Admit Card, Answer Key and Results
CSIR NET Answer Key and Challenge
After the exam, NTA releases the provisional answer key along with the question papers and recorded responses. Candidates who disagree with any answer can challenge it online by paying a fee.
Answer Key Challenge: Key Facts
Particular | Details |
|---|---|
Where | csirnet.nta.nic.in (candidate login) |
Fee | ₹200 per question challenged, non-refundable |
Payment | Online (debit/credit card, net banking, UPI) |
Proof | Upload a supporting document (one PDF) |
June 2026 window | 16 – 18 August 2026 (as reported) |
December 2026 window | To be announced |
How to Challenge the CSIR NET Answer Key
Log in to the NTA CSIR NET portal with your application number and password.
Open the answer key challenge link and view your question paper, recorded responses and the provisional key.
Select the question(s) you want to challenge and choose the answer you believe is correct.
Upload supporting documents as proof.
Pay ₹200 per question and submit.
What Happens Next
Subject experts review all challenges.
If a challenge is accepted, the answer key is revised and the revised key is applied to all candidates.
The final answer key is used to prepare results; no further challenge is entertained.
Calculate Your Expected Score
Use the marking scheme for your subject: add marks for each correct answer and subtract the negative marks for each wrong answer, counting only the first N questions attempted in each part. For example, in Life Sciences and Bio-Technology: +2 / −0.5 in Parts A and B, and +4 / −1 in Part C.
Key Takeaways
Answer key challenge fee: ₹200 per question (non-refundable).
You can view your question paper and responses in your login.
The final key is used for the result.
Pro Tip: Challenge only when you have a clear reference from a standard textbook — fees are not refunded for rejected challenges.
Source: Joint CSIR-UGC NET Information Bulletin (June 2025, Section 8.2), NTA; June 2026 window from news reports (secondary)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fee to challenge the CSIR NET answer key?
₹200 per question challenged, paid online and non-refundable.
When was the June 2026 answer key challenge window?
16 to 18 August 2026, as reported.
Is the result based on the provisional answer key?
No. The result is prepared using the final answer key, after experts review all challenges.