The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially released the provisional answer key for the University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) June 2026 examination. Candidates who appeared for the test can now access their individual response sheets along with the provisional answer key on the official NTA UGC NET website, ugcnet.nta.nic.in. The release marks a critical step for aspirants seeking eligibility for Assistant Professor positions or Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) in Indian universities and colleges.

The UGC NET June 2026 examination was conducted across various centers, assessing candidates' proficiency in 83 subjects. The provisional answer key provides candidates with an opportunity to review their responses against the NTA's official answers. This allows for a preliminary calculation of their scores and identification of any discrepancies. Following the release, a window has been activated for candidates to challenge any questions or answers they believe to be incorrect.

To access the answer key and their response sheets, candidates must follow a structured procedure:

  • Visit the official website: ugcnet.nta.nic.in.
  • Locate and click on the specific link for "UGC NET June 2026 Answer Key" or "Challenge Answer Key."
  • Log in using their application number and date of birth or password.
  • Once logged in, candidates can view their recorded responses and the provisional answer key.
  • The platform also provides details on how to submit objections, if any.

Candidates wishing to challenge a question or an answer provided in the provisional key are required to submit their objections online within the stipulated timeframe. A non-refundable processing fee, typically INR 200 per challenged question, must be paid for each objection. This fee is subject to change as per NTA's notification, and candidates are advised to verify the exact amount on the official portal. All challenges must be supported by appropriate documentary evidence, which needs to be uploaded along with the objection. Challenges submitted without proper justification or after the deadline will not be considered.

Upon the conclusion of the objection window, a panel of subject experts appointed by the NTA will review all valid challenges. Based on their expert evaluation, necessary revisions will be made to the provisional answer key. This revised key will then be finalized and used for the evaluation of OMR sheets. The NTA emphasizes that the decision of the subject experts will be final and no further communication or challenges will be entertained thereafter.

The exact dates for the objection window's opening and closing, including the deadline for fee payment, have been published on the ugcnet.nta.nic.in website. Candidates are strongly advised to meticulously check these dates and complete the objection process promptly if they identify any discrepancies. Following the finalization of the answer key, the NTA is expected to declare the results for the UGC NET June 2026 examination in due course. Regular monitoring of the official NTA website is recommended for all candidates to stay updated on further announcements regarding the final answer key and result declaration.