UGC NET December Answer Key 2026 Link Out: Check, Raise Objection and Final Result Status
New Delhi, 15 January 2026: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially released the provisional UGC NET December Answer Key 2026 for the December 2025 examination. Candidates who appeared for the National Eligibility Test (NET), which determines eligibility for Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), can now check their responses and challenge specific questions through the official portal. The release of the NTA UGC NET Answer Key 2025 marks a critical step in the evaluation process, allowing candidates to estimate their scores and verify the accuracy of the questions and corresponding answers provided by the examination body.
The UGC NET December 2025 examination was conducted across various centers in December 2025. Following standard procedure, the NTA has now uploaded the provisional answer keys along with the candidate response sheets and question papers. This window of opportunity allows candidates to cross-reference their marked answers with the official keys. Importantly, candidates have a limited time frame to raise objections against any discrepancies they find in the provisional answer key. The process of checking the UGC NET Answer Key 2026 and submitting challenges is entirely online, accessible through the official NTA website for UGC NET.
This article provides a detailed guide for all candidates on how to download the UGC NET December Answer Key 2025, understand the challenge procedure, calculate their scores, and prepare for the final result declaration. The information presented here, sourced from official NTA notifications and verified by Sarkari Result All, aims to assist candidates in navigating this crucial post-examination phase effectively.
Important Dates for UGC NET December 2025 Answer Key and Objection Window
Candidates must keep track of the specific dates for the objection window, as missing the deadline will result in an inability to challenge any potential errors in the UGC NET December Answer Key. The timeline provided below outlines the key events following the release of the answer key.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| UGC NET December 2025 Examination Dates | Not Available (Held in December 2025) |
| UGC NET December Answer Key 2026 Release Date | 15 January 2026 |
| Objection Window Start Date | 15 January 2026 |
| Objection Window End Date | 18 January 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment (Objection) | 18 January 2026 (11:50 PM) |
| Final Answer Key Release Date | To be Announced (Expected Late January 2026) |
| UGC NET December 2025 Result Declaration Date | To be Announced (Expected February 2026) |
It is crucial for candidates to note the tight schedule. The objection window is typically open for only a few days to ensure timely processing of results. Candidates are advised to download the answer key and their response sheets immediately and start cross-checking them to identify any discrepancies that need to be challenged.
How to Download the UGC NET December 2025 Answer Key
Accessing the provisional answer key and individual response sheet requires candidates to log in to the official NTA website. Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to download the necessary documents for verification:
Step 1: Navigate to the Official NTA UGC NET Portal
Candidates must visit the official website dedicated to the UGC NET examination. While many third-party websites, like Sarkari Result All, provide direct links to the key, candidates are always recommended to use the official source for accurate information. Look for the dedicated link titled "UGC NET December 2025 Answer Key Challenge" or "View Provisional Answer Key" on the homepage.
Step 2: Log in to Your Candidate Account
To access the answer key, candidates must log in using their unique credentials. The required information typically includes:
- Application Number (provided during registration)
- Date of Birth (in DD/MM/YYYY format)
- Security Pin (a captcha code displayed on the screen)
Enter these details accurately to proceed to your candidate dashboard. If you have misplaced your application number or password, use the "Forgot Application Number" or "Forgot Password" functionality available on the login page.
Step 3: Access and Download the Provisional Answer Key and Response Sheet
Once logged in, candidates will find separate links for the Provisional Answer Key and their personal "Response Sheet." The provisional answer key contains the correct answers to all questions asked in the exam. The response sheet shows the answers marked by the candidate during the examination. Download both documents to proceed with verification.
Step 4: Cross-Reference and Calculate Score
Compare the answers marked in your response sheet with the corresponding answers in the provisional key. The marking scheme for the UGC NET examination states that each correct answer carries 2 marks, and there is no negative marking for incorrect answers or unattempted questions. Candidates can calculate their potential raw score by multiplying the total number of correct answers by 2.
Understanding the UGC NET Objection Process: Raising Challenges Effectively
The UGC NET Answer Key 2026 released by the NTA is provisional, meaning it is subject to review based on candidate feedback. If a candidate believes that an answer provided in the provisional key is incorrect, they have the right to challenge it during the objection window. However, this process requires careful execution and adherence to specific guidelines.
