Overview
- The National Testing Agency issued a notice on August 10 saying it will publish provisional answer keys this week for UGC‑NET and for CSIR and ICAR exams and will open the standard window for candidates to raise objections.
- Candidates have waited roughly 35–40 days since the June 22–30 sessions and a July 5 retest at Jalandhar, and many say the delay has put PhD admissions and Assistant Professor applications at risk.
- Student groups including the JNUSU had warned of a gathering at the NTA’s Okhla office on August 11 if keys were not released by August 10, a protest that the notice may now avert.
- Allegations that a Sociology paper matched a circulated PDF were raised in July by Rahul Gandhi but have not been established as fact and have increased scrutiny of NTA security and procedures.
- When published candidates will be able to view question papers and their recorded responses, submit paid challenges with justification, and await expert review that will determine the final keys and results.