Common University Entrance Undergraduate Answer Key
The CUET-UG 2026 Answer Key is released by the National Testing Agency (NTA) after the examination. It contains the correct answers for all questions asked across subjects and shifts. Candidates can use the answer key to estimate their scores, challenge disputed answers, and prepare for the result.
Students searching for CUET UG answer key 2026 typically want to know how to download it, the challenge process, fee structure, and when the final answer key will be declared. This section covers the complete answer key lifecycle from provisional release to final declaration.
📑 Table of Contents
CUET UG 2026 Answer Key Highlights
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Common University Entrance Test – Undergraduate (CUET-UG) 2026 |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Answer Key Types | Provisional Answer Key → Final Answer Key |
| Release Mode | Online only — on the official NTA website |
| Answer Key Website | cuet.nta.nic.in |
| Challenge Fee | ₹200 per question (Non-refundable, online payment) |
| Challenge Window | 2–3 days from the date of provisional answer key release |
| Answer Key Release (Tentative) | June 2026 (after exam conclusion) |
| Final Answer Key | Declared after expert review of all valid challenges |
| Result Basis | NTA Score / Result compiled based on final answer key only |
| Marking Scheme | +5 for correct | −1 for incorrect (Negative Marking) |
Types of CUET-UG Answer Keys
Provisional Answer Key
Released first for candidates to review and raise objections. This is a tentative key and may change based on valid challenges received.
Challenge Window
A 2–3 day window where candidates can submit objections with evidence. Each challenge requires a non-refundable ₹200 fee per question.
Final Answer Key
Released after subject experts review all challenges. This is the definitive key — all results and NTA scores are computed from this version.
Answer Key Release Process
NTA follows a structured, transparent process for releasing the CUET-UG answer key. Here's how the complete lifecycle works — from the initial release of the provisional answer key to the compilation of results:
Provisional Answer Key Published
NTA displays the Provisional Answer Key on cuet.nta.nic.in along with a Public Notice. Question papers and recorded responses of candidates are also made available.
Challenge Window Opens
Candidates can challenge the Provisional Answer Keys with a non-refundable online payment of ₹200 per question challenged as processing charges. The window remains open for 2–3 days.
Challenges Reviewed by Experts
Only paid challenges made during the stipulated time through the official key challenge link are considered. Subject experts examine all valid challenges thoroughly.
Final Answer Key Declared
After expert review, the final answer key is displayed and declared on the NTA website. NTA will not inform candidates individually about the outcome of their challenges.
Result Compiled & NTA Score Released
The result is compiled based on the final answer key. No grievance regarding answer key(s) after the declaration of result/NTA Score will be entertained.
How to Challenge CUET-UG Answer Key
Answer Key Challenge Fee Structure
To challenge a question in the provisional answer key, candidates must pay a non-refundable processing fee for each question they wish to challenge. Payment is accepted only through the official online portal.
₹200 per question challengedHow to Download CUET-UG Answer Key 2026
CUET-UG Score Calculation Using Answer Key
📊 Marking Scheme & Score Estimation
Estimated Score Formula:
(Correct × 5) − (Incorrect × 1)
Example: 35 correct, 10 wrong, 5 unanswered = (35×5) − (10×1) = 165 marks
Important Rules & Guidelines
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✓NTA will display the Provisional Answer Key on cuet.nta.nic.in with a Public Notice. Candidates should check the website regularly.
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ℹOnly paid challenges made during the stipulated time through the key challenge link on the website will be considered.
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!Challenges without justification/evidence and those filed on any other medium (email, social media, post) will not be considered.
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✕NTA's decision on the challenges shall be final. NTA will not inform candidates individually about the outcome of their challenges.
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✓Subject experts will examine all challenges and then a final answer key will be displayed and declared.
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✕No grievance regarding answer key(s) after the declaration of result/NTA Score will be entertained by NTA.
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ℹThe result will be compiled based on the final answer key only. The provisional key is for reference and challenge purposes.
CUET-UG 2026 Answer Key Timeline (Tentative)
Frequently Asked Questions on CUET UG Answer Key
When will CUET-UG 2026 answer key be released?
The CUET-UG 2026 provisional answer key is expected to be released in June 2026, within 1–2 weeks after the last date of the examination. The final answer key will follow after the challenge window closes and expert review is completed. NTA will notify the exact date on cuet.nta.nic.in.
How can I download the CUET UG 2026 answer key?
Visit cuet.nta.nic.in, log in using your Application Number and Date of Birth/Password. Navigate to the Answer Key section, view your recorded responses alongside the answer key, and download the PDF for your records.
What is the fee to challenge a CUET answer key?
The fee to challenge a CUET-UG provisional answer key is ₹200 per question. This is a non-refundable processing charge and must be paid online through the official challenge portal. You can challenge multiple questions by paying ₹200 for each.
Can I challenge the CUET answer key without paying the fee?
No. Only paid challenges made within the stipulated time through the official key challenge link will be considered. Challenges submitted without payment, or through other mediums like email or post, will not be accepted by NTA.
What happens after I submit an answer key challenge?
After the challenge window closes, subject matter experts review all valid (paid) challenges with justification. Based on their review, NTA may modify, retain, or drop the question. The final answer key reflects these decisions, and results are compiled accordingly.
Is the CUET answer key challenge fee refundable?
No, the ₹200 per question challenge fee is non-refundable regardless of whether your challenge is accepted or rejected. This is clearly stated by NTA as a processing charge for reviewing the challenged question.
What is the difference between provisional and final answer key?
The provisional answer key is a tentative version released for candidate review and challenge. The final answer key is the definitive version released after expert review of all challenges. Only the final answer key is used for calculating results and NTA scores.
Can I raise a grievance about the answer key after the result is declared?
No. As per NTA policy, no grievance regarding answer key(s) after the declaration of result/NTA Score will be entertained. All objections must be raised during the official challenge window period only.
How can I calculate my CUET score using the answer key?
Compare your recorded responses with the answer key. Apply the formula: (Correct answers × 5) − (Incorrect answers × 1). Unanswered questions carry zero marks. For example, if you got 40 correct and 8 wrong: (40×5) − (8×1) = 192 marks out of 250.
Will NTA release answer keys for all shifts and subjects?
Yes, NTA releases answer keys for all shifts, all subjects, and all question paper sets. Each candidate can view the answer key specific to the shift and subject paper they attempted, along with their individual recorded responses.