The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially released the CUET UG 2026 provisional answer key on 9 June 2026 through a public notice. Candidates who appeared for the Common University Entrance Test (Undergraduate) 2026 can now download the CUET 2026 answer key, question papers, and recorded responses from the official website cuet.nta.nic.in, and challenge any CUET answer they believe is incorrect before the window closes.
This is the single most important stage before results, because your final CUET 2026 score will be calculated on the final answer key, prepared after all valid challenges are reviewed. Here is everything you need to know.
CUET UG 2026 Answer Key: Key Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam | CUET (UG) 2026 |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Dates | 11–31 May & 6–7 June 2026 |
| Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Registered Candidates | 15,68,867 |
| Provisional Answer Key Released | 9 June 2026 |
| Challenge Fee | ₹200 per question (non-refundable) |
| Official Website | cuet.nta.nic.in |
CUET 2026 Answer Key Challenge: Important Dates
| Event | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Provisional answer key released | 9 June 2026 |
| Answer key challenge window | 9–11 June 2026 (up to 10:00 PM) |
| Last date for fee payment | 11 June 2026 (up to 11:50 PM) |
| Final answer key & CUET result | Expected early July 2026 |
The challenge window is open for a very short period. Download your answer key today and raise objections well before 10:00 PM on 11 June 2026.
How to Download CUET UG 2026 Answer Key
Follow these steps to download the CUET 2026 provisional answer key and your response sheet:
- Visit the official website cuet.nta.nic.in
- Click on “Challenge(s) regarding Answer Key”
- Login with your Application Number and Password, then enter the captcha
- Click “View Question Paper” to see your marked/recorded responses
- Open the answer key, compare your answers, and download the PDF for future reference
How to Challenge the CUET 2026 Answer Key (Step by Step)
If you find a wrong answer in the official key, NTA allows you to raise an objection. Here is the official challenge procedure:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Go to cuet.nta.nic.in and click “Challenge(s) regarding Answer Key” |
| 2 | Login using your Application Number and Password |
| 3 | Click “Click to view/Challenge Answer Key” |
| 4 | Select the correct Option ID(s) you want to claim using the check box |
| 5 | Upload supporting documents as a single PDF file via “Choose File” |
| 6 | Click “Submit and review Claims” |
| 7 | Click “Modify your Claims” to edit, or “Final Submit” to confirm |
| 8 | Click “Pay Now” and pay ₹200 per question (Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking, UPI) |
Note: Question IDs in the answer key are not in sequential order. Match each Question ID with your question paper carefully before challenging.
Also watch: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/f0YN-vsjlLQ
How to Write an Effective Challenge (Tips That Get Accepted)
A well-supported objection has a much higher chance of acceptance than a guess. Use these tips:
- Use authoritative sources. Back your claim with the latest NCERT textbook page, with the exact line highlighted and the page number visible. Avoid coaching notes, blogs, or screenshots.
- Challenge only what you can prove. The fee is non-refundable, so object only where you have clear documentary evidence.
- Keep one question = one clean PDF. Put the question, your claimed Option ID, the evidence, and a 2–3 line justification on the first page.
- Mention the edition. State the exact book and edition, since NTA bases keys on prescribed editions.
- Save the confirmation. Keep the payment and confirmation screenshot as proof of submission.
CUET 2026 Marking Scheme
Use this to calculate your expected score from the answer key:
| Response Type | Marks |
|---|---|
| Correct answer | +5 |
| Incorrect answer | −1 |
| Unattempted question | 0 |
What Happens After the Challenge?
All challenges are verified by a panel of subject experts. If an objection is found correct, the answer key is revised and applied to all candidates uniformly. The final answer key is then used to prepare and declare the result. NTA will not inform any candidate individually about acceptance or rejection of their challenge, and the experts’ final key is binding.
CUET UG 2026 Answer Key: FAQs
Q. When was the CUET 2026 provisional answer key released?
Ans: The CUET UG 2026 provisional answer key was released on 9 June 2026 at cuet.nta.nic.in.
Q. What is the last date to challenge the CUET 2026 answer key?
Ans: Objections can be raised from 9 to 11 June 2026 (up to 10:00 PM), with payment accepted until 11:50 PM on 11 June 2026.
Q. How much is the CUET answer key challenge fee?
Ans: ₹200 per question challenged, which is non-refundable.
Q. When will the CUET UG 2026 result be declared?
Ans: The final answer key and result are expected by early July 2026.
Q. Will I be told if my challenge is accepted?
Ans: No. NTA does not inform candidates individually; revised answers are applied to everyone before the result.
Final Word
The CUET UG 2026 provisional answer key is your one chance to protect your score before results. Download your response sheet, calculate your marks using the +5 / −1 marking scheme, and raise well-evidenced challenges before the 11 June deadline. Even a single corrected answer can change your score and rank significantly.
For more CUET 2026 updates, DU cutoff predictions, and admission guidance, stay connected with CUET Pro.
Disclaimer: Candidates are advised to verify all details on the official website cuet.nta.nic.in. Helpline: 011-40759000 | Email: cuetug@nta.ac.in
