Delay in releasing UGC NET answer key fuels anxiety among candidates
Nearly a month after the examination concluded, the National Testing Agency is yet to release the provisional answer key. The uncertainty has deepened amid unverified social media claims of a leak of the Sociology paper, on which the NTA has issued no official statement
Hyderabad: Nearly a month after the conclusion of the UGC NET June 2026 examination, the National Testing Agency (NTA) is yet to release the provisional answer key or issue an official update on the result timeline, leaving thousands of aspirants across the country anxious.
The UGC NET examination for 87 subjects was conducted between June 22 and June 30, with an additional session on July 5. Since then, candidates have been awaiting the answer key and results, but the agency has remained silent.
The uncertainty has intensified following allegations on social media that the Sociology paper was leaked. However, the NTA has not issued any official statement or notification regarding the claims.
Speaking to Telangana Today, several aspirants expressed frustration over the lack of communication from the agency. “We have repeatedly tried to contact the NTA helpline, but we have not received any clear information regarding the answer key or the result declaration,” said one candidate.
Another aspirant said that the prolonged delay has created uncertainty among candidates, noting that in the previous UGC NET cycle, the provisional answer key was released within a week of the examination.
Some candidates also linked the delay to the recent controversies surrounding the NTA. “After the NEET paper leak controversy and the subsequent developments, it feels like the entire focus has shifted to NEET. It seems the NTA and the government have forgotten about the UGC NET examination, even though the future of lakhs of aspirants depends on it,” an aspirant told Telangana Today.
The UGC NET examination was conducted as scheduled despite taking place immediately after the NEET re-examination on June 21. While the examinations concluded without any announced disruption, aspirants say the continued delay in releasing the answer key and results has only added to their uncertainty over admissions, fellowships, and recruitment opportunities.
As of now, the NTA has not issued any official clarification on the delay in releasing the provisional answer key or the result declaration.
