The initial step involves the online submission of the UGC NET application form. Candidates must visit the official UGC NET website and complete the application process. This includes:

1. Registration: Create an account by providing basic details like name, email address, and phone number.
2. Filling the Form: Accurately fill in all required fields, including personal information, educational qualifications, and exam center preferences.
3. Document Upload: Upload scanned copies of necessary documents such as photograph, signature, and category certificates (if applicable) as per the specified format and size.
4. Application Fee Payment: Pay the prescribed application fee online through various modes like credit card, debit card, or net banking. Ensure to keep the transaction details for future reference.
5. Confirmation Page: After successful payment, download and print the confirmation page for your records. This page serves as proof of your application submission.

Once the application process is complete, the National Testing Agency (NTA) releases the admit cards on its official website. Candidates can download their UGC NET admit card by:

1. Visiting the Website: Go to the official UGC NET website.
2. Login: Enter your application number and date of birth to log in to your account.
3. Download Admit Card: Download the admit card and carefully check all the details mentioned, such as name, photograph, exam center, and exam timings.
4. Print Admit Card: Print a clear copy of the admit card. It is mandatory to carry the printed admit card along with a valid photo ID to the examination center.

Important Note: In case of any discrepancies in the admit card, immediately contact the NTA helpdesk for rectification.

On the day of the UGC NET exam, candidates must adhere to the following guidelines:

1. Reporting Time: Reach the exam center well before the reporting time mentioned on the admit card to complete the necessary formalities.
2. Documents Required: Carry your admit card, a valid photo ID (Aadhar card, PAN card, Voter ID, etc.), and any other documents specified by NTA.
3. Exam Instructions: Carefully read and follow all the instructions provided by the invigilator. The UGC NET exam is conducted in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode.
4. Answering Questions: Answer all the questions within the stipulated time. There are two papers: Paper 1 (General Aptitude) and Paper 2 (Subject Specific). Each paper has a specific duration and marking scheme.
5. Submission: After completing the exam, submit your responses as per the instructions provided on the screen.

The NTA declares the UGC NET results on its official website after the evaluation process. Candidates can check their results by:

1. Visiting the Website: Go to the official UGC NET website.
2. Login: Enter your application number and date of birth to log in to your account.
3. View Result: View your score card and download it for future reference. The scorecard contains details such as marks obtained in each paper, total marks, and qualifying status.

Cut-off Marks: NTA also releases the cut-off marks for different categories and subjects. Candidates must score equal to or more than the cut-off marks to qualify for Assistant Professor and/or Junior Research Fellowship (JRF).

Candidates who qualify for Assistant Professor and/or JRF are eligible to receive an e-certificate from the NTA. The process involves:

1. Eligibility Criteria: Meeting the cut-off criteria and other eligibility requirements specified by UGC.
2. Downloading E-Certificate: Qualified candidates can download their e-certificate from the official website after it is released by NTA.
3. Verification: The e-certificate can be verified online for authenticity. This certificate is essential for applying for teaching positions in universities and colleges or for pursuing research under the JRF scheme.

Validity: The JRF award is valid for a specific period, usually two to three years, from the date of issuance of the certificate.