The National Testing Agency (NTA) administered the UGC NET June 2026 examination from 22 June to 30 June 2026. Aspirants who appeared for the test can anticipate the release of the provisional UGC NET Answer Key 2026 on 16 August 2026. Reviewing the answer key allows candidates to cross-verify their responses, calculate tentative scores, and file challenges if discrepancies are identified.
UGC NET June 2026 Overview
Below is a complete snapshot of the examination parameters, conducting bodies, and expected dates managed by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Name | UGC NET June 2026 |
| Exam Dates | 22 June to 30 June 2026 |
| Answer Key Type | Provisional and Final |
| Answer Key Release Notice | Download PDF |
| Provisional Answer Key (Expected) | 16 August 2026 |
| Answer Key Release date | 16 August 2026 |
| Objection Fee | Rs. 200 per question (non-refundable) |
| Official Website | ugcnet.nta.ac.in |
How to Download the UGC NET Provisional Answer Key PDF
To access your individual question paper responses and official response sheets, follow these sequential instructions:
- Visit the official website: ugcnet.nta.ac.in
- Click on the notification link for "UGC NET Answer Key 2026."
- Enter your application number, date of birth, or password
- Submit the security pin shown on the screen
- View your subject-wise answer key, question paper, and response sheet
- Download the PDF and save it on your device for future use
Subject-Wise Unofficial Answer Key & Exam Papers
Candidates can review various exam shift files and memory-based test papers below:
| Date | Shifts | Subjects | English PDF | Hindi PDF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 June | Shift 1 | Paper 1 | Download PDF | Download PDF |
| 22 June | Shift 1 | Geography | Download PDF | Download PDF |
| 22 June | Shift 2 | Paper 1 | Download PDF | Download PDF |
| 22 June | Shift 2 | Computer Science | Download PDF | - |
| 22 June | Shift 2 | Home Science | Download PDF | Download PDF |
| 22 June | Shift 2 | Music | Download PDF | Download PDF |
| 23 June | Shift 1 | Paper 1 | Download PDF | Download PDF |
| 23 June | Shift 1 | Education | Download PDF | Download PDF |
| 23 June | Shift 2 | Law | Download PDF | - |
| 23 June | Shift 2 | Philosophy | Download PDF | Download PDF |
| 24 June | Shift 1 | Paper 1 | Download PDF | Download PDF |
| 24 June | Shift 1 | Political Science | Download PDF | Download PDF |
| 24 June | Shift 2 | Paper 1 | Download PDF | Download PDF |
| 24 June | Shift 2 | Commerce | Download PDF | - |
| 25 June | Shift 1 | Paper 1 | Download PDF | Download PDF |
| 25 June | Shift 1 | English | Download PDF | - |
| 25 June | Shift 2 | Paper 1 | Download PDF | Download PDF |
| 25 June | Shift 2 | History | Download PDF | - |
UGC NET 2026 Answer Key Objection Process
If candidates discover discrepancies in the provisional key, they can challenge specific questions by following the procedure outlined below:
- Visit ugcnet.nta.ac.in and click on "Challenge Answer Key."
- Log in with application number and date of birth or password
- Click on "View Question Paper" or "Challenge Answer Key" to see your responses
- Note the Question ID and Correct Option ID shown on screen
- Select the option you think is correct, or mark "no correct option" if needed
- Upload your supporting proof as a single PDF file
- Click "Save your Claims" to review your selections
- Pay Rs. 200 per question and submit the objection
Prerequisites and Rules for Challenging the Answer Key
- Objection link accessed via official portal (online submission only)
- The window stays open for about 2 to 3 days only
- A fee of Rs. 200 per question is required (non-refundable)
- Supporting documents must be attached as a single PDF file to each objection
- Submissions via email, post, or fax are not accepted
Marking Scheme and Calculation Rules
Understanding how scores are computed helps determine estimated standing:
- Correct answer matching final key: +2 marks
- Wrong or unattempted answer: 0 marks (no negative marking)
- Hindi-English translation difference: English version treated as final
- Total score calculation: Add up marks for both Paper 1 and Paper 2
Evaluation Process After Accepting Objections
| Scenario | NTA Decision |
|---|---|
| More than one option was found correct | Marks given to candidates who picked any correct option |
| Question found wrong or has no correct option | The question is dropped from the evaluation |
| Question dropped | All candidates of that shift get full marks for it |
Qualifying Marks and Expected Cut-Offs
Candidates must meet the threshold aggregates to qualify for Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) positions.
| Category | Minimum Aggregate | Marks Required (out of 300) |
|---|---|---|
| General/Unreserved | 40% | 120 |
| OBC-NCL/SC/ST/PwD/Transgender | 35% | 105 |
Subject-Wise Expected Cut-Off
| Subject Name | Subject Code | Expected Cut-Off Range (General Category) | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commerce | 08 | 182 – 187 Marks | Moderate to Hard |
| English | 30 | 185 – 190 Marks | Moderate |
| Political Science | 02 | 180 – 185 Marks | Moderate |
| Economics | 01 | 180 – 186 Marks | Moderate to Hard |
| History | 06 | 178 – 184 Marks | Moderate |
| Education | 09 | 176 – 182 Marks | Easy to Moderate |
| Computer Science | 87 | 183 – 188 Marks | Hard |
What to Do Next?
After reviewing the provisional key and filing any necessary claims within the 2 to 3 day window, candidates should preserve their application notes and PDF downloads. The final results are expected to be published in the first week of August 2026, roughly 15 to 20 days after the objection period concludes. Check Result91 or the official NTA portal for updates.