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.
| 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) |
Released first for candidates to review and raise objections. This is a tentative key and may change based on valid challenges received.
A 2–3 day window where candidates can submit objections with evidence. Each challenge requires a non-refundable ₹200 fee per question.
Released after subject experts review all challenges. This is the definitive key — all results and NTA scores are computed from this version.
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:
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.
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.
Only paid challenges made during the stipulated time through the official key challenge link are considered. Subject experts examine all valid challenges thoroughly.
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.
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.
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 challengedEstimated Score Formula:
(Correct × 5) − (Incorrect × 1)
Example: 35 correct, 10 wrong, 5 unanswered = (35×5) − (10×1) = 165 marks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.