UGC NET 2026 Answer Key Release Delayed: NTA Explains

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is set to release the University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) provisional answer key for June 2026 soon on its official website, ugcnet.nta.nic.in. Candidates have been waiting over a month since the exam ended to estimate their scores and check PhD admission timelines.

NTA has not yet confirmed the release date for the answer key. A source from NTA told NDTV that the delay is due to the exam covering 87 subjects, which made it a massive task. The agency conducted exams on June 22, 23, 24, 25, 29, 30, and a retest on July 5, 2026.

Along with the answer key, NTA will provide candidates with their question papers and response sheets. If discrepancies are found, applicants can challenge the answer key by providing valid proof and justification. A non-refundable processing fee of Rs 200 per challenged answer is required.

The UGC NET exam determines eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), Assistant Professor positions, and PhD admissions in Indian universities and colleges.

NTA has not yet shared the exact release date with NDTV or the Ministry of Education. Updates will be provided once confirmed.