UGC NET December 2026 Application Process: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has introduced a new application procedure for the UGC NET December 2026 examination through Meri Pehchaan, the National Single Sign-On (NSSO) platform. Candidates applying for the University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test must follow the updated registration process, upload a live photograph, submit scanned documents, and pay the examination fee online.
According to the Information Bulletin, the UGC NET December 2026 Application Process is entirely online. Candidates must complete registration, fill in the application form, upload the required images and certificates, and successfully pay the prescribed fee to confirm their candidature.
The new process is intended to make government-service authentication more convenient by allowing candidates to access integrated services through a single sign-on platform.
What Is Meri Pehchaan in the UGC NET December 2026 Application Process?
Meri Pehchaan is a National Single Sign-On platform developed by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre (NIC), the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), and the National e-Governance Division (NeGD).
The platform was launched on July 4, 2022, to provide convenient access to multiple government services through a single set of login credentials.
For the UGC NET December 2026 Application Process, registration has been enabled through the Meri Pehchaan single sign-on service. The platform integrates identity providers such as Jan Parichay, DigiLocker and e-Pramaan.
Candidates can register using basic details such as their name, date of birth, and mobile number. The platform also supports verification through eKYC using Aadhaar, PAN, Driving Licence or APAAR, subject to the applicable requirements.
UGC NET December 2026 Application Process: Important Highlights
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Examination | UGC NET December 2026 |
| Conducting authority | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Registration platform | Meri Pehchaan (NSSO/SSO) |
| Application mode | Online |
| Live photograph | Required |
| Scanned photograph | Required |
| Signature | Required |
| Disability/UDID certificate | Required for applicable candidates |
| Application fee payment | SBI, Canara Bank, UBI, debit card, credit card or UPI, as specified |
| Confirmation page | Available after successful fee payment |
| Official website | ugcnet.nta.nic.in |
How to Apply for UGC NET December 2026 Through Meri Pehchaan
Candidates should follow the steps below to complete the application process.
Step 1: Complete Online Registration
Visit the official UGC NET website and open the December 2026 application link. Complete the online registration using your own email ID and mobile number.
Candidates should keep their registered contact details active because NTA will send important communications through the registered email address and/or mobile number.
The application registration process is connected to the Meri Pehchaan single sign-on platform.
Step 2: Fill in the Online Application Form
After registration, complete the online application form with the required personal, contact, educational, and examination-related information.
Candidates should carefully verify their name, date of birth, category, educational qualifications, PwD/PwBD status, examination-city preferences and other details before submitting the form.
Once the form has been submitted, NTA will not independently edit or modify the information entered by the candidate. Any permitted corrections must be made through the correction facility notified by NTA.
Step 3: Upload a Live Photograph
One of the important requirements in the UGC NET December 2026 Application Process is capturing a live photograph during form filling. Candidates should switch on their device camera or connect a webcam to the computer or laptop being used for the application.
If the device does not support a webcam, candidates can scan the QR code displayed on the application page using a mobile phone or tablet, as instructed by the portal.
Candidates should follow these instructions:
- Use a light-coloured background.
- Ensure adequate lighting.
- Keep approximately 80% of the face visible.
- Ensure that the ears are visible.
- Do not wear a mask while capturing the photograph.
The live photograph must belong to the candidate. NTA reserves the right to verify candidate details and photographs.
Step 4: Upload the Scanned Photograph and Signature
In addition to the live photograph, candidates must upload the scanned images specified in the Information Bulletin.
| Document | File size | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Recent photograph | 10 KB to 200 KB | Colour or black and white; approximately 80% of the face visible, including ears; white background |
| Candidate’s signature | 10 KB to 50 KB | Scanned image in the prescribed format |
| Disability/UDID certificate | 50 KB to 300 KB | PDF file, clearly legible; applicable to candidates required to submit it |
Candidates should check that the uploaded files are clear, readable, and correctly formatted before submitting the application.
Step 5: Upload the Disability or UDID Certificate, If Applicable
Candidates applying under the PwD/PwBD category should carefully follow the disability-document requirements. NTA will verify uploaded UDID card details through the UDID portal of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DePwD).
Candidates who do not have a UDID card must upload a disability certificate in the prescribed format. NTA may verify the certificate with the issuing authority.
