The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the UGC NET 2024 Provisional Answer Keys for the exams held on the 21st, 22nd, and 23rd of August 2024. This is an important phase of the University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET), which serves as a benchmark for determining the eligibility of candidates for Assistant Professorship and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) across Indian universities and colleges.
Candidates who appeared for the exams on these dates can now access the provisional answer keys, challenge any discrepancies, and prepare for the final results. In this blog, we’ll explore the significance of the UGC NET exam, how to check the provisional answer keys, the process of challenging the answers, and important upcoming dates.
UGC NET 2024: Overview
The UGC NET 2024 exam is conducted by the NTA on behalf of the University Grants Commission (UGC). The exam is a national-level eligibility test that helps universities and institutions across India select qualified candidates for teaching and research positions. The exam is held twice a year, and thousands of candidates apply to qualify for the Assistant Professorship and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF).
The exam comprises two papers:
- Paper 1: General Paper on Teaching & Research Aptitude (Common for all disciplines)
- Paper 2: Subject-specific paper based on the subject chosen by the candidate (e.g., History, Commerce, Physics)
The release of the provisional answer keys is an essential step in the UGC NET examination process as it provides candidates with an opportunity to review and challenge the responses if they believe any of the answers are incorrect.
Important Dates for UGC NET 2024 Provisional Answer Key and Result
Here is a table that highlights the important dates related to UGC NET 2024 and the release of the provisional answer key:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| UGC NET 2024 Exam Dates | 21st, 22nd, 23rd August 2024 |
| Provisional Answer Key Release Date | September 2024 |
| Deadline to Challenge Answer Key | To be announced (usually within 3-5 days post-release) |
| Final Answer Key Release | Expected October 2024 |
| UGC NET 2024 Result Announcement | October 2024 |
| Official Website | ugcnet.nta.nic.in |
How to Check UGC NET 2024 Provisional Answer Keys
Candidates can now check the UGC NET 2024 provisional answer keys by following these simple steps:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to the official NTA UGC NET website at ugcnet.nta.nic.in.
- Click on the Answer Key Link: On the homepage, locate and click on the link titled “UGC NET 2024 Provisional Answer Key” or the direct link for the respective exam dates (21st, 22nd, and 23rd August 2024).
- Enter Login Credentials: Candidates must log in using their Application Number, Date of Birth, and the security pin provided on the page.
- View and Download the Answer Key: After logging in, the provisional answer key for both Paper 1 and Paper 2 will be displayed. Candidates can download the key and compare it with their marked responses.
- Check Recorded Responses: Along with the answer key, candidates can also download their OMR response sheet to cross-check their answers.
How to Challenge UGC NET Provisional Answer Key
The provisional answer key is subject to correction, and the NTA allows candidates to challenge any answer they find to be incorrect. Here’s how to challenge the provisional answer key:
- Login to the Portal: After downloading the answer key, log back into the portal where the answer keys are displayed.
- Select the Question to Challenge: Candidates can select the specific question they wish to challenge. For each question, they must provide valid supporting documents or references proving why the answer is incorrect.
- Pay the Challenge Fee: There is a challenge fee of ₹200 per question. The fee is non-refundable, and it can be paid through credit/debit card, net banking, or UPI.
- Submit the Challenge: Once the payment is made, submit the challenge. The NTA will review the submitted challenges and if a correction is needed, the answer key will be updated accordingly.
- Final Answer Key Release: Based on the challenges submitted by candidates, the NTA will release the Final Answer Key, which will be binding and non-challengeable. The UGC NET 2024 results will be based on the final answer key.
Important Related Details for UGC NET 2024
- Exam Pattern:
- Paper 1: 50 questions, 100 marks
- Paper 2: 100 questions, 200 marks
- No negative marking.
- Scoring:
- Each correct answer in both Paper 1 and Paper 2 is awarded 2 marks. Candidates’ total scores are calculated based on the number of correct answers, which is why it’s essential to review the provisional answer key to ensure that the answers have been marked accurately.
- Qualifying Criteria:
- To qualify for the Assistant Professorship or Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), candidates must score above the cutoff marks decided by the NTA. The general category candidates must score at least 40% aggregate in both papers combined, while candidates from reserved categories need to score at least 35%.
The release of the UGC NET 2024 Provisional Answer Key is a critical step in the exam process. It not only helps candidates estimate their scores but also provides them with an opportunity to correct any errors in the marking scheme. If you’ve appeared for the exam, make sure to download the answer key, cross-check your answers, and, if necessary, challenge any discrepancies within the allotted time frame.
Stay updated on the official UGC NET website for the final answer key and result announcements. Best of luck to all the candidates awaiting their results!
For further details and updates, you can check the official NTA website .