NTA to release UGC NET, CSIR NET, ICAR AIEEA and AICE answer keys this week

The National Testing Agency (NTA) will release the provisional answer keys for the University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test, UGC NET June 2026 examination this week. The agency will also publishanswer keys for the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research National Eligibility Test (CSIR-NET) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research All India Entrance Examination for Admission (ICAR AIEEA) (PG) and All India Competitive Examination (AICE) (PhD) 2026 examinations. UGC NET answer key date, time LIVE updates.

Candidates will be able to access provisional answer keys on official website. Soon after the release of answer keys, NTA will open the objection window and candidates will be allowed to raise objections against the answer key (if any). Detailed instructions on how to view the answer keys and submit challenges will be provided by NTA when the provisional answer keys are published. Following the pattern, the agency will go through objections raised and will make the changes in final key, if any of the objection is found correct.

NTA has advised candidates to rely only on official communications issued by the agency.

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UGC NET answer key delay

UGC NET Provisional answer key release announcement comes after weeks of uncertainty around the same. Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad on August 6 submitted a memorandum to UGC, urging its immediate intervention amid the "undue delay" in the release of the UGC NET June 2026 provisional answer key and results. In a statement, the youth organisation affiliated to the RSS said the memorandum was submitted to Shyama Rath, the secretary of the UGC. The memorandum stated that the delay is causing widespread uncertainty among lakhs of aspirants across the country.

UGC NET was conducted between June 22 and 30 and on July 5 to determine eligibility for the post of assistant professor, admission to PhD programmes and the award of the junior research fellowship (JRF).

Also read West Bengal makes CSIR, UGC NET scores must for PhD admissions across state universities

Speaking on the issue, Virendra Singh Solanki, national general secretary, ABVP, said, "The credibility of any national examination depends on transparency, timeliness and accountability. The prolonged delay in releasing the UGC NET provisional answer key and results has left lakhs of aspirants in uncertainty, directly affecting their academic, research and career aspirations."

"ABVP believes that timely conduct of examination processes and regular official communication are essential to maintaining students' confidence. We have urged the UGC to ensure the immediate release of the answer key and results, provide a public explanation for the delay, and institutionalise a transparent timeline for future examinations," he added.

Also read UGC NET: 11,750 JRF slots available every year, fellowships for PhD scholars, education ministry tells LS

NTA exams

The UGC-NET, or University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test, is conducted to determine eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and appointment as Assistant Professor, as applicable under the examination rules.

The CSIR-NET, or Council of Scientific and Industrial Research National Eligibility Test, is conducted for eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship and Lectureship/Assistant Professor in science subjects.

The ICAR AIEEA (PG) refers to the Indian Council of Agricultural Research All India Entrance Examination for Admission for postgraduate programmes, while AICE (PhD) refers to the All India Competitive Examination for admission to PhD programmes.