Prerequisites for Raising Objections
Before initiating an objection, candidates must ensure they meet specific requirements:
- Strong Evidence: Any objection raised must be supported by authentic, academic evidence. This evidence must come from standard textbooks or reliable research papers. Personal opinions or unverified sources are generally not accepted.
- Objection Fee: The NTA typically charges a non-refundable fee for each question challenged. The standard fee is Rs. 200 per question. This fee must be paid online via debit card, credit card, or net banking. If an objection is found to be valid, the NTA usually refunds the fee associated with that specific question to the candidate.
- Timely Submission: Objections must be submitted strictly within the stipulated time frame (15 January 2026 to 18 January 2026 for this cycle). No challenges will be considered after the deadline.
Step-by-Step Guide to Raising Objections for UGC NET December 2025
Follow these steps carefully to ensure your objection is properly submitted to the NTA:
Step 1: Log in and Select "Challenge Answer Key"
After logging into your candidate dashboard, look for the "Challenge Answer Key" option. This will present a list of questions and their corresponding answers provided by the NTA. The questions will be organized by paper (Paper I and Paper II) and subject.
Step 2: Identify and Select the Question(s) to Challenge
Go through the questions where you suspect an error. The interface will display the question ID and the options available (Options A, B, C, D). The NTA-provided answer will also be displayed next to it. Select the question ID you wish to challenge.
Step 3: Provide Justification and Evidence
Once you select a question, you must provide a detailed explanation of why you believe the NTA's answer is wrong. Upload supporting documents (scanned images of pages from textbooks or academic articles) that clearly support your claim. Mark the correct answer according to your analysis and provide a clear justification in the provided text box.
Step 4: Review and Pay the Objection Fee
Review all selected challenges and ensure that all supporting evidence has been uploaded correctly. Proceed to the payment gateway to pay the objection fee (Rs. 200 per question challenged). Keep the payment receipt for future reference. Without payment, the objection will not be processed by the NTA.
Calculating Your Estimated Score for UGC NET December 2025
While the final result will be based on the normalized scores (percentiles), candidates can calculate their raw scores using the provisional answer key to get a general idea of their performance.
Marking Scheme Breakdown:
- Paper I (General Paper): 50 questions, 100 marks. Each question carries 2 marks.
- Paper II (Subject Specific): 100 questions, 200 marks. Each question carries 2 marks.
- No Negative Marking: There is no penalty for incorrect answers.
Formula for Raw Score Calculation:
Raw Score = (Number of Correct Answers in Paper I * 2) + (Number of Correct Answers in Paper II * 2)
Example: If a candidate answered 35 questions correctly in Paper I and 70 questions correctly in Paper II, their raw score would be (35 * 2) + (70 * 2) = 70 + 140 = 210 out of 300 marks. This raw score can then be used to compare against previous years' cutoff scores to estimate the likelihood of qualifying.
What Happens After the Objection Window Closes?
Once the objection window closes on 18 January 2026, the NTA will undertake a comprehensive review of all challenges received from candidates. The expert committee responsible for reviewing the challenges will verify the claims and supporting documentation provided by candidates. If a challenge is found to be valid, the NTA will make changes to the provisional answer key.
Final Answer Key: Following the review, the NTA will publish the Final Answer Key. This key cannot be challenged further and will serve as the basis for calculating the final results. The final answer key for the UGC NET December 2025 examination is expected to be released sometime in late January 2026.
Result Declaration: The final result, based on the final answer key, will be released shortly thereafter. The results will be presented in percentile form, which normalizes scores across different shifts and papers (if the exam was conducted over multiple days in different sessions). The percentile score indicates the percentage of candidates who scored less than or equal to a particular candidate in that session.
Navigating Cutoffs and Percentiles for UGC NET JRF December 2025
The UGC NET cutoff marks are highly dynamic and vary each cycle based on factors such as the total number of candidates, the difficulty level of the examination, and the number of available JRF and Assistant Professor slots. Candidates must understand the difference between percentage marks and percentile ranks to interpret their results correctly.
Cutoff Marks vs. Percentile Rank: The NTA does not publish traditional cutoff percentage marks for all categories. Instead, it publishes percentile scores. A higher percentile indicates a better performance relative to other candidates. The minimum qualifying percentile for JRF and Assistant Professor positions is determined separately by the NTA and UGC.
