The National Testing Agency (NTA), on behalf of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), is yet to release the Provisional Answer Key for the Joint CSIR-UGC NET June 2026 examination. The exam was conducted on 17 and 18 July 2026 in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode across 5 subjects – Chemical Sciences (701), Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences (702), Life Sciences (703), Mathematical Sciences (704), and Physical Sciences (705) – in two shifts (Shift 1: 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon; Shift 2: 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM). Once released, candidates will be able to download the Provisional Answer Key along with their Recorded Response Sheet from the official NTA CSIR NET website csirnet.nta.nic.in and raise objections by paying Rs. 200 per challenged question (non-refundable). The CSIR NET exam determines eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), appointment as Assistant Professor/Lectureship, and admission to Ph.D. in Indian universities and colleges. The qualifying benchmark is 33% for General, EWS and OBC-NCL candidates and 25% for SC, ST and PwD/PwBD candidates.
Important Note: Five critical points before you attempt to estimate your score or file any challenge. First, the Provisional Answer Key has not been released as of 2 August 2026 – the NTA has not announced a specific release date; candidates must monitor csirnet.nta.nic.in and check their registered email/NTA notifications regularly. Second, and most critically, the aggregator article that sent you here incorrectly described the CSIR NET as having only “Paper I and Paper II” – the exam is actually structured into three parts (Part A, Part B, and Part C) and the structure varies by subject. Third, there IS negative marking in CSIR NET – 25% negative marking applies in Part A and Part B for all subjects, and in Part C for most subjects; for Earth Sciences, negative marking in Part C is 33%. Anyone using an answer key to estimate their score must apply the correct negative marking formula per part and per subject. Fourth, the objection fee of Rs. 200 per question is strictly non-refundable – even if your challenge is upheld. Do not file a challenge without clear supporting evidence. Fifth, once the Final Answer Key is published after the objection window closes, no further challenges or representations are entertained by NTA – the result is computed exclusively on the Final Answer Key.
Overview – CSIR NET Answer Key 2026
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Joint CSIR-UGC NET June 2026 |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of CSIR |
| Ministry | Ministry of Education, Government of India |
| Purpose | Eligibility for JRF, Assistant Professor/Lectureship, and Ph.D. admission |
| Exam Dates | 17 and 18 July 2026 |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) – Objective type (MCQ) |
| Exam Duration | 180 minutes (3 hours) |
| Shift 1 Timing | 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon |
| Shift 2 Timing | 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM |
| Subjects Covered | Chemical Sciences (701), Earth Sciences (702), Life Sciences (703), Mathematical Sciences (704), Physical Sciences (705) |
| Provisional Answer Key | Not yet released (expected at csirnet.nta.nic.in) |
| Recorded Responses | Released with Provisional Answer Key |
| Objection Fee | Rs. 200 per challenged question (non-refundable) |
| Qualifying Benchmark | 33% for General/EWS/OBC-NCL; 25% for SC/ST/PwD/PwBD |
| Official Website | csirnet.nta.nic.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Registration Start Date | 27 May 2026 |
| Online Registration Last Date | 19 June 2026 (up to 11:50 PM) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 20 June 2026 (up to 11:50 PM) |
| CSIR NET June 2026 Exam Date | 17 and 18 July 2026 |
| Provisional Answer Key Release | Not yet announced – check csirnet.nta.nic.in |
| Objection Window | To be announced with Provisional Answer Key |
| Final Answer Key | To be released after objection review |
| Result Declaration | To be announced at csirnet.nta.nic.in / nta.ac.in |
Application Fee (For Reference)
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General (UR) | Rs. 1,150 |
| General-EWS / OBC-NCL | Rs. 600 |
| SC / ST / PwD / PwBD / Third Gender | Rs. 325 |
Note: These are the application fees paid at the time of registration. The answer key objection fee is a separate payment of Rs. 200 per challenged question, payable at the time of filing the objection.
CSIR NET June 2026 – Exam Structure (All 5 Subjects)
The CSIR NET exam is divided into three parts – Part A, Part B, and Part C. Part A is common to all subjects (General Aptitude). Part B covers subject-related MCQs. Part C tests higher-order analytical and application-based scientific understanding. The structure, number of questions, and marks vary by subject.
Critical note on negative marking: Negative marking at 25% applies in Part A and Part B for all subjects. Part C of Earth Sciences carries 33% negative marking. Mathematical Sciences Part C has no negative marking. Apply the correct formula when calculating your estimated score from the answer key.
| Subject | Part A (Total/Attempt) | Part B (Total/Attempt) | Part C (Total/Attempt) | Total Max Marks | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Sciences (701) | 20 / 15 | 40 / 35 | 60 / 25 | 200 | 25% in A, B and C |
| Earth Sciences (702) | 20 / 15 | 50 / 35 | 80 / 25 | 200 | 25% in A and B; 33% in C |
| Life Sciences (703) | 20 / 15 | 50 / 35 | 75 / 25 | 200 | 25% in A, B and C |
| Mathematical Sciences (704) | 20 / 15 | 40 / 25 | 60 / 20 | 200 | 25% in A and B; No negative in C |
| Physical Sciences (705) | 20 / 15 | 25 / 20 | 30 / 20 | 200 | 25% in A, B and C |
Important: If more questions are answered than the prescribed attempt limit (e.g. more than 15 in Part A), only the first answers up to the limit are evaluated. Answering extra questions beyond the limit does not help.
