UGC NET Answer Key 2026 Released: Challenge Window Open Till August 18

UGC NET June 2026 Answer Key: Key Details

NTA has stated that challenges will be accepted only through the official online portal and must be supported by documentary evidence. Objections submitted through any other mode will not be entertained.

English, Commerce and Sociology Kept Separate

The provisional answer key released covers 84 subjects. For the three remaining subjects, English, Commerce and Sociology, NTA had constituted a separate committee to examine complaints received regarding errors in the question papers. Based on the committee's recommendations, a separate public notice concerning these three subjects is being issued by the agency. Candidates appearing for these subjects are advised to keep checking the official website for the specific update relevant to their paper.

How to Download and Challenge the UGC NET Answer Key 2026

• Visit the official website at ugcnet.nta.nic.in
• Click on the link for the UGC NET June 2026 provisional answer key and challenge
• Log in using your application number and date of birth or password
• View your recorded responses along with the provisional answer key
• Select the question you wish to challenge and upload supporting documentary evidence
• Pay the processing fee of Rs 200 for each question challenged
• Submit the challenge before the window closes on August 18, 2026

Each correct answer in UGC NET carries two marks, and there is no negative marking for incorrect responses. Candidates can use the provisional key along with their response sheet to estimate their probable score before the final key and result are released.

Joint CSIR UGC NET June 2026 Answer Key Also Released

Alongside the UGC NET key, as per official update on twitter by NTA, they also released the provisional answer key for the Joint CSIR UGC NET June 2026 examination. Candidates who appeared for this exam, which determines eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship, Assistant Professor appointments and PhD admissions in science subjects, can access their answer key and raise objections through the same challenge process. The CSIR UGC NET challenge window is also open from August 16 to August 18, 2026, up to 11:00 pm. The Joint CSIR UGC NET June 2026 examination was conducted on July 17 and 18 in Computer Based Test mode.

What Happens After the Challenge Window Closes

Once the challenge window closes, subject experts at NTA will review all objections submitted along with the supporting evidence. Based on this review, the agency will prepare and release the final UGC NET answer key. The result, along with the subject wise and category wise cut off, is expected to follow after the final key is published. NTA has advised candidates to rely only on information published on the official website and its verified social media handles for further updates, rather than unofficial sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the UGC NET June 2026 provisional answer key released? NTA released the provisional answer key on August 16, 2026, covering 84 out of 87 subjects.

What is the last date to challenge the UGC NET 2026 answer key? The challenge window closes on August 18, 2026, at 11:59 pm, and the fee payment deadline is the same date and time.

How much does it cost to challenge a question in the UGC NET answer key? Candidates need to pay a non‑refundable processing fee of Rs 200 for each question they challenge.

Has the answer key for English, Commerce and Sociology been released? No. These three subjects are being handled separately following a committee review of reported errors, and a dedicated notice for them is being issued by NTA.

Is the CSIR UGC NET June 2026 answer key also out? Yes, the Joint CSIR UGC NET June 2026 provisional answer key has also been released, with the same challenge window of August 16 to 18, 2026.