NTA releases answer keys for CSIR-NET June 2026; raise objections till August 18

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has recently published the provisional answer keys for the Joint CSIR-UGC NET June 2026 examination. This allows the candidates who took the test to assess their performance by comparing their recorded responses with the provided answer key. The answer key covers 84 subjects and was released for the CSIR-UGC NET June 2026 examination, which took place on July 17 and 18.

The test was conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode at 352 test centers spread across 224 cities, with a total of 1,87,739 registered candidates participating.

Candidates can access and download their provisional answer keys by visiting the official NTA website, csirnet.nta.nic.in. They need to input their login credentials such as application number and date of birth, or password, to view their personal candidate dashboard. From there, they can examine their answers and compare them with the recorded responses during the examination. It is essential to download and keep a copy of the answer key and response sheet for future reference.

If a candidate identifies any errors in the provisional answer key, they can raise objections within the specified time frame, from August 16 to August 18, up until 11 pm. The objection must be submitted through the online objection facility provided by NTA along with the requisite processing fee of Rs. 200 per disputed question. Any supporting material is also required to be submitted along with the objection.

Following the challenge process, NTA will present the objections to subject matter experts for review. Based on the outcome of this examination, NTA will finalize the answer key, which will subsequently serve as the basis for evaluating the candidates' responses and announcing the results. The official result date for the June 2026 sessions has not been announced yet, causing concern among candidates.

The delay in the provisional keys' release has prompted candidates to seek updates from the agency, with some raising concerns about its potential impact on the academic calendar, particularly for those relying on NET scores for JRF, Assistant Professor eligibility, and PhD admissions.