CSIR UGC NET Dec 2025 answer key out for 2.12 lakh candidates; challenge by January 1

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has issued the provisional answer key for the Joint Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (CSIR UGC NET) December 2025. Candidates can download the answer key and response sheet on the official website, csirnet.nta.nic.in.

The provisional answer key for CSIR UGC NET December 2025 has been published in PDF format. Candidates can download the CSIR NET answer key by using their valid application number, date of birth and security pin.

The CSIR UGC NET 2025 exam was conducted on December 18 in two shifts, from 9 am to 12 noon and from 3 pm to 6 pm, for a total of 2,12,552 candidates. Along with the CSIR UGC NET provisional answer key, the NTA has released the individual response sheets of all candidates who appeared for the exam.

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Candidates can challenge the CSIR UGC NET answer key until 11 pm on January 1 by paying a non-refundable fee of Rs 200 per question.

As per the CSIR UGC NET marking scheme, Part A carries 2 marks per correct answer with 25% negative marking, Part B carries 3–3.5 marks with the same penalty, and Part C offers 4–5 marks per question without any negative marking.

How to download CSIR UGC NET answer key 2025?

Candidates can follow the instructions below to download the CSIR UGC NET 2025 answer key.

• Visit the official website at csirnet.nta.nic.in.
• Find and click on the “Display of Provisional Answer Keys and Question Papers with recorded Responses for Answer Key Challenge of Joint CSIR UGC NET December 2025 Examination” link.
• Enter your valid CSIR UGC NET application number, date of birth, and security pin.
• After entering, click on the submit button.
• The answer key and response sheet will be downloaded in PDF format.

The CSIR UGC NET 2025 final answer key will be released after reviewing the objections raised by candidates against the provisional answer key.