According to claims highlighted in media reports, 67 out of the 150 questions asked in the UGC-NET 2026 English examination were allegedly identical to questions that had appeared in the 2024 paper. The allegations further suggest that not only were the questions repeated, but the answer choices and their sequence also remained unchanged.

The development has prompted legal intervention, with Supreme Court advocate Viniet Jindal formally raising the matter before the National Testing Agency (NTA), the body responsible for conducting the examination.

Complaint Seeks Independent Investigation

Jindal has reportedly submitted a written complaint to the Director General of the NTA, demanding an independent, transparent, and time-bound investigation into the alleged irregularities. Details of the complaint were later shared publicly through his official social media account.

In his communication, the advocate emphasized that competitive examinations are designed to assess the genuine knowledge, analytical ability, and academic preparedness of candidates. Any substantial repetition of questions from previous years could potentially compromise the integrity of the examination process and create concerns regarding equal opportunity for all aspirants.

The complaint also calls for accountability if procedural lapses are found during the investigation.

Questions Raised Over Examination Integrity

UGC-NET is considered one of India's most significant academic examinations, determining eligibility for Assistant Professor positions, Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), and admission to PhD programmes in several universities and higher education institutions.

Given the examination's importance, allegations of repeated questions have sparked debate among students, educators, and academic observers. Experts note that while some overlap in themes or concepts may occur across examinations, extensive repetition of questions and answer patterns could raise legitimate concerns about question paper preparation and quality control mechanisms.

NTA Yet to Issue Detailed Response

As of now, there has been no detailed public response from the National Testing Agency regarding the specific allegations. Candidates and stakeholders are awaiting clarification from the examination authority on whether the claims will be formally investigated and what measures may be taken if any irregularities are confirmed.

The controversy comes amid continued scrutiny of competitive examination systems in India, where transparency, examination security, and evaluation standards remain subjects of public interest.

With thousands of candidates appearing for UGC-NET every year, the outcome of any inquiry into the alleged question repetition is likely to be closely watched by the academic community and aspiring researchers across the country.

The UGC NET June 2026 examination will be conducted from June 22 to June 30 in Computer-Based Test mode, with admit cards being released in phases by the National Testing Agency.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is set to conduct the UGC NET June 2026 examination from June 22 to June 30 for candidates seeking eligibility for Assistant Professor positions, Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), and Ph.D. admissions across Indian universities and higher education institutions.

With the examination date approaching, the NTA has started releasing exam city intimation slips and admit cards in a phased manner based on candidates' scheduled examination dates and subjects.

Exam Process Underway

Candidates can access their exam city details and admit cards through the official UGC NET portal using their application credentials. Officials have advised aspirants to regularly check the portal for updates, as admit cards are being issued progressively rather than all at once.

The examination is among the country's largest eligibility tests for higher education and research aspirants, attracting lakhs of candidates from various academic disciplines every year.

Nine-Day Examination Window

The June 2026 session will be conducted over nine days, from June 22 to June 30, at designated examination centres across the country.

The NTA conducts the examination in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode, allowing candidates to appear for both papers in a single sitting. The schedule has been designed to accommodate multiple subjects across different shifts during the examination period.

Candidates have been advised to verify their reporting time, examination shift and centre details carefully before appearing for the test.

Combined Paper Format

The UGC NET examination consists of two papers conducted in a single three-hour session without any break.

Paper 1 focuses on teaching and research aptitude, reasoning ability, comprehension, communication, data interpretation and general awareness. It comprises 50 compulsory questions.

Paper 2 contains 100 questions from the candidate's chosen subject and assesses domain-specific knowledge. Both papers are mandatory and contribute to the final score.

The total examination duration is 180 minutes.

Marking Scheme Remains Unchanged

According to the prescribed pattern, candidates receive two marks for every correct answer.

There is no negative marking for incorrect responses or unanswered questions, allowing aspirants to attempt all questions without the risk of score deductions.

Education experts believe the absence of negative marking encourages broader participation and strategic answering during the examination.

Answer Key Expected Next Month

Following the conclusion of the examination, the NTA is expected to release a provisional answer key, allowing candidates to review responses and raise objections, if any.

Based on previous examination cycles, the answer key and response sheets are likely to be published in July. The final results are tentatively expected during the fourth week of July 2026, although the agency has not yet announced an official date.

The results will determine eligibility for Assistant Professor appointments, Junior Research Fellowship awards and admission opportunities in Ph.D. programmes.

Candidates Advised to Stay Updated

As the examination approaches, officials have urged candidates to download their admit cards well in advance and verify personal details, examination centre information and reporting instructions.

Aspirants are also advised to carry valid identification documents and follow examination-day guidelines issued by the NTA to avoid last-minute inconvenience.

With preparations entering the final phase, universities and coaching institutes across the country are witnessing heightened activity as candidates gear up for one of India's most significant higher education eligibility examinations.

NTA Issues Fresh Advisory for UGC-NET June 2026 Applications 

Candidates Urged to Submit Single Form as Deadline Nears

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has issued a fresh public advisory reminding aspirants of strict guidelines for the UGC-NET June 2026 examination, even as the online application window enters its final stretch.

The notice, dated May 8, comes at a time when thousands of postgraduate students across the country are racing to complete their registrations before the May 20 deadline. With the exam scheduled between June 22 and 30, the agency appears keen to avoid last-minute confusion and technical glitches that have marred previous cycles.

Single Application Rule Reiterated

In the latest notice, NTA has made it clear that candidates can submit only one application. Multiple forms — whether for the same subject or different ones — will not be entertained. Only the last successfully submitted application will be considered, while all previous ones stand rejected.

Officials have particularly cautioned applicants against hasty submissions. “Candidates must carefully select their subject while filling out the application form, as no changes will be allowed after submission,” the advisory states. Accuracy in personal details, educational qualifications, and uploaded documents has also been emphasised.

87 Subjects, CBT Mode

The UGC-NET June 2026 will be conducted for 87 subjects in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. The test determines eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship and appointment as Assistant Professor in Indian universities and colleges.

Registration opened on April 29 and is set to close at 11:50 pm on May 20, 2026. The correction window will be available from May 22 to 24. Admit cards are expected by June 15, with city intimation slips likely a few days earlier.

Background and Growing Competition

For many young scholars, clearing UGC-NET remains the gateway to academic careers and research funding. In recent years, the exam has seen rising participation, especially after the shift to two cycles annually. The June session typically attracts candidates aiming to align their academic timelines with university admissions.

Sources familiar with the process said the repeated advisories reflect NTA’s effort to streamline submissions following past instances of duplicate applications leading to rejections and grievances. “It’s better to double-check everything before final submission rather than face disappointment later,” one official associated with the examination process noted.

What Candidates Should Do Now

Education experts advise aspirants to:

- Verify all entered details thoroughly before payment

- Ensure the uploaded photograph and documents meet specifications

- Keep the application number and payment receipt safely

- Regularly check the official website for updates

The agency has once again directed candidates to visit https://ugcnet.nta.nic.in for the latest notices and information.

Impact on Aspirants

With only days left, coaching centres in cities like Delhi, Kota, and Hyderabad report heightened activity. Many students who had earlier submitted incomplete forms are now rushing to correct or complete them within the stipulated time.

The advisory assumes added significance as it comes amid broader scrutiny of NTA’s examination processes following past controversies in other national tests. Smooth conduct of UGC-NET is being seen as crucial for restoring confidence among the student community.

As the countdown begins, the message from NTA remains straightforward: prepare carefully, submit once, and stay updated through official channels. For lakhs of hopefuls, these final days could determine their academic future for the coming year.