NEW DELHI : National Testing Agency (NTA) on October 16 introduced substantial changes to the information bulletin and examination schedule for the University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC NET). The amendments and clarifications to the existing bulletin include modifications to the list of barred items, evaluation criteria, scribe facility, city preferences, and the payment gateway, among others.
The UGC NET 2026 examination schedule has also been revised, with the test slated to take place from December 14 to 18 and on December 21, 2026. A subject-wise detailed schedule will be issued separately.
The agency has also specified the exam city intimation slip and admit card release dates, which were previously marked as “to be intimated later”. The UGC NET city slip will be available for download from November 23, while the admit cards can be accessed from the online portal starting December 7.
What Major Changes Have Been Introduced in UGC NET 2026?
Here’s what has changed as per the latest bulletin issued by NTA:
Barred items list revised: As per the latest bulletin, candidates will be provided a ball pen at the test centre; they need not bring one from home.
The agency has also altered the earlier item “electronic Watches with calculator facilities” to just “watches” in the updated bulletin.
A latest addition allows sugar tablets/ whole fruits and unpacked (like Banana/ Apple/Orange) for diabetics. Water in transparent bottles is allowed for all candidates.
Changes in evaluation criteria: Earlier, NTA had specified “no marks” for unanswered/unattempted questions or questions marked for review, but as per the amended rules, “Questions answered or attempted shall be evaluated, irrespective of whether they are marked for review. Unanswered or unattempted questions shall not be evaluated, irrespective of whether they are marked for review.”
City preference amendments: Candidates can select up to four convenient cities in order of priority, with choices limited to the state of permanent address or state of present address. However, where fewer than four examination cities are available for selection in the candidate’s state/UT of permanent or present address, the candidate may select from the available cities displayed.
“Eligible candidates may revise their preferences during the correction window,” it said.
Clarification regarding late fee: NTA has explained that after the passage of the deadline, the late fee of Rs 500 is the “additional amount” that has to be paid alongside the prescribed category-wise application fee.
Gate closing time: The agency has clarified that the test centre gates will be closed 30 minutes before the commencement of the examination, and anyone reporting after the prescribed threshold will not be allowed to appear for the exam. “Any act of forceful entry or any representation/argument with the exam functionaries will lead to consideration of the act by the candidate as UFM,” it said.
Revised footwear guidelines: As per the updated guidelines, normal shoes, slippers, and sandals with low heels are allowed. Long boots are not permitted.
