CSIR NET December 2026 important dates
Applications close on 5 November 2026 and the exam is on 19, 22 and 27 December 2026. Here is every date in the official bulletin, and how the June 2026 cycle ran.
All December 2026 dates below come from the official CSIR NET December 2026 Information Bulletin. Check csirnet.nta.nic.in for later notices.
When is CSIR NET December 2026?
The exam is on 19, 22 and 27 December 2026. Some news sites have printed different dates. The bulletin is the authority, so go by it and by your admit card.
There are two shifts each day: 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Your subject’s date and shift will be on your city slip and admit card.
CSIR NET December 2026 schedule
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online application | 7 October to 5 November 2026 (11:50 PM) |
| Late submission, with ₹500 late fee | 6 to 9 November 2026 |
| Correction window | 10 to 12 November 2026 |
| City slip and admit card | To be announced |
| Exam | 19, 22 and 27 December 2026 |
| Result | To be announced |
Is CSIR NET June 2027 announced?
No. As of 9 October 2026, NTA has not announced the June 2027 cycle.
How did the June 2026 cycle run?
The last completed cycle shows how the steps after the exam are spaced.
| Event | June 2026 cycle |
|---|---|
| Exam | 17 and 18 July 2026, in 224 cities |
| Scores declared | 29 August 2026 |
| Result and ranks declared | 10 September 2026 |
| Certificates issued | 25 September 2026 |
In that cycle, 1,87,739 candidates registered and 1,50,057 appeared. By subject (registered / appeared):
| Subject | Registered | Appeared |
|---|---|---|
| Life Sciences | 83,546 | 67,650 |
| Chemical Sciences | 38,740 | 30,885 |
| Mathematical Sciences | 31,574 | 24,964 |
| Physical Sciences | 27,791 | 21,810 |
| Earth Sciences | 6,088 | 4,748 |
Source: NTA press release of 29 August 2026.
What should I do and when?
- Before 5 November 2026: check your eligibility, especially the JRF age limit of 30 on 1 December 2026, and apply.
- 10 to 12 November 2026: use the correction window if anything is wrong.
- November to mid-December: prepare and practise full 3-hour papers within the attempt limits. See the preparation strategy page.
- Before the exam: download your city slip and admit card as soon as NTA releases them.
What does it cost?
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General | ₹1,150 |
| General-EWS / OBC-NCL | ₹600 |
| SC / ST / PwD / PwBD / Third gender | ₹325 |
Applying in the late window adds ₹500.
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