The National Testing Agency (NTA) released the final answer key for the Joint CSIR UGC NET December 2025 examination on 30 January 2026. Candidates who appeared for the exam can download the final answer key from the official website, csirnet.nta.nic.in. According to the final key, three questions have been dropped: one from the Chemical Sciences paper and two from the Life Sciences paper.
The Joint CSIR UGC NET December 2025 examination was conducted on 18 December, with 212552 candidates appearing across the country. Earlier, NTA released the provisional answer key on 30 December and allowed candidates to raise objections. After reviewing all the challenges submitted by candidates, the agency has now published the final answer key, incorporating the necessary changes.
How to Download CSIR UGC NET December 2025 Final Answer Key?
- Step 1: Visit the official CSIR NET website at csirnet.nta.nic.in using your web browser.
- Step 2: On the homepage, click on the link that says “CSIR UGC NET December 2025 Final Answer Key” to proceed.
- Step 3: A new page will open on your screen displaying the final answer key.
- Step 4: The answer key will appear in PDF format, which you can view and check carefully.
- Step 5: Download the PDF file and save it on your device for future reference.
How to Challenge the CSIR NET Answer Key
The National Testing Agency (NTA) allows candidates to raise objections against the CSIR UGC NET answer key if they find any discrepancies. To challenge the answer key, candidates must visit the official website @csirnet.nta.nic.in and log in using their application number, date of birth and security pin. After logging in, they can select the question(s) they wish to challenge and provide valid supporting documents or references to justify their claim.
A fee is applicable for each question challenged, which can be paid online through the provided payment gateway. The objections submitted by candidates are reviewed by NTA and any necessary corrections are incorporated before releasing the final answer key. Candidates are advised to submit their challenges within the stipulated deadline to ensure they are considered.
CSIR NET 2025: Scoring and Result Calculation
Candidates can use the CSIR UGC NET final answer key to estimate their scores before the official results are announced. Each correct answer is awarded one mark, while incorrect answers may attract negative marking as per the exam rules. The total score is calculated by adding the marks obtained for all correct responses and subtracting the marks deducted for wrong answers.
Using the answer key, candidates can get a fair idea of their performance and anticipate whether they are likely to meet the qualifying criteria. The final score and eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) or Assistant Professorship will be declared by the National Testing Agency (NTA) after considering all objections and releasing the final results.
CSIR NET 2025: Tips for Candidates
- Use the final answer key to estimate your scores before the official results are released.
- Compare your answers carefully with the key to calculate total marks and assess your performance.
- Regularly visit the official website (csirnet.nta.nic.in) for updates, corrections, and notifications.
- Keep track of deadlines for raising objections or accessing important documents.
- Stay informed to ensure you do not miss any official announcements or opportunities.








