Is it necessary to clear the 1st paper for qualifying the NET JRF?

No. The authority has not released the UGC NET certificate for the December session 2025. The exam is scheduled to be conducted from December 31 to January 7, 2026. 

The authority will release the UGC NET certificate on the official website at ugcnet.nta.nic.in and also on the e-certificate portal at ecertificate.nta.ac.in. Candidates can download it by using their login credentials including the application number and password or date of birth.

• Visit at ugcnet.nta.nic.in
•  Click on the link available for the answer key
• Use application number and password or the application number and date of birth to open the link
• Enter the application number, password/date of birth, and security pin (as shown on the screen)
• Click on Sign In and submit the Challenge Answer Key link
• Select the correct answer option ID for the question ID for which the challenge needs to be made
• Click on the 'Save Your Claims' button
• Upload the supporting documents in a single PDF file to support your claim
• Click on the 'Save Your Claims & Pay Fee' button
• Pay INR 200 per question in the online mode

The UGC NET answer key challenge fee per question is INR 200. It is non refundable whether the challenge is accepted or rejected. It can be paid online via debit card, credit card, net banking or UPI. Challenges made by the candidates will be verified by the panel of subject experts.

It is released by the National Testing Agency NTA a few days after the exam is conducted. The answer key helps candidates in calculating their probable scores and checking the accuracy of their responsesThe details provided on the UGC NET answer key are mentioned below:

• Exam date
• Exam shift
• Exam subject name and code
• Question ID
• Correct option ID