Introduction
The National Testing Agency (NTA) is set to release the provisional answer keys for the UGC NET December 2025 session on January 15, 2026. Candidates who appeared for the examination conducted between December 31, 2025, and January 7, 2026, across 85 subjects can now check their performance by downloading UGC NET December Answer key.
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UGC NET December 2025: Key Event Timeline
| Event | Date / Details |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | September 25, 2025 |
| Online Application Window | Oct 7, 2025 – Nov 7, 2025 |
| Exam Dates | Dec 31, 2025 – Jan 7, 2026 |
| Provisional Answer Key Release | January 15, 2026 |
| Objection Window | Jan 15 – Jan 17, 2026 (Expected) |
| Final Result Declaration | Last week of January 2026 |
| Official Website | ugcnet.nta.ac.in |
1. Eligibility Criteria (For Future Cycles)
If you are planning to apply for upcoming cycles, keep these basic requirements in mind:
- Educational Qualification: Master’s Degree or equivalent with at least 55% marks (50% for OBC-NCL/SC/ST/PwD/Third Gender). Final-year students are also eligible to apply provisionally.
- Age Limit (For JRF): Maximum 30 years (as of Dec 1, 2025). Relaxations of up to 5 years apply for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/Women candidates.
- Age Limit (Assistant Professor): No Upper Age Limit.
- Nationality: Must be an Indian Citizen.
2. Application Fees
The fees paid during the October-November application window were:
- General (Unreserved): ₹1,150
- OBC-NCL / EWS: ₹600
- SC / ST / PwD / Third Gender: ₹325
3. Exam Pattern & Syllabus
The UGC NET exam consists of two papers, both conducted in a single 3-hour session without a break.
- Paper 1 (General Aptitude): 50 Questions (100 Marks). Focuses on Teaching Aptitude, Research Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, ICT, and Data Interpretation.
- Paper 2 (Subject-Specific): 100 Questions (200 Marks). Based on the candidate’s chosen post-graduation subject (e.g., History, Commerce, English).
- Negative Marking: None. Each correct answer gives +2 marks.
4. How to Check Answer Key on Jan 15
- Visit the official NTA website: ugcnet.nta.ac.in.
- Click on the link “UGC NET December 2025 Provisional Answer Key/Response Sheet”.
- Login using your Application Number and Date of Birth (or Password).
- Download your specific question paper and the official answer key.
- Compare your marked response with the official ID.
5. Challenging the Answer Key
If you find a discrepancy in the provisional key, you can challenge it:
- Fee: ₹200 per question challenged (Non-refundable).
- Proof: You must upload a supporting document/reference for your claim.
- Outcome: If the challenge is valid, the final answer key will be updated for all candidates.
Important Links
- Direct UGC NET December Answer key: [Link active on Jan 15]
- Official NTA Portal: ugcnet.nta.ac.in
- Download Full Syllabus PDF: [Click Here]
