Guwahati: The National Testing Agency (NTA) is set to publish the provisional answer keys for UGC-NET, CSIR-NET and ICAR AIEEA (PG) and AICE (PhD) 2026 on August 16, allowing candidates to assess their performance and challenge discrepancies in the prescribed manner.
Candidates will be able to compare their responses recorded during the computer-based examinations with the answers provided in the provisional keys. The objection window will enable applicants to submit challenges against answers they believe are incorrect, subject to the procedure and timelines announced by the agency.
The examinations were conducted in computer-based mode across 87 subjects. The tests are held to assess candidates for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Assistant Professor eligibility, besides facilitating admission to PhD programmes at universities and higher educational institutions across the country.
The release of the provisional keys marks a crucial step before the declaration of the final results. After considering valid challenges submitted by candidates, the NTA will prepare the final answer keys, which will subsequently form the basis for the results.
The announcement follows concerns among candidates and student groups regarding the delay in the examination schedule, particularly the publication of answer keys and results. The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) had previously approached both the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the NTA over the delay.
The NTA has advised candidates to rely exclusively on its official communications for information concerning the answer keys, objection process, final answer keys and result declaration. Applicants are also advised to regularly monitor the agency’s updates so they do not miss important deadlines related to the challenge process.