The UGC NET 2026 answer key is released by the National Testing Agency (NTA) after the UGC NET examination. It helps candidates compare their responses with the answers provided by NTA and calculate their expected UGC NET score.
NTA generally releases the provisional answer key first. Candidates can check the answer key along with their response sheet and question paper, where applicable. If a candidate finds an incorrect answer, they can raise an objection during the specified challenge period.
After reviewing the challenges, NTA releases the UGC NET final answer key, which is used for preparing the result.
UGC NET 2026 Answer Key Highlights
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test |
| Short Name | UGC NET |
| Conducting Authority | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Answer Key Mode | Online |
| Answer Key Type | Provisional and Final |
| Response Sheet | Released as per NTA schedule |
| Challenge Facility | Available for provisional answer key |
| Exam Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Official Website | NTA UGC NET Portal |
UGC NET 2026 Answer Key Release Date
NTA announces the UGC NET answer key release date through an official notification. The provisional answer key is generally published after the examination and evaluation process.
Candidates should check the official NTA website regularly for the latest update on the UGC NET 2026 answer key date.
| Event | Status |
| UGC NET Examination | As per official schedule |
| Provisional Answer Key | To be announced by NTA |
| Response Sheet | As per official notification |
| Answer Key Challenge | As per specified schedule |
| Final Answer Key | Released after challenge review |
| Result | Announced after the answer key process |
How to Download UGC NET 2026 Answer Key
Candidates can follow these steps to download the UGC NET answer key PDF:
- Visit the official NTA UGC NET website.
- Find the link for the UGC NET 2026 answer key.
- Click on the provisional answer key link.
- Enter the required login credentials.
- Submit the details.
- Check the answer key and response sheet.
- Download or save the document for future reference.
Candidates should use the official website to access the verified answer key.
Details Available in UGC NET Answer Key
The answer key allows candidates to match their responses with the answers released by NTA.
| Information | Purpose |
| Question Number | Identifies the question |
| Correct Answer | Shows the official answer |
| Candidate Response | Shows the candidate's selected answer |
| Question Paper | Helps verify the question |
| Response Sheet | Helps calculate expected marks |
UGC NET 2026 Answer Key Challenge
If a candidate believes that an answer in the provisional answer key is incorrect, they may be able to challenge the UGC NET answer key within the period specified by NTA.
Candidates should provide appropriate supporting information while submitting an objection. NTA reviews the challenges before preparing the final answer key.
Steps to Challenge UGC NET Answer Key
- Visit the official NTA UGC NET portal.
- Log in using the required credentials.
- Open the answer key challenge link.
- Select the question you want to challenge.
- Choose the appropriate answer or objection option.
- Upload supporting information if required.
- Pay the prescribed challenge fee, where applicable.
- Submit the objection before the deadline.
- Save the challenge confirmation.
Candidates should carefully check the official notification for the applicable fee, deadline and challenge rules.
UGC NET Final Answer Key 2026
After examining the objections submitted by candidates, NTA releases the UGC NET final answer key. Changes accepted by the examination authority are reflected in the final answer key.
The final answer key plays an important role in the preparation of the UGC NET result.
| Answer Key | Purpose |
| Provisional Answer Key | Allows candidates to check answers and raise objections |
| Final Answer Key | Used for final evaluation and result preparation |
How to Calculate UGC NET Expected Score
Candidates can use the answer key and response sheet to estimate their marks before the result is announced.
UGC NET consists of two papers:
| Paper | Questions | Marks |
| Paper 1 | 50 | 100 |
| Paper 2 | 100 | 200 |
| Total | 150 | 300 |
Candidates should calculate their expected score according to the official marking scheme provided by NTA. They should also remember that an estimated score does not represent the final result.
UGC NET Answer Key and Result
The UGC NET result is prepared after the answer key and evaluation process. Candidates can check their final marks and qualification status once NTA announces the result.
The answer key can help candidates estimate their performance, while the official result remains the final source for their qualifying status.
UGC NET 2026 Answer Key: Important Points
- Check the provisional answer key after its official release.
- Compare the answers with your response sheet.
- Calculate your expected score using the official marking scheme.
- Raise objections only within the prescribed period.
- Provide valid supporting information for challenged questions.
- Keep a copy of the submitted objection.
- Check the final answer key after the challenge process.
- Follow NTA notifications for result-related updates.