If you are planning to apply for the UGC NET (University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test) 2026, understanding the application fee and payment process is essential before filling out the form.
This article provides complete details about UGC NET 2026 application fees, category-wise charges, payment modes, bank charges, and helpline support.
UGC NET 2026 Application Fee (Category-Wise)
The application fee varies based on the candidate’s category. Below is the official fee structure:
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / Unreserved | ₹1150 |
| Gen-EWS / OBC-NCL | ₹600 |
| SC / ST / PwD / Third Gender | ₹325 |
Important Points About UGC NET Fee
- Fee must be paid online only
- Accepted payment modes include:
- Net Banking
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- UPI
- Application will be considered complete only after successful payment
- Additional processing charges + GST will be applied depending on the payment method
Payment Methods & Bank Charges (Detailed)
1. Net Banking Charges
- HDFC Bank: No charges
- ICICI Bank: No charges
- SBI:
- SBI users: ₹5 + GST
- Other bank users: ₹13 + GST
- Other banks (via HDFC/ICICI/SBI/Axis): ₹17 + GST
2. Debit Card Charges
- Transactions up to ₹2000: 0% (No charges in many cases)
- Above ₹2000:
- Visa/Master: 0.40% to 0.85% + GST
- RuPay: No charges
- Other banks: Around 0.5% + GST
3. Credit Card Charges
- Domestic cards:
- 0.40% to 1.10% + GST depending on bank
- International cards:
- Up to 3.50% + GST (minimum ₹11 in some cases)
4. UPI Charges
- Mostly No charges
- Some banks may apply:
- 0% to minimal GST-based charges for higher transactions
Key Rule About Payment Charges
- GST (18%) is applicable on processing fees
- Charges vary depending on:
- Bank
- Payment gateway
- Mode of payment
Tip: UPI and Debit Cards (low amount) are usually the cheapest options.
How to Pay UGC NET Application Fee
- Visit the official UGC NET website
- Complete registration
- Fill application form
- Select preferred exam details
- Proceed to payment
- Choose payment method
- Complete transaction
- Download confirmation page
Helpline for Payment Issues
If you face any payment-related problems, you can contact:
NTA Helpdesk
- Email: ugcnet@nta.ac.in
- Phone: 011-40759000
Bank Support (Depending on Payment Mode)
- SBI Support
- Email: sbi.05222@sbi.co.in
- Phone: 08026599990 / 1800112211
- ICICI Bank
- Phone: 1800222884
- HDFC Bank
- Canara Bank
- Email: pgsupport@billdesk.com
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Paying the wrong category fee
- Ignoring extra bank charges
- Closing payment window before confirmation
- Not saving payment receipt
Final Words
The UGC NET 2026 application fee ranges from ₹325 to ₹1150, depending on your category. While the base fee is fixed, bank charges and GST can slightly increase the total payable amount.
To avoid issues:
- Choose the correct category
- Use a low-charge payment method
- Complete payment before the deadline
Disclaimer
The fee details are based on the latest available UGC NET 2025 notification. Charges may vary slightly depending on bank/payment gateway. Always verify details from the official website/notification before making payment.