Introduction
reviewed by Lawsection.in editorial team | Last Updated: February 17, 2026
If you are planning to appear for UGC NET Law 2026, understanding the latest eligibility criteria is crucial before filling the application form. The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts UGC NET for Law (Subject Code 58) to determine eligibility for Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) across India.
This guide explains the latest UGC NET Law eligibility rules for 2026 including educational qualification, age limit, category-wise relaxation, reservation benefits, and important official conditions as per NTA and UGC regulations.
Educational Qualification for UGC NET Law 2026
To appear in this Exam, candidates must possess a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Law (LLM) or a closely related subject from a UGC-recognized university or institution.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Qualification | LLM from UGC recognized university |
| Minimum Marks (General/EWS) | 55% aggregate |
| Minimum Marks (OBC/SC/ST/PwD/Third Gender) | 50% aggregate |
| Final Year Students | Allowed provisionally |
| Integrated LLB + LLM | Eligible |
| PhD Holders | Eligible with relaxation as per UGC rules |
Age Limit for UGC NET Law (JRF & Assistant Professor)
Age limits vary between JRF and Assistant Professor categories:
| Post | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| JRF | Maximum 31 years |
| Assistant Professor | No upper age limit |
Category-Wise Age Relaxation for JRF
NTA provides age relaxations for JRF to ensure equitable opportunities:
| Category | Relaxation | Max Age for JRF |
|---|---|---|
| OBC-NCL | 5 years | 36 years |
| SC/ST | 5 years | 36 years |
| PwD | 5 years | 36 years |
| Women | 5 years | 36 years |
| Research Experience | Up to 5 years | Case based |
Note: Relaxations are not cumulative beyond 5 years in most cases, except for specific research-based claims. Candidates with extended academic paths (e.g., LLM + research) may qualify for additional consideration—confirm in the official 2026 bulletin.
Reservation Policy and Qualifying Marks Relaxation
The Government of India reservation policy applies to qualifying marks and other aspects:
- Qualifying Percentage Relaxation: 5% marks reduction for OBC-NCL/SC/ST/PwD/Third Gender (55% → 50%).
- Third Gender: Treated equivalently to SC/ST/PwD for age, fees, and qualifying criteria
Exemptions from NET:
- PhD holders under UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of PhD Degree) Regulations, 2009/2016/2022 are exempt from NET for Assistant Professor appointments.
- Candidates who cleared UGC/CSIR JRF before 1989 or SET before June 1, 2002, are exempt for Assistant Professorship.
- State SET qualifiers (post-June 1, 2002) are eligible only within their respective states.
Important Conditions Most Candidates Miss
- Candidates with foreign law degrees must obtain AIU equivalence.
- State SET qualified candidates cannot claim UGC NET eligibility.
- PhD exemption applies only as per UGC 2009/2016/2022 PhD Regulations.
- Age calculation is based on first day of month of exam.
- Candidates from Humanities/Social Sciences cannot apply for Law unless holding LLM.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can final year LLM students apply for UGC NET Law?
Yes, provisionally.
Q2. Is LLB enough for UGC NET Law?
No. LLM is Mandatory.
Q3. Is there any age limit for Assistant Professor?
No Age Limit
Q4. How is age calculated for JRF?
As per first day of exam month.
Q5. Are foreign LLM degrees valid?
CLAT itself is not required for studying law abroad, but graduating from a reputed law university through CLAT can strengthen academic profiles for international LLM admissions, subject to university eligibility and language requirements.
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Our editorial team curates these guides after reviewing official exam notifications, admission updates, and verified education sources to help law aspirants make informed decisions. Always cross-check final dates and rules from the official notification of the concerned year.
This article is reviewed by Lawsection.in editorial team and regularly updated based on official notifications from NTA and UGC. Candidates are advised to verify final details from the official UGC NET portal before applying