The National Testing Agency is expected to release the UGC NET June 2026 provisional answer keys, question papers and candidates’ recorded response sheets shortly. Candidates who appeared for the examination will be able to access these documents through the official UGC NET portal using their Application Number, Date of Birth or Password, and the Security Pin shown on the login page.
As of July 20, 2026, the official UGC NET website has not displayed a public notice announcing the provisional answer key or its release date. Candidates should therefore rely only on the official portal and NTA notices rather than unverified links shared on social media.
What Will NTA Release?
The UGC NET answer-key package is expected to contain three important documents:
- Provisional answer key: NTA’s initial answers for the questions asked in the examination.
- Question paper: The paper attempted by the candidate in the allotted subject and examination shift.
- Recorded response sheet: The options selected and submitted by the candidate during the computer-based test.
These documents help candidates compare their responses with the provisional key, identify possible discrepancies and estimate their probable raw score before the result.
Candidates should download and save the documents promptly. The official UGC NET June 2026 Information Bulletin states that the provisional answer key and recorded responses are likely to remain available for only two to three days.
How to Download the UGC NET June 2026 Answer Key
Once NTA activates the answer-key link, candidates can follow these steps:
- Visit the official UGC NET website.
- Select the link for the UGC NET June 2026 provisional answer key or recorded responses.
- Enter the Application Number.
- Enter the Date of Birth or Password, depending on the available login option.
- Fill in the Security Pin displayed on the screen.
- Submit the details and open the answer-key dashboard.
- Download the provisional answer key, question paper and response sheet.
- Save the PDF files and take a printout for future reference.
Candidates should check that the subject name, subject code, examination shift and question IDs match their examination details.
Do not compare answers only by question number because the order of questions and options may differ across candidate screens. Comparing the official question IDs and option IDs is a safer and more accurate method.
How to Calculate the Probable UGC NET Score
Under the official UGC NET June 2026 marking scheme, every correct answer carries two marks. There is no negative marking for an incorrect response, while unanswered or unattempted questions receive no marks.
Candidates can use the following formula:
Probable raw score = Number of correct answers × 2
For example, if a candidate has 105 correct responses across Paper 1 and Paper 2, the estimated raw score will be:
105 × 2 = 210 marks out of 300
This will remain an estimated score based on the provisional answer key. The score may change if NTA revises an answer, accepts more than one correct option or drops a question.
Qualification will also depend on factors such as the candidate’s category, subject-wise cutoff and the official result-preparation procedure. Therefore, a probable raw score should not be treated as confirmation of qualification.
How to Challenge the Provisional Answer Key
Candidates who believe that an answer in the provisional key is incorrect will be allowed to submit an online challenge.
The UGC NET June 2026 Information Bulletin prescribes a non-refundable processing fee of ₹200 for each answer key challenged. Only paid challenges submitted through the official challenge facility within the prescribed period will be considered.
The challenge process is expected to include the following steps:
- Log in through the official answer-key challenge link.
- Select the relevant question ID.
- Choose the option that you believe is correct.
- Upload a clear supporting document or academic reference.
- Review all the questions selected for challenge.
- Pay the processing fee online.
- Download the payment receipt and confirmation page.
Candidates should support their objections with credible evidence, such as a recognised textbook, official publication or authoritative academic source.
Challenges submitted without justification, after the deadline or through email and other unofficial channels will not be considered. Candidates must also complete the online payment successfully for their objection to be registered.
What Happens After the Challenge Window?
After the objection period closes, subject experts appointed by NTA will examine the challenges received from candidates.
When a challenge is found valid, the answer key may be revised for all affected candidates. The UGC NET June 2026 result will then be compiled using the final answer key.
NTA will not normally inform candidates individually whether their objection has been accepted or rejected. The final answer key and result will reflect the decisions taken by the subject experts.
The Information Bulletin also states that grievances concerning the answer key will not be entertained after the UGC NET result or NTA score has been declared.
Important Instructions for Candidates
Keep your Application Number and login credentials ready so that no time is lost after the answer-key link becomes active.
Download all available documents instead of relying only on screenshots. Compare the question IDs carefully, collect supporting evidence before beginning a challenge and submit objections well before the deadline to avoid last-minute payment or server-related problems.
Candidates should not share passwords, personal login information or complete response sheets publicly. Coaching-institute answer keys may be useful for an informal comparison, but only NTA’s final answer key will be used to prepare the result.
Conclusion
The UGC NET June 2026 provisional answer key is an important stage between the examination and the declaration of results. It allows candidates to verify their recorded responses, estimate their scores and report genuine errors in the provisional key.
Since the answer-key challenge window may remain open for only a few days, candidates should monitor the official UGC NET portal regularly. They should download their question paper and response sheet and complete the objection process promptly after NTA publishes the official notification.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When will the UGC NET June 2026 answer key be released?
NTA has not announced an exact release date as of July 20, 2026. The provisional answer key, question paper and recorded responses are expected to be released shortly on the official UGC NET portal.
2. What details are required to download the UGC NET answer key?
Candidates will generally need their Application Number, Date of Birth or Password, and the Security Pin displayed on the login page.
3. Can candidates challenge the UGC NET provisional answer key?
Yes. Candidates can select the relevant question ID, submit supporting evidence and pay the prescribed processing fee within the period announced by NTA.
4. What is the UGC NET answer-key challenge fee?
The UGC NET June 2026 Information Bulletin prescribes a non-refundable processing fee of ₹200 for each answer key challenged.
5. Is there negative marking in UGC NET June 2026?
No. Each correct answer carries two marks. There is no negative marking for incorrect answers, while unanswered or unattempted questions receive no marks.