Overview
Field | Details |
|---|---|
Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
Examination | National Common Entrance Test (NCET) 2026 |
Total Candidates | About 73,608 |
Exam Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
Exam Dates | 17 and 18 April 2026 |
Notice Date | 28 April 2026 |
Activity | Provisional Answer Key Display & Challenge |
Challenge Fee | Rs 200 per question (non-refundable) |
Official Website |
Important Dates
Exam conducted: 17 and 18 April 2026
Public notice issued: 28 April 2026
Answer Key challenge window opens: 28 April 2026
Answer Key challenge window closes: 30 April 2026 (up to 11:50 PM)
Last date for challenge fee payment: 30 April 2026 (up to 11:50 PM)
Application Fee
A non-refundable processing fee of Rs 200 per question challenged is payable. The fee must be paid only through online modes - Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking or UPI. No challenge will be accepted without receipt of the processing fee, and no other payment mode will be entertained.
How to Download and Challenge the NCET 2026 Answer Key
Visit the official portal at https://exams.nta.nic.in/ncet/.
Click on "Challenge(s) regarding Answer Key".
Login using your Application Number and Password, then enter the captcha and submit.
After login, click "Challenge(s) regarding Answer Key" again to load the question IDs.
The ID under "Correct Option" shows NTA's most appropriate Answer Key for that question.
To challenge, select one or more options in the next five columns by ticking the check box.
Upload supporting documents (all merged into a single PDF file) using "Choose File and Upload".
Scroll down, click "Save your claim" and move to the next screen - confirm all selections before continuing.
On the summary screen, review every Option ID you have challenged.
Click "Save your claim and Pay Fee finally", choose your payment mode and pay Rs 200 per question through Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking or UPI.
Important Instructions
Challenges accepted by experts will be applied to all candidates who attempted that question.
For bilingual question papers, the English version will prevail in case of any translation discrepancy, except in Language Test papers.
The decision of NTA experts on each challenge is final - individual candidates will not be informed about acceptance or rejection.
The Final Answer Key will be prepared after settling all challenges, and the result will be declared on its basis.
Important Links
Link | URL |
|---|---|
Provisional Answer Key & Challenge Window | |
NTA Official Website | |
NCET Information Page |
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Challenging the NCET Answer Key
Missing the deadline. The system will not accept any challenge or fee after 30 April 2026 at 11:50 PM. Aim to complete payment several hours before the cut-off - last-day server load is the most common reason candidates miss out.
Forgetting supporting documents. Strong objections without proof (textbook scans, NCERT excerpts, official sources) are rarely accepted. Merge everything into one PDF - the upload field accepts only a single file.
Picking too many options blindly. You can select up to five alternative correct options per question, but selecting without evidence still costs Rs 200 each and weakens your claim. Challenge only where you have proof.
Skipping the final "Save and Pay Fee" step. Saving the claim alone is not enough - payment closes the challenge. Take a screenshot of the payment confirmation for your records.
Confusing Application Number with Roll Number. Login uses your Application Number and the password set during registration, not the exam Roll Number printed on the admit card.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last date to challenge the NCET 2026 Answer Key?
30 April 2026 up to 11:50 PM. No challenge or fee payment will be accepted after this time.
How much is the NCET 2026 Answer Key challenge fee?
Rs 200 per question challenged, paid through Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking or UPI. The fee is non-refundable, even if the challenge is rejected.
Where can I view the NCET 2026 question paper and recorded responses?
Both are available on the official portal at https://exams.nta.nic.in/ncet/ under the candidate login section.
Will I be informed if my NCET answer key challenge is accepted?
No. The notice clearly states that no individual candidate will be informed about acceptance or rejection. The keys finalised by experts will be considered final and used to prepare the result.
What if my challenge is correct - does only my score change?
No. If a challenge is found correct, the Answer Key will be revised and applied to all candidates who attempted that question. The final result is then prepared from the revised keys.
Whom can I contact for NCET 2026 queries?
Candidates can contact NTA at the helpline 011-40759000 or email ncet@nta.ac.in for clarification on the answer key challenge process.
Source
Information sourced from the official NTA Public Notice dated 28 April 2026 and the NCET candidate portal at https://exams.nta.nic.in/ncet/.
Final Words
Raising the NCET 2026 Answer Key challenge is the only chance to influence your final score, so review every doubtful question carefully against the recorded response and act before the 30 April deadline. For the latest updates, keep visiting SarkariWorld.org.
