The National Testing Agency (NTA) is expected to release the UGC NET Answer Key in August 2026. However, the official confirmation regarding the answer key is still awaited. Candidates who appeared for the exam can download their UGC NET Answer Key 2026 and response sheet from the official website, ugcnet.nta.nic.in, once released. Candidates can access the answer key by using their registered credentials such as registration ID and security PIN. Applicants will also be able to challenge any question against the provisional answer key within the challenge window. The challenge window will remain open for a given period of time. Candidates can verify their responses using the response sheet and calculate their tentative raw score.
The answer key will contain the responses to the questions asked in the UGC NET Exam 2026. A challenge can be submitted by paying a refundable fee of Rs 200 per question. If the objection raised is found to be valid, candidates will receive a refund for the correct objections by the conducting body. The UGC NET Answer Key 2026 will be accessible through a direct link at the official website. Once the objection window is closed, the subject experts will check the raised objections and the final answer key will be released on that basis. Candidates must know that no changes can be made in the final answer key.
UGC NET Answer Key 2026: How to Challenge the Provisional Answer Key?
Once the UGC NET 2026 Answer Key is out, candidates who are not satisfied with the answer key can challenge the same within the given time period. If the objection raised is found to be valid, candidates will receive a refund for the objection raised. The steps to challenge the UGC NET answer key 2026 are given below:
Step 1: Visit the official website of UGC NET, ugcnet.nta.nic.in.
Step 2: Open the answer key portal and click on the link.
Step 3: Enter the application number, password/date of birth, and click Sign In.
Step 4: Click on the Challenge Answer Key button.
Step 5: Choose the correct answer option ID for the question.
Step 6: Click on the Save Your Claims button and pay the fee.
For each question challenged in the UGC NET answer key 2026, candidates are required to pay Rs. 200.
UGC NET 2026 Answer Key: Marking Scheme
Candidates can check the marking scheme for the UGC NET 2026 exam below and calculate their probable scores using the provisional answer key and individual response sheets, once released:
| Answers | Marks allotted |
| Correct Answer | +2 |
| Incorrect Answer | 0 |
| Unanswered questions | 0 |
Candidates must remember that objections can only be raised within a given time period, after which no challenges will be allowed. Changes in the final UGC NET Answer key 2026 are not allowed.
