The CUET UG 2026 answer key is the first official document that lets you estimate your performance before results day. As per the tentative NTA timeline, the provisional CUET UG 2026 answer key is expected around the second week of June 2026 on the official portal, giving lakhs of candidates their earliest realistic score check. This guide explains the CUET UG 2026 answer key release window, exactly how to calculate your score using the marking scheme, the objection process, and why your raw total is not your final result.
Used correctly, the answer key turns anxiety into a plan: you can estimate your band, shortlist universities, and start preparing your CUET admission strategy early. Verify every date on cuet.nta.nic.in.
CUET UG 2026 answer key timeline (tentative)
- Provisional answer key: Expected around the second week of June 2026.
- Objection window: Tentatively the fourth week of June 2026, at Rs 200 per challenged question.
- Final answer key: Released after objections are reviewed, around early July.
- Result/scorecard: Tentatively the first week of July 2026.
These dates are indicative; NTA’s official notice on cuet.nta.nic.in is the final word.
Step 1: Download your response sheet and answer key
Log in at cuet.nta.nic.in with your application number and password to download your recorded response sheet (your submitted answers) and the provisional answer key (NTA’s correct answers). You will compare these two, question by question.
Step 2: Apply the official marking scheme
For most CUET UG subjects, the marking is:
- +5 marks for every correct answer.
- -1 mark for every incorrect answer.
- 0 marks for unattempted questions.
Count your correct and wrong answers, multiply accordingly, and subtract penalties to reach your raw score per subject. Confirm the scheme for your specific papers in the official information bulletin, since some sections may vary. Our CUET exam pattern 2026 page breaks down marks and section structure clearly.
Step 3: Understand normalisation
Your raw score is not your final CUET score. Because subjects are held across multiple shifts of varying difficulty, NTA applies a normalisation procedure to produce comparable percentile and normalised scores. This is why two candidates with similar raw marks in different shifts can receive slightly different normalised scores. Plan your university shortlist around your estimated percentile band, not just raw marks.
Step 4: Challenge the answer key (if needed)
If you spot a question where the official key looks wrong, you can raise an objection during the window by paying Rs 200 per question. The fee is refunded if NTA accepts your challenge. Back every objection with a credible source. After review, NTA publishes the final answer key, and results are computed from it.
Step 5: Turn your estimate into an admission plan
Once you have an estimated percentile, map it to universities and courses. Explore our list of universities accepting CUET 2026 and study past CUET cutoffs to gauge where you stand. Candidates eyeing Delhi University should pre-read the CSAS process so they are ready the moment results drop.
Practice Quiz
Practice Quiz — 10 CUET-Style Questions
Click an option to reveal the answer and explanation.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the CUET UG 2026 answer key be released?
As per the tentative timeline, NTA is expected to release the CUET UG 2026 provisional answer key around the second week of June 2026 on cuet.nta.nic.in, with the final answer key following after the objection window. Always confirm exact dates on the official portal.
How do I calculate my CUET UG 2026 score from the answer key?
Download your response sheet and the provisional answer key from cuet.nta.nic.in. For each question, apply the official marking scheme — typically +5 for a correct answer, -1 for a wrong answer and 0 for unattempted in most subjects. Total these to get your raw score. Remember the final score is normalised across shifts.
How much does it cost to challenge the CUET answer key?
The objection fee is Rs 200 per challenged question. The fee is refundable if NTA finds your objection valid. Challenges must be submitted within the official window, tentatively around the fourth week of June 2026.
Is my raw score the same as my final CUET result?
No. Because CUET subjects are conducted in multiple shifts, NTA applies a normalisation process to ensure fairness. Your final scorecard shows normalised marks and percentiles, which can differ from your raw score.
Want help converting your estimated score into a college shortlist? Book a free counselling session with CUET Gurukul. Confirm all answer-key dates on cuet.nta.nic.in.