Marking Scheme – How to Calculate Your Estimated Score
Use your Recorded Response Sheet against the Provisional Answer Key with these per-subject rules:
Chemical Sciences, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences:
- Part A: +2 per correct answer; -0.5 per wrong answer
- Part B: +2 per correct answer; -0.5 per wrong answer
- Part C: +4 per correct answer; -1 per wrong answer
Earth Sciences:
- Part A: +2 per correct answer; -0.5 per wrong answer
- Part B: +2 per correct answer; -0.5 per wrong answer
- Part C: +4 per correct answer; -1.32 per wrong answer
Mathematical Sciences:
- Part A: +2 per correct answer; -0.5 per wrong answer
- Part B: +3 per correct answer; -0.75 per wrong answer
- Part C: +4.75 per correct answer; no negative marking in Part C
Note for Mathematical Sciences Part C: Questions in Part C may have one or more correct options. Credit is given only when all correct options are identified. Partial credit is not awarded.
Category-wise Minimum Qualifying Benchmark
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Marks |
|---|---|
| General (UR) / EWS / OBC-NCL | 33% of total marks |
| SC / ST / PwD / PwBD / Third Gender | 25% of total marks |
Important clarification: These are the minimum qualifying benchmarks as prescribed in the official CSIR NET June 2026 Information Bulletin – they are the floor below which a candidate cannot qualify. The actual subject-wise, category-wise cutoff marks are higher and are determined by the Result Committee based on the distribution of scores. The final cutoffs are announced along with the result, not with the answer key.
There is no separate cutoff for individual parts (Part A, B, C). The cumulative marks of all three parts are considered together for the merit list.
What the CSIR NET Provisional Answer Key Contains
- Correct answer options (Option IDs) for every question (Question ID) asked in the exam
- Subject-wise and shift-wise question papers
- Candidates’ individually recorded response sheets (what each candidate actually selected)
- Question ID and the corresponding correct Option ID for cross-checking
How to Download the CSIR NET Provisional Answer Key 2026
- Visit the official NTA CSIR NET website: csirnet.nta.nic.in
- Look for the public notice or candidate activity link labelled “Provisional Answer Key” or “Challenge Answer Key” on the homepage.
- Click the link – you will be directed to a candidate login page.
- Enter your Application Number and Date of Birth or Password to log in.
- Your Recorded Response Sheet and the Provisional Answer Key will be displayed on screen.
- Download and save the PDF immediately – the answer key window is typically open for only 2 to 3 days as per NTA’s standard procedure.
How to Raise an Objection Against the CSIR NET Answer Key 2026
- Log in at csirnet.nta.nic.in using your Application Number and Date of Birth or Password.
- Open “View Question Paper” or “Challenge Answer Key” from the candidate dashboard.
- Identify the Question ID of the question you wish to challenge and the Option ID you believe is correct (or mark “no correct option” if applicable).
- Select the correct option you are challenging and upload supporting evidence or documentary proof where required by NTA.
- Pay Rs. 200 per challenged question through the online payment mode. This fee is non-refundable regardless of outcome.
- Submit and save the confirmation receipt of your challenge for future reference.
After the objection window closes, a panel of subject experts reviews all challenges. Objections found valid are incorporated into the Final Answer Key, which is then used for computing the result.
What Happens After the Answer Key
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Objection Window Closes | NTA forwards all paid challenges to subject expert panel |
| Expert Review | Panel evaluates each objection with evidence; valid ones are accepted |
| Final Answer Key Released | Incorporates all accepted corrections; no further objections accepted |
| Result Declared | Based exclusively on Final Answer Key; category and subject-wise merit lists prepared |
| Score Card Published | Contains total percentile score and marks per candidate |
| Re-evaluation/Re-checking | Not applicable – no re-evaluation is entertained under any circumstances |
JRF Stipend (For Candidates Qualifying for Junior Research Fellowship)
| Period | Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|
| JRF – First 2 years | Rs. 37,000 per month |
| SRF (NET) – 3rd year onwards (after Ph.D. registration and assessment) | Rs. 42,000 per month |
An annual contingent grant of Rs. 20,000 is also reimbursed directly to the JRF fellow. Upgrade from JRF to SRF is based on assessment by an Expert Committee and requires that the fellow is registered for a Ph.D. programme.
Eligibility Categories Under CSIR NET
| Category | What You Qualify For |
|---|---|
| Category 1 | JRF + Assistant Professor + Ph.D. admission |
| Category 2 | Assistant Professor + Ph.D. admission (not JRF) |
| Category 3 | Ph.D. admission only |
Marks obtained in Category 2 and Category 3 carry 70% weightage at the time of Ph.D. admission; the remaining 30% is based on the interview/viva conducted by the university. Ph.D. admission eligibility under Category 2 and 3 is valid for one year from the date of result.
