UGC-NET December 2025: The Official Schedule Is Out – Are You Truly Ready?

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has finally ended the long wait by releasing the UGC-NET December 2025 subject-wise exam dates. While this announcement brings clarity, it also triggers urgency. With the first examination scheduled from December 31, 2025, aspirants now face a very limited window for final preparation and revision.

Every year, lakhs of candidates appear for UGC-NET, but only a small fraction qualify for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF). In such a competitive environment, average preparation simply doesn’t make the cut. These final days can define whether you secure a future as a Professor or Researcher, or wait another six months to try again.

Official UGC-NET December 2025 Notification: Verify from the Source

Before planning your final revision, it is essential to confirm the exam schedule directly from the official authority.

Official Notification Link:
The NTA has released the detailed subject-wise exam schedule PDF on its official website.

Download Official UGC NET Dec 2025 Exam Schedule (PDF)

Always rely on official notifications to avoid misinformation and last-minute confusion.

UGC-NET December 2025 Exam Calendar: Key Dates at a Glance

The UGC NET December 2025 examination will be conducted in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode across multiple centers in India.

Important Exam Details

• Exam Window: December 31, 2025 – January 07, 2026
• Mode: Computer Based Test (CBT)
• Shifts per Day: Two

Shift Timings

• Shift I: 09:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • Reporting Time: 07:20 AM
• Shift II: 03:00 PM – 06:00 PM
  • Reporting Time: 01:20 PM

Timely reporting is mandatory, and late entry is strictly prohibited.

UGC-NET December 2025 Subject-Wise Exam Schedule

Below is the official subject-wise breakdown as released by NTA:

Tip: Make a subject-wise revision plan based on your exam date to maximize retention and accuracy.

Why These Final Days Are Career-Defining

UGC-NET is famous for producing near-miss results, where candidates miss the JRF cut-off by 1–2 percentile points. Most failures are not due to lack of effort, but due to poor strategy.

Common Reasons Aspirants Miss JRF

1. Paper-1 Underestimation

• Mathematical Reasoning, Data Interpretation, and Logical Reasoning are scoring but time-consuming.
• Lack of shortcuts and practice leads to wasted minutes.

2. Paper-2 Information Overload

• Vast syllabus causes panic during revision.
• Candidates revise everything but master nothing.

3. CBT Exam Anxiety

• Inadequate mock test practice in real CBT interface.
• Poor time management under pressure.

4. Changing Question Trends

• Increased focus on assertion-reasoning and multi-statement questions.
• Conceptual clarity is now more important than rote memorization.

UGC-NET December 2025 JRF Cut-off: The Reality Check

The JRF cut-off continues to rise due to:

• Increasing number of candidates every year
• Limited JRF seats
• Higher accuracy levels among top performers

To crack JRF, aspirants must aim for:

• High accuracy (85%+)
• Balanced attempt strategy
• Strong Paper-1 score to offset Paper-2 fluctuations

How to Use the Remaining Time Smartly

Last 30–40 Days Winning Strategy

• Focus on high-weightage units
• Revise previous 5 years’ PYQs
• Attempt full-length mock tests every 3–4 days
• Analyze mistakes more than attempting new content

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UGC-NET Exam Day Essentials Checklist

Before leaving for the exam center, ensure you have:

To Check - ugcnet.nta.ac.in.

• ✅ Admit Card (to be released soon)
• ✅ Application Number & Password
• ✅ Valid Original ID Proof (Aadhar/PAN/Voter ID)
• ✅ City Intimation Slip (available 10 days prior on ugcnet.nta.ac.in)

📱 Stay Connected with Drishti

Don't miss out on "Marathon Revision" sessions and daily quizzes. Join our official community:

• 📺 YouTube: Subscribe to Drishti Teaching Exams – Watch our daily UGC-NET series for Paper-1.
• 💬 WhatsApp: [Join our Official Community] for instant PDF notes and breaking news.
• 📸 Instagram: Follow us [@DrishtiTeachingExams] for quick-revision reels and "Fact of the Day."
• 🌐 Website: Visit Drishti Teaching Exams for free resources.

The clock is ticking. Your dream of becoming a Professor starts with the right decision today. Join Drishti, and let's conquer the UGC-NET together!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When will the UGC-NET December 2025 exam start?
The exam begins on December 31, 2025 and concludes on January 07, 2026.

2. Is the exam conducted in online or offline mode?
UGC-NET December 2025 will be conducted in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode only.

3. Will Paper-1 and Paper-2 be conducted in the same shift?
Yes, both papers are conducted in a single session of 3 hours without a break.

4. How can I check my exam city details?
The City Intimation Slip will be available around 10 days before the exam on the official NTA website.

5. Is cracking JRF possible in the first attempt?
Yes, with focused preparation, mock test practice, and a strong strategy, many candidates clear JRF in their first attempt.

6. Are mock tests necessary for UGC-NET preparation?
Absolutely. Mock tests help improve time management, accuracy, and reduce CBT-related anxiety.

Conclusion: The Clock Is Ticking – Act Now

The release of UGC-NET December 2025 subject-wise dates marks the beginning of the final sprint. At this stage, strategy matters more than effort. Those who revise smartly, practice rigorously, and avoid panic will stand out in the merit list.

Remember, missing JRF by a narrow margin is more painful than giving it your absolute best now. Choose precision over panic. Preparation over procrastination.