UGC NET 2026 June Answer key: NTA releases provisional answer key after a 46-day delay

NTA conducted the UGC NET June 2026 examination from June 22 to June 30 in computer-based test (CBT) mode. The examination is conducted to determine candidates’ eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), Assistant Professor positions and admission to PhD programmes in eligible higher education institutions across India.

Earlier, on August 10, the agency had announced that the provisional answer keys for UGC NET June 2026, CSIR-NET, and ICAR AIEEA (PG) and AICE (PhD) 2026 would be released this week. Subsequently, NTA announced the release date for the answer keys on August 14.

Multiple student bodies had requested NTA to release the NET answer key. The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) had written to both the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the NTA, urging them to release the provisional answer key, candidates’ response sheets and the results without further delay.

The delay had emerged as a growing concern for candidates seeking admission to PhD programmes for the 2026-27 academic session. Several students have said that universities have already started, or are expected to soon begin, their doctoral admission processes. However, the pending UGC NET results have left candidates unable to confirm their eligibility or claim the benefits associated with JRF qualification.

With no clear timeline for the release of the answer key or results, some aspirants had said they were considering private universities or other alternatives to avoid losing an academic year.

The final answer key will be released by the NTA before the UGC NET June 2026 results are declared. Candidates should regularly check the official NTA and UGC NET websites for the latest updates.