CUET UG 2026 Provisional Answer Key Published; Candidates Can Raise Objections Till 11 June

CUET UG 2026 Answer Key Released: Candidates Can Challenge Provisional Key Till June 11

The National Testing Agency has released the provisional answer key and response sheet for the Common University Entrance Test Undergraduate 2026, bringing lakhs of candidates one step closer to the declaration of results. Candidates who appeared for CUET UG 2026 can now check their recorded responses and the provisional answer key through the official CUET website. To access the documents, students need to log in using their application number and password. The release of the provisional answer key is an important stage in the examination process because it allows candidates to compare their responses with the answers suggested by the examination authority before the final result is prepared.

Answer Key Gives Candidates a Chance to Estimate Scores

The provisional answer key helps candidates get an early idea of their likely performance in CUET UG 2026. By comparing the answers marked by them during the examination with the answers given in the provisional key, students can calculate their probable scores. This is particularly useful because CUET UG scores are used by several central, state, deemed, private and other participating universities for admission to undergraduate programmes. For many students, the answer key gives the first clear indication of where they may stand before the final scorecard is released.

Response Sheet Also Released for Transparency

Along with the provisional answer key, NTA has also released the response sheet of candidates. The response sheet contains the answers recorded by each candidate during the computer-based examination. This helps students verify whether their responses have been correctly recorded by the system. The availability of both the response sheet and answer key makes the process more transparent, as candidates can check not only the answers suggested by NTA but also the options they actually selected during the test.

CUET UG 2026 Held in Multiple Phases

CUET UG 2026 was conducted in computer-based mode between May 11 and May 31, and again on June 6 and June 7. The examination was held across several centres in India and abroad. Since CUET UG is one of the largest undergraduate entrance examinations in the country, it is conducted over multiple days and shifts. This year, according to NTA, 15,68,867 candidates registered for the examination. The large number of applicants shows the growing importance of CUET UG in India’s higher education admission system.

Challenge Window Open Till June 11

Candidates who are not satisfied with any answer mentioned in the provisional answer key have been given the opportunity to raise objections. The challenge window will remain active till June 11, 2026. This means candidates must carefully check the answer key and submit their objections before the deadline. NTA has made it clear that objections submitted after the closing date will not be considered. Therefore, students should not wait until the last moment and should complete the challenge process as early as possible.

Fee for Challenging Answer Key

To challenge any answer in the provisional key, candidates are required to pay a processing fee of ₹200 per question challenged. This fee is non-refundable. Candidates should raise objections only after carefully checking the question, their response, the provisional answer and the supporting evidence. Since the fee has to be paid for every question challenged, students should avoid submitting objections casually. A challenge is most useful when the candidate has a strong reason or valid academic proof to support the claim.

Subject Experts to Review Objections

After the challenge window closes, all objections submitted by candidates will be reviewed by subject experts. These experts will examine whether the objections are valid. If a challenge is found to be correct, NTA will revise the answer key accordingly. The revised or final answer key will then be used for preparing the CUET UG 2026 result. Candidates should note that the final decision of the experts will be binding, and the result will be declared based on the final answer key.

Final Answer Key Will Decide Results

The provisional answer key is not the final basis for result declaration. It is only an initial version released to invite objections from candidates. Once all challenges are checked, NTA will publish the final answer key. The CUET UG 2026 result will be prepared on the basis of this final answer key. This process ensures that if there is any genuine error in the provisional key, it can be corrected before the result is announced. As a result, the final scores are expected to reflect a more accurate evaluation of candidate responses.

Why the Answer Key Matters for Students

For students, the answer key is important for several reasons. First, it helps them estimate their probable marks before the result. Second, it gives them a chance to identify possible errors in the provisional answers. Third, it helps maintain fairness in the examination process. In a competitive entrance examination like CUET UG, even a small change in marks can affect a candidate’s admission chances. Therefore, the answer key challenge facility is an important opportunity for candidates to protect their interests.

How Candidates Can Download CUET UG 2026 Answer Key

Candidates can download the CUET UG 2026 provisional answer key and response sheet by visiting the official CUET website. On the homepage, they should click on the link related to the CUET UG 2026 answer key or response sheet. After that, they need to enter their application number and password to log in. Once logged in, candidates can view the provisional answer key and their recorded responses. They should download and save these documents for future reference.

Steps to Check the Response Sheet

The response sheet can be checked from the same login portal. After entering the required credentials, candidates will be able to see the answers recorded during the examination. They should compare each recorded response with the provisional answer key. If all answers appear correct, no further action is required. However, if a candidate finds that any answer in the provisional key is doubtful or incorrect, they can use the challenge facility within the given time limit.

How to Raise an Objection

To raise an objection, candidates must log in to the official portal and select the question they wish to challenge. They should choose the alternative answer they believe is correct and upload or refer to supporting evidence, wherever required. After selecting the questions, candidates must pay the prescribed fee online. The challenge will be submitted only after successful payment. Students should carefully review all details before final submission because incomplete or unpaid objections may not be considered.

Candidates Should Keep Proof Ready

Before challenging an answer, candidates should collect proper academic proof from standard textbooks, official study material or other reliable sources. Simply disagreeing with the answer key may not be enough. The objection should be logical and supported by evidence. Candidates should also check whether the issue is related to the answer key, the question, options, or interpretation. Submitting a well-supported objection improves the chances of the challenge being accepted by the expert panel.

No Challenge After Deadline

NTA has advised candidates to submit objections within the prescribed deadline. Once the challenge window closes, no further objections will be accepted. This is why students should check the answer key as soon as possible. Many candidates tend to wait until the final hours, but technical issues, payment delays or login problems can create difficulties. To avoid such problems, students should complete the process well before June 11.

Result Expected After Final Answer Key

The CUET UG 2026 result is expected to be announced after the objections are reviewed and the final answer key is prepared. NTA has not declared the result immediately with the provisional answer key because the objection process must be completed first. Once the final key is ready, scores will be calculated and results will be published on the official website. Candidates will then be able to download their scorecards and use them for admission to participating universities.

CUET UG Plays Major Role in University Admissions

CUET UG has become an important entrance examination for students seeking admission to undergraduate courses across India. Instead of applying through separate entrance tests for different universities, students can use CUET UG scores for admission to multiple participating institutions. This system aims to bring more uniformity and transparency to the admission process. Because of this, the release of the answer key and result is closely followed by students, parents and universities.

What Students Should Do Now

At this stage, candidates should first download the provisional answer key and response sheet. They should then calculate their probable scores carefully. If they find any discrepancy, they should submit a challenge before the deadline with proper supporting evidence. Candidates should also keep checking the official CUET website for updates related to the final answer key and result. Since CUET UG scores will be used during the admission process, students should keep all documents, including application details, admit card, response sheet and scorecard, safely.

Important Advisory for Candidates

Candidates are advised to rely only on the official CUET website for downloading the answer key, response sheet and future updates. They should avoid depending on unofficial links or social media posts for important information. They should also ensure that the challenge fee is paid through the official portal only. Any update regarding the final answer key and result will be published by NTA through official channels.

Conclusion

The release of the CUET UG 2026 provisional answer key and response sheet is a major update for candidates waiting for their results. It gives students a chance to review their performance, estimate their scores and raise objections if they find errors in the answer key. The challenge window will remain open till June 11, and candidates must pay ₹200 per challenged question. After reviewing the objections, NTA will release the final answer key, which will be used to prepare the CUET UG 2026 result. Candidates should act within the deadline and keep checking the official website for the latest updates.