGC NET Syllabus & Exam Pattern
- Download the UGC NET syllabus PDF and group topics according to weightage.
- Study last year’s papers to understand important sections.
Prepare a Study Timetable
- Set aside 2–3 hours each day for Paper 1.
- Devote 4–5 hours to subject-specific Paper 2.
- Attempt at least 1 mock test every week to enhance speed and accuracy.
Make use of Quality Study Material & Coaching
- Use JRFAdda books.
- Join JRFAdda online coaching for systematic guidance, doubt-clearing, and mock tests.
Practice Previous Year Question Papers & Mock Tests
- Practice 5–10 years old previous year papers to grasp trends.
- Practice full-length mock tests to gauge preparation.
Revise & Take Notes
- Take short notes for last-minute revision.
- Concentrate on important concepts, formulas, and facts.
Stay Updated with Current Affairs
- Read newspapers, UGC updates, and research articles.
- Stay updated with higher education policies and recent developments.
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Conclusion
The UGC NET Selection Procedure 2026 is a well-organized process that ascertains eligibility for Assistant Professor and JRF through a two-paper exam. Aspirants need to fulfill the eligibility requirements, pass the UGC NET cutoff, and be ranked in the top merit list in order to obtain a certificate. Aspirants can increase their prospects of success by having adequate preparation, strategic planning of studies, and consistent practice. Using JRFAdda coaching, mock tests, and good study material, the candidates can effectively prepare for the June 2026 UGC NET exam.
UGC NET Selection Procedure 2026 FAQs
Is there any negative marking in UGC NET Exam 2026?
No, there is no negative marking in UGC NET.
How is JRF distinct from Assistant Professor eligibility?
JRF is a stipendiary fellowship, while eligibility for Assistant Professor permits candidates to get teaching posts.
For how long is UGC NET certificate valid?
The UGC NET Certificate 2026 is valid from:
- Assistant Professor certificate: For the entire life.
- JRF certificate: Till 3 years.
How many times do you appear in UGC NET?
UGC NET Assistant Professor does not restrict attempts. Yet, JRF is subject to a 30-year age cap.
