UGC NET June 2026 Registration Starts: ‘Statistics & Forestry’ New Paper Added

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the UGC NET notification for the June 2026 session, thus providing a new chance for all those who want to pursue their academic careers in India. The UGC NET 2026 Registration are now active on the official website, i.e., ugcnet.nta.ac.in, and this cycle is full of updates that are a must to know for every eligible candidate. Here are the important dates at a glance: 

• Registration Opens: 29 April 2026

• Last Date to Apply: 20 May 2026 (11:50 PM)

• Correction Window: 22 May 2026 to 24 May 2026

• Exam Dates: 22 June 2026 to 30 June 2026

UGC NET Adds Two New Subjects to Its Roster

The headline announcement this session is the expansion of the subject list. In a decision taken during the UGC's 597th meeting and based on recommendations from an expert committee, Statistics (Subject Code 107) and Forestry (Subject Code 106) have been officially added to the examination. This is the first time these disciplines will feature independently in NET, and the UGC NET New Subjects will be available starting from this very cycle.

For years, students specialising in statistics had to appear under the broader Mathematical Sciences paper, where nearly 85% of the syllabus did not align with core statistics topics. The introduction of a dedicated UGC NET Statistics paper now gives these candidates a fair chance to compete in a syllabus that directly matches their academic training, covering data analysis, probability, mathematical modeling, and applied statistical methods.

Similarly, the UGC NET Forestry Paper opens doors for candidates with backgrounds in forest science, ecology, conservation, and sustainable development. The UGC has stated that this addition supports the growing need for teaching and research professionals in environmental disciplines. Detailed syllabi for both subjects are already available for download on the official UGC NET website.

With these additions, the total number of subjects in the June 2026 cycle rises to 87 (85 existing + 2 new).

Critical Dates and Correction Window

Candidates need to mark these important dates on their calendar: 

• Period of Application: 29 April 2026 - 20 May 2026

• Correction Period: 22 May 2026 - 24 May 2026

• Date of Examination: 22 June 2026 to 30 June 2026

Eligibility Criteria: What Has Changed

A major change in eligibility this year is that candidates holding a four-year undergraduate degree (FYUGP) can now appear for NET. Such candidates may appear in the subject in which they wish to pursue a PhD, even if their graduation was in a different discipline. However, they must have secured at least 75% marks or an equivalent grade in their four-year program. For the JRF category specifically, the maximum age limit remains 30 years, with a five-year relaxation for SC, ST, OBC-NCL, and PwD candidates.

For those applying through the traditional route, a Master's degree or equivalent from a UGC-recognised institution is required, with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks for General/EWS candidates and 50% for OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD, and Third Gender categories. Final-year postgraduate students whose results are awaited can also apply provisionally.

Application Fee Structure

The fee depends on the category and should be paid online through Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, or UPI:

General / Unreserved: 1,150‎₹

General-EWS / OBC-NCL: 600‎₹

SC / ST / PwD / Third Gender: 325‎₹

There is no refund of the application fee for any reason. 

Exam Pattern and Purpose

The exam is going to be held through a Computer-Based Test (CBT) on various days at different centers across the country. There will be no negative marking; if you do not answer a question or if you answer incorrectly, you will simply get zero marks. The test is 180 minutes long. The UGC NET has three separate functions, and applicants have to select their category at the time of application:

• Category 1: Grant of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Eligibility for Assistant Professor

• Category 2: Eligibility for Assistant Professor and registration for PhD

• Category 3: Admission for PhD only 

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

1. Visit ugcnet.nta.ac.in and click on the June 2026 registration link.

2. Register using a valid Email ID and Mobile Number, or through MeriPehchaan (Aadhaar, PAN, or DigiLocker).

3. Fill in all personal, academic, and contact details carefully.

4. Select your preferred exam subject and up to four exam city choices.

5. Upload a live photograph (taken via webcam/mobile) and a scanned signature.

6. Pay the application fee online.

7. Submit and download the confirmation page for your records.

Important: Only one application per candidate is allowed. Multiple submissions will lead to disqualification. Use Aadhaar verification for a smoother process, and ensure your registered email and mobile number remain active for all official communications.

Need Help?

Candidates experiencing any difficulty during the application process can reach NTA through the following:

• Email: ugcnet@nta.ac.in

• Helpline: 011-40759000 / 011-69227700

What Comes Next

The second UGC NET session for 2026 is scheduled for December, so candidates who miss this window or wish to reattempt will have another opportunity later in the year. For now, the clock is ticking; with the deadline set for 20 May, there is no reason to delay.

Whether you are a statistics graduate finally getting the paper you deserved, a forestry scholar stepping into a newly opened academic pathway, or a seasoned NET aspirant targeting JRF, this June 2026 cycle is one you do not want to miss. Head to the official portal, complete your registration, and begin your preparation today.

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