CUET UG 2026 Answer Key & Response Sheet: Release Timeline, Challenge Process

The CUET UG 2026 exam window runs from May 11–31, 2026. The next big milestone for 13+ lakh candidates is the provisional answer key release, expected in the third week of June 2026, followed by the response sheet, objection window, final answer key in the first week of July, and the result thereafter. This guide breaks down exactly what each step means, how to download your sheet, and how to challenge incorrect keys — all from the official NTA process.

Official Timeline at a Glance

• Exam window: May 11 – May 31, 2026 (May 28 shifts postponed pending revised date)
• Provisional answer key + response sheet: Third week of June 2026 (tentative)
• Objection window: 3–4 days after answer key release
• Final answer key: First week of July 2026
• Result declaration: First week of July 2026

All updates are released only on cuet.nta.nic.in. NTA does not announce dates via SMS or third-party portals.

What Is the CUET UG 2026 Response Sheet?

The response sheet is a candidate-specific PDF showing every question you saw on screen along with the option you marked. It is released alongside the provisional answer key and is the most reliable instrument to estimate your score before the official result. You will need:

• Your CUET 2026 application number
• Password or date of birth
• Stable internet (PDF size is typically 8–15 MB)

How to Download Your CUET UG 2026 Answer Key

1. Visit cuet.nta.nic.in on or after the release date.
2. Click “Answer Key Challenge for CUET (UG) – 2026.”
3. Log in with your application number and password.
4. Download the question paper PDF, your response sheet, and the official answer key.
5. Cross-check every question; flag any answer you believe is incorrect.

How to Calculate Your Expected Score

CUET UG uses the standard NTA marking scheme: +5 for each correct answer, -1 for each wrong answer, 0 for unattempted. To estimate your raw score per subject:

• Correct answers × 5
• Minus wrong answers × 1
• Unattempted: 0

Note: NTA later converts raw scores to normalised percentile scores to account for shift difficulty variation. Your final scorecard will show percentile, not raw marks. Read our guide to CUET normalisation for a full breakdown.

How to Challenge an Answer Key

If you believe an answer in the provisional key is incorrect, you can raise an objection during the 3–4 day challenge window:

1. Log in to the answer-key portal.
2. Select the question ID(s) you wish to challenge.
3. Upload supporting evidence — NCERT excerpt, authoritative reference, official text.
4. Pay the per-question fee (typically Rs 200 per challenge, non-refundable).
5. Submit and download the receipt.

Pro tip: Only raise challenges you can back with NCERT or a primary source. NTA’s subject experts review every objection; accepted challenges benefit all candidates whose answer matched the corrected key, and your fee is refunded.

What Happens After the Final Answer Key?

Once NTA publishes the final answer key — usually in the first week of July — the result follows within 24–72 hours. Your scorecard will include:

• Subject-wise raw marks
• Normalised NTA percentile
• Total marks across chosen subjects
• Application status for downstream admissions

This scorecard is what feeds into the DU CSAS portal, JNU admissions, BHU counselling, and 250+ other participating universities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting too long: The objection window is short. Download the key on day 1.
• Vague challenges: “I think this is wrong” won’t pass review. Cite specific sources.
• Ignoring the response sheet: Your response sheet is legal evidence of your attempt — save the PDF locally.
• Trusting unofficial keys: Coaching keys are estimates. Only NTA’s key is final.

FAQs

When will the CUET UG 2026 answer key be released?

NTA has indicated the third week of June 2026 for the provisional answer key. The final answer key is expected in the first week of July.

How much does it cost to challenge an answer?

Approximately Rs 200 per question, non-refundable unless your challenge is accepted.

Can I see my response sheet after the result?

Yes, but the answer-key window is the best time. Download it immediately when released.

Will the provisional answer key be the same as the final one?

Not always. NTA revises the key based on accepted challenges. Use the final key to compute scores.

Is there negative marking in CUET UG 2026?

Yes. Each wrong answer attracts -1 mark; correct answers earn +5.

Sources: cuet.nta.nic.in, NTA exam bulletin 2026.