Taking UGC NET? Know These Changes! No Need to Carry a Pen, Gate Closes 30 Minutes Early, Slippers and Sandals Allowed, Review-Marked Answers Evaluated
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has revised the information bulletin for the UGC NET December 2026 session. The corrigendum with 28 changes covers exam dates, rules for choosing cities and instructions for entry at the exam centre. Below are the most important changes in simple words.
New Rules on Exam Centre and Evaluation
| Topic | New rule |
|---|---|
| Pen | No need to carry a pen; a ball-point pen will be provided at the exam centre |
| Gate closing time | The centre's main gate closes exactly 30 minutes before the exam starts |
| Footwear | Normal shoes, slippers and low-heeled sandals allowed; long boots banned |
| Questions marked for review | Questions with a saved answer will be evaluated even if marked for review |
| Unanswered questions | Questions not attempted will not be evaluated, even if marked for review |
| Exam dates | 14 to 18 and 21 December 2026, computer-based |
Rule for Choosing Exam City
- Until now, a candidate had to choose 4 cities in the state/UT of their permanent or present address.
- If fewer than 4 cities are available in that state or UT, the candidate can choose from the other options shown on the portal.
- Eligible candidates can also change their city choice in the 2 to 4 November correction window.
Application Fee (reports from the bulletin)
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General | Rs 1,150 |
| Economically weaker and Other Backward Classes (non-creamy layer) | Rs 600 |
| SC, ST, PwD, Third Gender | Rs 325 |
What to Do on Exam Day
- Carry a printout of the admit card and a valid original photo ID.
- The gate closes 30 minutes before the exam begins, so reach well before the reporting time.
- Wear comfortable shoes or slippers, and avoid long boots.
- The pen will be given at the centre, so do not depend on carrying your own.
- Make sure to save answers you are sure of, since unanswered questions will not be evaluated.
Important Links
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to carry a pen for UGC NET?
No, as per the revised instructions a ball-point pen will be provided at the exam centre.
When does the gate close?
30 minutes before the exam starts.
Can I wear slippers?
Yes, normal shoes, slippers and low-heeled sandals are allowed, but not long boots.
Will questions marked for review be evaluated?
Yes, if the answer is saved. Unanswered questions will not be evaluated.
Note: This is based on news reports and public government information. Dates, amounts and rules can change, so please confirm with the official website or the concerned office before acting. Emitrawala.com is not a government website.