If any mismatch or validation issue occurs during UDID verification, the candidate must use the correction window notified by NTA to resolve the issue.
The Information Bulletin warns that claims relating to PwD/PwBD status that have been successfully verified will not be entertained after the correction window closes.
Step 6: Pay the Application Fee Online
Candidates must pay the prescribed examination fee through the available payment options specified by NTA.
The payment options listed in the Information Bulletin include:
- SBI
- Canara Bank
- Union Bank of India (UBI)
- Debit card
- Credit card
- UPI
Candidates should keep the payment receipt or other proof of successful payment for future reference.
Step 7: Download the Confirmation Page
The UGC NET December 2026 Application Process is not complete merely by filling in the form. Candidates must complete the required application steps and make a successful fee payment. The confirmation page will be generated only after successful payment.
Candidates should download, save, and print the confirmation page for future reference. If the confirmation page is not generated after payment, candidates should contact the relevant bank or payment gateway using the helpline details provided in the Information Bulletin.
If a transaction has not been completed successfully and the fee has not been received by NTA, candidates must ensure that the fee status becomes successful. Any refund or reconciliation will be handled according to the payment instructions in the bulletin.
Can Candidates Complete the Application Process in Separate Steps?
Yes. According to the Information Bulletin, the three main steps—registration, filling in the UGC NET December 2026 application form, and fee payment—can be completed together or at separate times.
However, the application remains incomplete if the required application-form submission and fee-payment steps are not completed. Incomplete applications will be rejected. Candidates should therefore check the final payment status and download the confirmation page instead of assuming that registration alone confirms their candidature.
What Details Should Candidates Verify Before Submitting the Form?
NTA advises candidates to exercise utmost care while entering their details. The following information should be checked carefully:
- Candidate’s name and date of birth
- Email address and mobile number
- Permanent and correspondence addresses
- Category and PwD/PwBD status
- Educational qualification details
- Examination-city preferences
- Photograph and signature
- Disability or UDID certificate, wherever applicable
Candidates are also advised to update their Aadhaar details, including their recent photograph, name, date of birth, gender and address, as appropriate.
NTA states that incorrect information supplied by a candidate is the candidate’s responsibility. Requests for changes after the correction period closes will not be considered.
What Happens if the Wrong Photograph or Signature Is Uploaded?
Candidates must upload their own photograph, signature, and certificates. Uploading another person’s documents or tampering with the admit card, result, or scorecard may be treated as an Unfair Means (UFM) practice.
NTA may take appropriate action under the provisions governing unfair means practices in the Information Bulletin. Applicants should therefore verify every uploaded document before completing their application.
Do Candidates Need to Send Documents to NTA by Post?
No. The entire UGC NET December 2026 Application Process is online, including registration, uploading the live photograph and scanned documents, fee payment, and downloading the confirmation page and admit card. Candidates are not required to send the confirmation page or other application documents to NTA by post, fax, WhatsApp, email, or by hand.
Can Candidates Download UGC NET Documents Through DigiLocker or UMANG?
The UGC NET December 2026 Application Process states that NTA intends to provide an additional facility through UMANG and DigiLocker for downloading examination-related documents, including scorecards and other relevant records.
Detailed instructions regarding this facility will be issued in subsequent phases. Candidates should check the official website and their registered email accounts for further announcements.
UGC NET December 2026 Application Process: Important Instructions
- Read the Information Bulletin and the replica of the application form before registration.
- Use your own email address and mobile number.
- Complete the live-photograph capture as instructed.
- Upload all required images and certificates in the prescribed format.
- Verify personal, educational, and category details carefully.
- Pay the fee and confirm that the transaction is successful.
- Download the confirmation page after successful payment.
- Monitor the official NTA website and registered email for updates.
- Make any permitted corrections within the correction window notified by NTA.
Final Words
The UGC NET December 2026 Application Process uses the Meri Pehchaan single sign-on platform to facilitate registration. Candidates must complete the online form, capture a live photograph, upload the required scanned documents, and pay the examination fee to obtain the confirmation page.
Applicants should pay particular attention to photograph specifications, disability-document verification, and the accuracy of personal and educational details. Completing every required step correctly will help avoid application rejection and prevent problems during document verification.
For the latest instructions, candidates should refer to the official UGC NET website at ugcnet.nta.nic.in and the UGC NET December 2026 Information Bulletin.
