CUET-UG Answer Key, Results Delayed Amid NTA Chaos, UG Admission Calendars To Be Disrupted

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is currently dealing with paper leak allegations surrounding the NEET-UG and UGC-NET exams, which could potentially delay the results for the Central University Entrance Test (CUET-UG) and disrupt the undergraduate admissions schedule for Central universities, according to sources.

While the NTA initially announced June 30 as the target date for releasing CUET-UG results, a senior official indicated that this deadline is now unlikely to be met. The provisional answer key is expected to be released next week, and the final results is expected to be out by July 2nd week. 

CUET-UG Results Likely to be Delayed Amid NEET-UG and UGC-NET Paper Leak Controversies

This anticipated delay will have a cascading effect on the admissions timelines for participating universities. At Delhi University, for instance, the second phase of the admission process—where applicants indicate their college and program preferences—cannot commence until CUET-UG results are out. DU had planned to open this phase by July 2 which has to be postponed ultimately due to this delay.  

The CUET-UG serves as a single-window admission test for undergraduate programs at 46 Central universities, including prestigious institutions such as Delhi University (DU), Allahabad University, and Banaras Hindu University (BHU). This year's exam was administered in a hybrid format, combining online and pen-and-paper modes, across multiple shifts from May 15 to May 31. Usually, NTA releases the provisional answer key, around 20 days after the exam. However, it is delayed this year. 

A DU official mentioned, "Although there’s no official communication regarding the delay, if it happens, we will have to adjust our calendar accordingly." With 71,000 seats to fill based on CUET-UG scores, DU was aiming to start the new academic year by August 1.

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) also relies on CUET-UG scores for admissions to its language-specialized undergraduate programs and the BSc-MSc Integrated Programme in Ayurveda Biology. A JNU official noted, “If there is a delay in the CUET result announcement, it will impact the admissions cycle nationwide. We will decide our course of action based on NTA’s notifications.”

Bhaskar Bhattacharya, chairman of BHU's central admission committee, expressed similar concerns. He stated, “A delay in CUET results will impact our academic calendar. Ideally, results by June 30 would allow us to start by mid or late August. Any delay will force us to adjust by shortening vacations and modifying the calendar, making it challenging to commence the new session in August.”

The NTA administers CUET-UG on behalf of the University Grants Commission (UGC). As universities await the final word from NTA, the potential delay casts uncertainty over the upcoming academic sessions, requiring institutions to remain flexible and responsive to the evolving situation.