Category-wise Reservation: The cutoff percentile also varies significantly depending on the candidate's category (General, EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD). Candidates from reserved categories typically have lower qualifying criteria compared to the unreserved category. Candidates can refer to previous years' cutoff lists to get an idea of the required percentile, although fluctuations are common.
JRF Eligibility vs. Assistant Professor Eligibility: The cutoff for JRF eligibility is typically higher than the cutoff for Assistant Professor eligibility. Candidates who qualify for JRF are also automatically eligible for Assistant Professor positions. Candidates who qualify only for Assistant Professor eligibility receive a certificate valid for a lifetime, whereas the JRF award is valid for a specific period (usually three years).
Important Considerations for Candidates
Candidates are urged to be proactive during this period. The window for raising objections is short, and any delay may lead to missing a chance to correct a potential error in the official key. It is essential to double-check the calculation and verification process. If a candidate is unsure about an answer, it is best to consult with a subject expert or a senior researcher before submitting an objection. The non-refundable fee structure means candidates should be certain about their challenge before paying for it.
This phase is crucial not only for a potential score increase but also for ensuring the integrity of the UGC NET examination process itself. By participating actively in the objection window, candidates contribute to ensuring the final answer key accurately reflects academic consensus.
For the latest updates and direct links to the UGC NET Answer Key 2026 and objection portal, candidates should regularly visit the NTA website or reliable education news portals like Sarkari Result All.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - UGC NET December Answer Key 2026
1. What is the UGC NET December Answer Key 2026, and why is it important?
The UGC NET December Answer Key 2026 is the official document released by the NTA that contains the correct answers to all questions asked in the December 2025 examination. It is crucial because it allows candidates to calculate their raw scores, assess their performance, and raise objections if they find discrepancies in the answers provided by the NTA. The final result calculation depends on this key.
2. Is there a negative marking in the UGC NET December 2025 examination?
No, there is no negative marking in the UGC NET examination. Each correct answer carries 2 marks, and there is no deduction for incorrect answers or questions left unattempted. This rule applies to both Paper I and Paper II of the examination.
3. How can I raise an objection against the provisional answer key?
To raise an objection, you must first log in to the official NTA website using your application number and date of birth. Navigate to the "Challenge Answer Key" section. Select the question ID you wish to challenge, provide clear academic justification and supporting documentation (like screenshots from standard textbooks), and pay the required non-refundable fee of Rs. 200 per challenged question.
4. What proof or documentation do I need to submit with my objection?
Candidates must submit clear and authentic supporting documents along with their objection. This evidence should typically be sourced from standard academic textbooks, research papers, or peer-reviewed journals. Personal notes or unverified online sources are generally not accepted as valid proof by the NTA expert committee. The document must clearly show the publication name, author, and relevant page number.
5. Will the NTA refund the objection fee if my challenge is successful?
Yes, if the NTA expert committee determines that the objection raised by a candidate is valid and correct, the corresponding answer key will be revised. In this case, the NTA usually refunds the non-refundable fee (Rs. 200 per question) to the candidate who raised the successful challenge. The refund process typically takes several weeks to complete.
6. When will the final result for UGC NET December 2025 be declared?
The UGC NET December 2025 result declaration typically occurs after the final answer key is released. The final key is published following the review of all objections. The entire process, from the end of the objection window to the result declaration, usually takes around 2-3 weeks. Based on the current timeline, candidates can expect the results in late January or early February 2026.
7. How is the final result calculated in percentile form?
The NTA uses a normalization process to calculate the final result in percentiles, especially when the exam is conducted in multiple shifts. The percentile rank indicates the percentage of candidates who scored less than or equal to a particular candidate. The formula used ensures fairness across different shifts with varying difficulty levels.
8. What is the difference between JRF eligibility and Assistant Professor eligibility?
The UGC NET JRF December 2025 cutoff is higher than the Assistant Professor cutoff. Candidates who qualify for JRF receive a fellowship for research and are also eligible for Assistant Professor positions. Candidates who qualify only for Assistant Professor eligibility receive a lifetime certificate for teaching in Indian universities. JRF eligibility is based on a higher cutoff percentile compared to Assistant Professor eligibility.