The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially released the Provisional Answer Key for the UGC NET December 2025 cycle on January 14, 2026. Along with the answer key, the agency has also uploaded the Question Papers and Recorded Response Sheets for all candidates.
If you appeared for the exams held between December 31, 2025, and January 7, 2026, you can now calculate your tentative score. However, urgency is required—the window to challenge the answer key closes tomorrow, January 17, 2026.
Here is a complete guide on how to download the key, the cost to raise an objection, and the direct official links to avoid confusion.
UGC NET Dec 2025: Important Dates & Deadline
The NTA has provided a very short window for candidates to review their answers.
| Event | Date | Status |
| Exam Dates | Dec 31, 2025 – Jan 7, 2026 | Completed |
| Provisional Answer Key Release | January 14, 2026 | LIVE |
| Objection Window Start | January 14, 2026 | Open |
| Last Date to Challenge | January 17, 2026 (11:50 PM) | Closing Soon |
| Final Result Date | Early February 2026 (Expected) | Upcoming |
How to Download UGC NET Answer Key 2025?
Candidates must log in to the new NTA portal to view their specific question paper and responses.
- Visit the Official Website: Go to
ugcnet.nta.ac.in. - Find the Link: On the homepage, look for “UGC NET December 2025 Login” or “Answer Key Challenge”.
- Login: Enter your Application Number and Date of Birth (or Password).
- View Response Sheet: Click on “View Question Paper” to see what you marked in the exam.
- View Answer Key: Click on “View/Challenge Answer Key” to see the correct options ID.
- Match & Calculate: Compare the Question ID and Option ID to calculate your raw score (+2 for correct, 0 for incorrect).
How to Challenge the Answer Key?
If you believe a question has been marked incorrectly by the NTA, you can officially challenge it.
- Fee: You must pay a non-refundable processing fee of ₹200 per question.
- Procedure:
- Login to the portal.
- Select the Question ID you want to challenge.
- Select the Option ID you believe is correct.
- Upload Proof: You must upload a supporting document (textbook screenshot/solution) in a single PDF file.
- Pay the fee via Debit/Credit Card or UPI.
- Note: Challenges without fee payment will be rejected.
What Happens Next?
Once the objection window closes on January 17, subject experts will review all valid challenges.
- If a challenge is found correct, the Final Answer Key will be updated for all candidates (everyone gets marks).
- The final UGC NET Result 2026 will be based on this final key and is expected in the first week of February 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the last date to download the UGC NET Answer Key?
The link to download the answer key and response sheet will likely remain active only until the objection window closes on January 17, 2026. It is best to save your PDF immediately.
Q: Is there negative marking in UGC NET December 2025?
No, there is no negative marking in the UGC NET exam. You get +2 marks for every correct answer and 0 for wrong ones.
Q: Can I challenge the answer key after January 17?
No. The link will be deactivated automatically at 11:50 PM on January 17, 2026. No requests will be entertained via email or post after this deadline.
Q: When will the final UGC NET 2025 result be declared?
The NTA typically takes 10–14 days after the answer key challenge to process results. You can expect the final scorecard in the first week of February 2026.
Q: The official website is not loading. What should I do?
Due to high traffic, ugcnet.nta.ac.in might be slow. Try clearing your browser cache, use Incognito mode, or try logging in during late-night hours.