CUET UG 2026 Provisional Answer Key Released
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially released the provisional answer key for the Common University Entrance Test (CUET UG) 2026. Candidates who appeared for the examination can now access their response sheets and calculate their expected scores ahead of the final results.
Over 15.6 Lakh Candidates Appeared
This year, a total of 15,68,867 registered candidates participated in the CUET UG examination. The test was conducted in computer-based test (CBT) mode across multiple shifts, spanning from May 11 to May 31, and again on June 6 and June 7, 2026. The examinations were held at various centres both within India and abroad.
What Is Available Now
Students who took the exam can now view and download the following from the official NTA portal:
- The provisional answer key
- The question paper for each subject
- The recorded responses submitted by the candidate
With these documents in hand, candidates can match their answers against the official key and estimate their probable scores, giving them a clear indication of their performance before the final announcement.
How to Raise Objections
Candidates who find discrepancies in the provisional answer key have the opportunity to challenge it. The objection window is open from June 9 to June 11, 2026, until 10:00 PM. To file a challenge, candidates must pay a non-refundable processing fee of ₹200 per question.
Payment can be made using credit card, debit card, net banking, or UPI. The deadline for fee payment is June 11, 2026, until 11:50 PM. It is important to note that objections submitted without the requisite fee will not be considered.
What Happens After Objections Are Reviewed
All challenges received will be evaluated by a panel of subject matter experts. If an objection is found to be valid, the answer key will be revised accordingly, and the correction will be applied uniformly to all candidates. The final results will then be prepared based on the updated answer key.
Candidates should be aware that they will not receive individual notifications regarding the acceptance or rejection of their objections. The outcome will be reflected in the final answer key and subsequent results.
Step-by-Step Guide to Download the Answer Key
To access the answer key and response sheet, candidates can follow these simple steps:
- Visit the official CUET website at cuet.nta.nic.in.
- Locate and click on the link labelled “CUET UG 2026 Answer Key” on the homepage.
- Enter your application number and password to log in.
- Open the answer key and response sheet displayed on the screen.
- Download both documents and save them for future reference.
- Compare your answers with the official key to calculate your expected score.
This early access to the answer key allows candidates to gauge their standing and plan their next steps accordingly, whether that involves preparing for counselling or exploring other academic options.
