UGC NET June 2026: Two New Subjects Added, Registration Open Until May 20

The University Grants Commission has expanded the subject list for the National Eligibility Test by adding Statistics and Forestry, effective from the June 2026 session. The move gives candidates more academic options for the exam, which determines eligibility for Assistant Professor posts and Junior Research Fellowships in universities and colleges across India.

The addition of Statistics expands the total number of NET subjects from 85 to 86. The decision was taken based on an expert committee's recommendations at UGC's 597th meeting held on April 18. Syllabi for both newly added subjects are now available on the official UGC NET website at ugcnetonline.in.

Why These Two Subjects Were Added

Statistics

Statistics is one of the most in-demand disciplines in today's world. From data science and artificial intelligence to public health and economics, the demand for trained statisticians in Indian universities has grown significantly in recent years. The UGC stated that the inclusion of Statistics aligns the exam with evolving academic and research needs in higher education. By making it a NET subject, the UGC is opening a formal pathway for Statistics graduates to pursue careers in teaching and research at the university level.

Forestry

The Forestry syllabus focuses on forest science, management, ecology, and environmental studies. The UGC said the addition supports teaching and research in sustainable development and conservation. With climate change becoming one of the most pressing global challenges, the need for trained forest scientists and researchers in Indian academic institutions is clear. This addition gives Forestry graduates a formal route into higher education careers for the first time.

About UGC NET: A Quick Overview

For those unfamiliar with the exam, UGC NET is one of the most important national-level tests in India for anyone looking to build a career in higher education.

UGC NET is a national-level exam conducted to determine the eligibility of candidates for the Junior Research Fellowship, appointment as Assistant Professor, and admission to PhD programmes in Indian universities and colleges.

The National Testing Agency conducts UGC NET twice a year, in June and December. Qualifying the exam opens three possible outcomes for candidates: receiving a Junior Research Fellowship with a monthly stipend, becoming eligible for Assistant Professor appointments, or gaining entry into PhD programmes at universities across the country.

As a Junior Research Fellow, candidates receive Rs 37,000 per month for the first two years. Senior Research Fellows receive Rs 42,000 for the subsequent three years.

Important Dates for UGC NET June 2026

The UGC NET notification for the June 2026 session was released on April 29, 2026, along with the activation of the online application form. Here are all the key dates candidates need to keep in mind:

Application window open: April 29, 2026 Last date to apply and pay fee: May 20, 2026 (up to 11:50 PM) Correction window: May 22 to May 24, 2026 Exam dates: June 22 to June 30, 2026 Expected result: Last week of July 2026

The exam will be conducted in Computer-Based Test mode across various exam centres in India, in two shifts per day.

Application Fee

The application fee for the General category is Rs 1,150, for General-EWS and OBC-NCL candidates it is Rs 600, and for SC, ST, PwD, and Third Gender candidates it is Rs 325.

Payment can be made online through credit card, debit card, net banking, or UPI.

Who Can Apply: Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must hold a Master's degree or equivalent with a minimum of 55% marks from a UGC-recognised university. Those from reserved categories require 50% marks. Candidates currently in their final semester of a postgraduate degree are also eligible to apply.

There is no upper age limit for candidates applying for the Assistant Professor post or PhD admission. However, for the Junior Research Fellowship, the upper age limit is 30 years, with a relaxation of five years for OBC, SC, ST, PwD, and Women candidates.

Exam Pattern

The UGC NET exam consists of two papers, both conducted in a single three-hour Computer-Based Test session.

Paper 1 is common for all candidates and tests general teaching and research aptitude. Paper 2 is based on the subject chosen by the candidate at the time of application.

Candidates are required to appear in both Paper 1 and Paper 2 to qualify. Qualifying marks for the General category are 40% aggregate in both papers combined. For PwD, SC, ST, OBC Non-Creamy Layer, and Transgender candidates, the qualifying mark is 35%.

There is no negative marking in UGC NET. Unanswered questions receive no marks.

How to Apply

The application process involves visiting the official website at ugcnet.nta.nic.in, completing new registration by entering name, date of birth, mobile number, and email ID, filling out the complete application form with personal and academic details, uploading a scanned photograph and signature, paying the application fee online, and downloading the confirmation page after successful submission.

Candidates are advised to apply well before the May 20 deadline and to keep their registered email address and mobile number active, as all official communication from NTA is sent through these channels.

What This Means for Candidates

The addition of Statistics and Forestry to the UGC NET subject list is a meaningful step forward. Students who have spent years specialising in these fields now have a formal, nationally recognised pathway into university teaching and research careers. It also signals that the UGC is paying attention to where India's academic and environmental needs are heading.

For existing candidates already preparing for June 2026, the core exam structure remains unchanged. The only difference is that those in Statistics and Forestry now have an option they did not have before.

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