Important Instructions
- The Provisional Answer Key has not been released as of 2 August 2026. Do not rely on any unofficial answer key circulated online – use only the key published on csirnet.nta.nic.in after you log in with your own credentials.
- The answer key and response sheet window typically remains open for only 2 to 3 days. Download both immediately once released.
- If you answered more questions than the prescribed attempt limit in any part, only the first answers up to the limit are counted. Extra answers beyond the limit are not evaluated.
- For Mathematical Sciences Part C, questions may have one or more correct options – credit is given only when all correct options are identified.
- Objection fee of Rs. 200 per question is non-refundable regardless of whether the challenge is accepted or rejected.
- Challenges submitted without valid justification or supporting evidence may not be considered. Challenge only with proof.
- After the Final Answer Key is released, no further objections or grievances are entertained by NTA.
- There is no re-evaluation or re-checking of results under any circumstances.
- Keep your Application Number and registered login password safely – you will need them for the answer key, result and score card.
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| CSIR NET Provisional Answer Key 2026 (when released) | Click Here |
| CSIR NET Official Website | Click Here |
| NTA Official Website | Click Here |
| CSIR HRDG (Syllabus) | Click Here |
| NTA Helpdesk (csirnet@nta.ac.in) | Click Here |
CSIR NET Answer Key 2026 – FAQs
Q1. Has the CSIR NET June 2026 Provisional Answer Key been released?
✅ No. As of 2 August 2026, the NTA has not released the Provisional Answer Key for the Joint CSIR-UGC NET June 2026 examination. NTA has not announced a specific release date. Candidates must monitor csirnet.nta.nic.in and check their registered email regularly for the official announcement.
Q2. Where do I download the CSIR NET Answer Key 2026?
✅ The Provisional Answer Key – once released – will be available only on the official NTA CSIR NET website csirnet.nta.nic.in. You must log in with your Application Number and Date of Birth or Password to access both the answer key and your Recorded Response Sheet.
Q3. Is there negative marking in CSIR NET June 2026?
✅ Yes – and this is critical. Negative marking of 25% applies in Part A and Part B for all subjects. For Part C, 25% negative marking applies in Chemical Sciences, Life Sciences, and Physical Sciences; 33% negative marking applies in Earth Sciences Part C; and Mathematical Sciences Part C has NO negative marking. Apply the correct formula per subject when calculating your estimated score.
Q4. How much is the CSIR NET answer key objection fee?
✅ Rs. 200 per challenged question, paid online at the time of filing the objection. This fee is non-refundable regardless of whether your challenge is accepted or rejected.
Q5. What is the minimum qualifying percentage for CSIR NET June 2026?
✅ As per the official Information Bulletin, the minimum qualifying benchmark is 33% for General, EWS, and OBC-NCL candidates and 25% for SC, ST, PwD, PwBD, and Third Gender candidates. These are minimum floors – the actual merit-based cutoffs per subject and category are higher and are released with the result.
Q6. How long is the answer key available for download?
✅ Based on NTA’s standard practice for CSIR NET, the answer key and response sheet window remains open for approximately 2 to 3 days. Candidates must download both immediately once the link goes live.
Q7. What happens if I answered more questions than the attempt limit?
✅ Only the first answers up to the prescribed attempt limit in each part are counted for evaluation. For example, if you answered 20 questions in Part A (limit is 15), only the first 15 are evaluated. Additional answers are ignored.
Q8. What is the difference between the Provisional and Final Answer Key?
✅ The Provisional Answer Key is released first and is open to candidate objections during a limited window. After NTA’s subject expert panel reviews all paid challenges, the Final Answer Key is released incorporating accepted corrections. The result is computed exclusively from the Final Answer Key. No objections are accepted after the Final Answer Key is published.
Q9. When will the CSIR NET June 2026 Result be declared?
✅ NTA has not announced the result date. It will be declared on csirnet.nta.nic.in after the Final Answer Key is released and the merit list is prepared by the Result Committee. Candidates should check the official website regularly.
Q10. Is re-evaluation available for CSIR NET?
✅ No. As per the official Information Bulletin, there is no provision for re-evaluation or re-checking of the CSIR NET result under any circumstances.
Disclaimer
The information above is compiled from the official Joint CSIR-UGC NET June 2026 Information Bulletin (published by the National Testing Agency at csirnet.nta.nic.in) and the official NTA CSIR NET homepage as verified on 2 August 2026. The exam dates (17 and 18 July 2026), subject codes, exam structure (three parts per subject), subject-wise marking scheme including negative marking rates, application fee, objection fee (Rs. 200 per question, non-refundable), qualifying benchmarks (33% General/EWS/OBC-NCL, 25% SC/ST/PwD/PwBD), JRF stipend (Rs. 37,000/month), and the three eligibility categories are all as stated in the official Information Bulletin. As of 2 August 2026, the Provisional Answer Key for CSIR NET June 2026 has not been released by NTA. Candidates are advised to verify the current status and download the answer key exclusively from csirnet.nta.nic.in using their own login credentials. All links above point only to the official NTA/CSIR NET portal.
