UGC NET June 2026 answer key: Check steps on how to download, direct link, know how to raise objections and more

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is set to release the provisional answer key for the UGC NET June 2026 examination today, August 16, giving lakhs of candidates an opportunity to check their responses, estimate their probable scores and raise objections against answers they believe are incorrect.

Candidates who appeared for the UGC NET June 2026 examination can access the provisional answer key through the official UGC NET website, ugcnet.nta.nic.in. The examination was conducted at centres across India on June 22, 23, 24, 25, 29 and 30.

How to check the UGC NET answer key

• Visit the official UGC NET website.
• Click on the provisional answer key link.
• Log in using your credentials.
• Download the answer key and response sheet.
• Compare your recorded responses with the official answers.
• Calculate your expected marks.

Direct link to check 2026 UGC NET answer key

Also Read: NTA to release UGC-NET, CSIR-NET, ICAR answer keys tomorrow, August 16: Check download steps, direct link and more

Can candidates challenge the provisional answer key?

NTA will allow candidates to raise objections during the objection window specified by the agency. Those seeking to challenge an answer must use the prescribed online key-challenge facility before the deadline.

A processing fee of Rs 200 will be charged for each challenged answer. Candidates must provide appropriate justification and supporting evidence with their objections.

Objections submitted after the prescribed deadline or through any other mode will not be considered. Candidates should therefore review the official instructions before filing a challenge.

UGC NET minimum qualifying marks

Candidates seeking UGC NET qualification must appear for both Paper 1 and Paper 2 and achieve the prescribed aggregate score across the two papers.

General and EWS category candidates are required to secure at least 40% aggregate marks in both papers combined. For candidates from SC, ST, OBC-NCL, PwD and other reserved categories, the minimum requirement is 35% aggregate marks across the two papers.

Assistant Professor eligibility limited to 6% of candidates

Under the official UGC NET criteria, eligibility for Assistant Professor is restricted to 6% of the total candidates who appear in both papers of the examination.

Candidates can use the provisional answer key to assess their probable performance and determine whether their expected marks meet the applicable requirements.

UGC NET expected score calculation

The UGC NET examination awards two marks for every correct answer, with no negative marking for incorrect responses.

Candidates can calculate their expected score using the following formula:

Expected score = Number of correct answers × 2

The estimated score is provisional and may change after NTA examines the challenges submitted by candidates and finalises the answer key.

What happens after objections are submitted?

NTA will assess the objections and the evidence submitted by candidates before taking a final decision on the disputed answers. The agency's decision on the challenges will be considered final.

Candidates will not receive individual communication about the outcome of their objections, and NTA will not entertain further communication concerning the challenge process.

Candidates should therefore ensure that objections are supported by credible evidence and submitted within the designated objection period.

Institutions accepting UGC NET scores

UGC NET qualification is relevant to several academic and research opportunities in India, including eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), Assistant Professor positions and PhD admissions, subject to the rules of individual institutions.

Universities that consider UGC NET qualifications for relevant academic and research programmes include:

• University of Delhi (DU)
• Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)
• Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
• University of Hyderabad (UoH)
• Aligarh Muslim University (AMU)
• Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI)
• Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)

Candidates should check the latest admission or recruitment notification issued by the respective institution for applicable eligibility conditions and details on how UGC NET qualification is considered.

What should candidates do now?

Candidates should rely on the official NTA answer key rather than unofficial answer keys or social media posts. After the provisional key is released, they should compare their responses, calculate their expected marks and determine whether any answers warrant a challenge.

They should also carefully note the objection deadline and follow the prescribed procedure, as submissions made outside the official window will not be accepted.

The provisional answer key will allow candidates to assess their performance ahead of the final result. Two marks are awarded for every correct response, and there is no negative marking, enabling candidates to estimate their probable scores using the official key and response sheet.

The provisional answer key does not represent the final result. NTA will determine the final score after completing the answer-key challenge process and finalising the evaluation.