The UGC NET answer key 2026 for the June session is yet to be released as of 15 July 2026, though candidates can expect it any time this week. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has not officially confirmed an exact release date, but based on the exam schedule and past-year trends, the provisional key is likely to go live between 15 and 20 July 2026 on the official portal, ugcnet.nta.nic.in.
Why the Wait: Exam Schedule Recap
The UGC NET June 2026 exam was conducted in computer-based test (CBT) mode across 87 subjects from 22 to 30 June 2026. However, a technical glitch at the CT Group of Institutions centre in Jalandhar on the first day led to a re-exam on 5 July 2026, which officially concluded the June cycle. NTA typically takes 10 to 14 days after the final paper to process evaluation data, placing the expected release window for the UGC NET provisional answer key in the third week of July.
How to Download the UGC NET Answer Key Once Live
Once activated, candidates can follow these steps to check the provisional key, response sheet, and question paper:
- Visit the official website, ugcnet.nta.nic.in (also mirrored at ugcnet.nta.ac.in).
- Click on the “UGC NET Answer Key 2026” link on the homepage.
- Log in using the application number, date of birth, and security pin.
- Select the relevant session, subject code, and paper (Paper 1 and Paper 2).
- View and download the subject-wise answer key, along with the recorded OMR response sheet and question paper.
Candidates should download and save their response sheet promptly, as NTA typically keeps it accessible for only 2–3 days alongside the provisional key.
Objection Window and Fee Details
Candidates who wish to challenge the provisional key can raise objections within four days of its publication, by paying a non-refundable fee of Rs. 200 per question. Objections must be submitted online along with supporting academic references; no other mode is accepted. Each correct answer in UGC NET carries 2 marks, with no negative marking, and if a question is later dropped after review, marks are awarded to all candidates who attempted it.
What Happens After the Provisional Key
Once the objection window closes, subject-matter experts will review all valid challenges, and the answer key will be revised wherever necessary. The final UGC NET answer key is expected around August 2026 and will be used to prepare the UGC NET June 2026 result. No further challenges are entertained once the final key is published.
Candidates are advised to keep checking only the official NTA portals for authentic updates, as this page will be updated once the direct download link is activated.
