The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the provisional answer key for UGC NET 2025 December session on January 14, 2026. The UGC NET 2025 examination was conducted by NTA in December 2025 and January 2026. It took place for 85 subjects in the Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode in different cities from the 31st December 2025, to the 7th January 2026.
This comes as one of the most important notifications for lakhs of aspirants who have appeared for the exam organised by UGC NET all over the country. The purpose of this exam was to qualify for Assistant Professorship, Junior Research Fellowship JRF, and PhD admission. The examination acts as a gateway for individuals who wish to become Assistant Professors or individuals who want to pursue research.
Key Highlights of the Announcement
Detail
Information
Exam Conducted
UGC NET December 2025 held in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode across multiple cities
Subjects Covered
85 subjects
Exam Dates
31st December 2025, 2nd January 2026, 3rd January 2026, 5th January 2026, 6th January 2026, 7th January 2026
Answer Key Challenge Window
14th Jan 2026 - 17th Jan 2026 (till 11:50 PM)
Challenge Fee
INR 200 per question (non‑refundable)
Important Dates for UGC NET December 2025 Answer Key Challenge
Description
Date
Duration for Answer Key Challenge Window
14th January 2026 - 17th January 2026 (till 11:50 PM)
Last Date for Payment of Challenge Fee
17th January 2026 (till 11:50 PM)
How to Challenge the UGC NET December 2025 Answer Key
NTA has provided a detailed procedure for candidates to raise objections against the provisional answer key:
Step 1: Candidates who have given the exam of UGC NET 2025 can go to the official website: https://ugcnet.nta.nic.in/
Step 2: Once on the home page, scroll down below to find the candidate activity section and click on the Answer Key Challenge for UGC-NET December-2025.
Step 3: On the login page, fill the application number, password and security captcha. After filling the details click on the login button.
Step 4: On the candidate portal view the question paper and the candidate response.
Step 5: select the question which the you want to challenge and then upload the supporting documents.
Step 6: After uploading the documents pay the objection fee of INR 200 through available payment methods and submit it.
Verification and Final Answer Key Important Points
Challenges submitted by candidates shall be examined by a panel of subject experts.
This means that if a valid challenge is identified, the answer key will be revised to reflect it accordingly.
The final outcome will be prepared, keeping in mind the corrections made in the final answer key.
Candidates will not be informed in writing regarding the acceptance or rejection of their challenges.
The final key decided by experts shall be binding.
Why This Update Matters?
The availability of the provisional answer key is an important in the context of UGC NET December 2025 exams. It gives an opportunity to the candidate as it :
Assess their performance based on comparison with the provisional key.
They raise objections if there is discrepancy.
Make the assessment process transparent.
It is an assurance for fairness and accuracy before announcing the final results.
