NTA Extends UGC NET Registration Deadline
Key Points:
- UGC NET June 2025 registration extended to May 12, 2025, from May 7.
- Extension due to security concerns from India-Pakistan tensions.
- Apply online at ugcnet.nta.ac.in until 11:59 PM on May 12.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has extended the registration deadline for the University Grants Commission – National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) June 2025 to May 12, 2025, following representations from candidates facing difficulties amid India-Pakistan border tensions. Originally set to close on May 7, the application window has been extended to accommodate challenges caused by blackouts, internet disruptions, and security measures in regions like Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, and Rajasthan. Candidates can apply online at ugcnet.nta.ac.in until 11:59 PM on May 12, with the fee payment window open until May 13, 2025.
Why the Extension? Impact of India-Pakistan Tensions
Key Points:
- Operation Sindoor and retaliatory actions disrupted normalcy in border states.
- Blackouts and internet slowdowns affected application processes.
- Candidates reported portal crashes and access issues.
The extension follows the escalating India-Pakistan conflict, triggered by India’s Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) after a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025. Pakistan’s retaliatory drone and missile attacks led to blackouts in cities like Amritsar, Jalandhar, and Jammu, alongside internet restrictions in border areas. These disruptions, combined with repeated crashes of the UGC NET registration portal, prompted candidates to request an extension. Posts on X highlighted students’ struggles with slow servers and internet shutdowns due to military operations.
UGC NET June 2025 Exam Details
Key Points:
- Exam scheduled tentatively from June 21 to June 30, 2025.
- Conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode for 83 subjects.
- Determines eligibility for Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF).
The UGC NET June 2025 is a national-level exam conducted by NTA to determine eligibility for Assistant Professor positions and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in Indian universities and colleges. The exam, spanning June 21 to June 30, 2025, will be held in CBT mode and consists of two papers:
- Paper 1: General aptitude (100 marks, 50 questions).
- Paper 2: Subject-specific (200 marks, 100 questions).
The total duration is 3 hours with no break between papers. The exam covers 83 subjects, and admit cards and exam city slips will be released closer to the exam date.
Application Process and Fees
Key Points:
- Apply via ugcnet.nta.ac.in with application number and password.
- Application fees: General (₹1150), OBC-NCL/EWS (₹600), SC/ST/PwD (₹325).
- Correction window opens May 14 to May 15, 2025.
To apply for UGC NET June 2025:
- Visit ugcnet.nta.ac.in.
- Click on the “UGC NET June 2025 Application” link.
- Register using email and phone number to generate an application number.
- Log in, fill out the form, upload documents, and pay the fee.
- Download the confirmation page for future reference.
Application Fees:
- General/Unreserved: ₹1150
- OBC-NCL/EWS: ₹600
- SC/ST/PwD/Third Gender: ₹325
The correction window for editing forms will be open from May 14 to May 15, 2025. Candidates facing issues can contact NTA at 011-40759000, 011-69227700, or email ugcnet@nta.ac.in.
Challenges Faced by Candidates
Key Points:
- Portal crashes reported since May 7, 2025.
- Internet disruptions in border states like Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir.
- Students urged NTA for extension via social media.
Candidates faced significant hurdles in completing their UGC NET applications due to technical issues with the ugcnet.nta.ac.in portal, which crashed repeatedly on May 7, 2025. Additionally, internet shutdowns and blackouts in border regions, implemented as security measures amid India-Pakistan tensions, further hampered access. Posts on X from students and educators, including requests to NTA and Education Ministry officials, highlighted these issues, with some citing slow servers and military operations as barriers. The extension to May 12 provides relief to affected candidates.
Security Concerns and Exam Preparations
Key Points:
- Blackouts and movement restrictions in Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, and Rajasthan.
- Exam centers in border areas may face logistical challenges.
- NTA to ensure student safety during exam conduct.
The India-Pakistan tensions, marked by Operation Sindoor and retaliatory actions, have led to heightened security measures, including blackouts and internet restrictions in states like Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, and Chandigarh. These measures, aimed at countering aerial threats like drones, have disrupted normalcy, raising concerns about exam logistics in border regions. NTA is expected to coordinate with local authorities to ensure safe conduct of the UGC NET June 2025 exam, with potential adjustments to exam center allocations if tensions persist.
Advice for Candidates
Key Points:
- Complete registration by May 12, 2025, and pay fees by May 13.
- Monitor ugcnet.nta.ac.in for admit card and exam city slip updates.
- Avoid unverified sources to prevent confusion.
Candidates are advised to:
- Finalize applications before the May 12, 2025, deadline to avoid last-minute issues.
- Use only the official website (ugcnet.nta.ac.in) for updates on admit cards, exam city slips, and exam dates.
- Contact NTA’s helpline (011-40759000 or ugcnet@nta.ac.in) for application-related queries.
- Stay informed about security advisories in their regions, especially in Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, and Rajasthan, to plan travel safely.
Given the India-Pakistan tensions, candidates should also follow government guidelines and avoid border areas unless necessary.
Looking Ahead
Key Points:
- Exam dates may be adjusted if border tensions escalate.
- NTA to release admit cards and exam city slips closer to June 2025.
- Candidates urged to stay calm and focus on preparation.
The UGC NET June 2025 exam remains a critical opportunity for candidates aspiring to become Assistant Professors or secure Junior Research Fellowships. While the India-Pakistan conflict has created challenges, NTA’s extension of the registration deadline reflects a commitment to fairness and accessibility. Candidates should stay updated via ugcnet.nta.ac.in and prepare for potential changes in the exam schedule if the security situation worsens. The Indian government and NTA are working to ensure student safety and a smooth examination process.
