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NEET provisional answer key
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The NEET provisional answer key is the draft list of correct answers that NTA publishes after the exam. Candidates can check it against their own responses and challenge answers they think are wrong. NTA then reviews the challenges, issues the final key and declares the result on that final key.
How the process runs
- NTA publishes a notice with the provisional key. The notice includes the question paper codes.
- You log in to see your recorded responses and compare them with the key.
- During the challenge window you can object to specific answers. The challenge window is paid.
- NTA reviews the objections and prepares the final key.
- The result is calculated on the final key. In 2025, the final key came out with the result on 14 June.
The 2026 cycle was unusual. NTA's notice "Provisional Answer Keys of NEET (UG)-2026" is dated 6 May 2026, and that key was for the exam held on 3 May, which was later cancelled. The valid 2026 exam was the re-examination on 21 June 2026. If you search for a "NEET 2026 answer key", check which paper it belongs to. Treat any key from a coaching website as unofficial. The official ones are on nta.ac.in and neet.nta.nic.in.
Working out your score
Your score is 4 × correct answers − 1 × wrong answers, and blanks score zero. Example: 140 correct, 30 wrong and 10 blank gives 560 − 30 = 530. A provisional key can change before it is final, so work out your score twice: once with every disputed answer as it stands, and once with the answers you challenged changed.
How to challenge well
- Challenge only the questions where you are sure, since the challenge process is paid.
- Use NCERT or another standard text as the support.
- Keep the notice's deadline in mind. The window is short.
Do not confuse this with an OMR challenge, which is about how your own marking was read. Read the NEET answer key guide for the complete process.
Frequently asked questions
Can the provisional key change?
Yes. NTA can revise answers after reviewing challenges, and the final key can differ from the provisional one.
Is the provisional key the same as the result?
No. The result is declared after the final key.
Official sources
- NTA notices: answer key notices and challenge instructions.
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- OMR challengeAn OMR challenge in NEET is an objection to how your OMR sheet was recorded, unlike an answer key challenge. See how the display works and avoid fake sheets.
- NTANTA is the National Testing Agency that conducts NEET-UG. See what it handles, what it leaves to MCC and the states, and how to spot genuine NTA notices.
- NEET percentileNEET percentile is the share of candidates who scored at or below you. See the formula, how it differs from marks and rank, and the qualifying percentile rule.
- NEET answer keyHow the NEET-UG answer key works: the provisional key, OMR response display, the paid challenge, final key and how to calculate your 720-mark score.
- NEET resultHow NTA declares the NEET-UG result: scorecard contents, percentile and AIR, the 16 July 2026 Re-NEET numbers, tie-breaks and the counselling steps after.
More in NEET
- Seat matrixA seat matrix lists each medical college's seats by course and quota. See how to read it, Tamil Nadu's 2026-27 tentative numbers and why it is not a cut-off.
- NRI quotaNRI quota is a separate share of private medical college seats. See Tamil Nadu's 15% share for 2026-27, how it differs from management quota and what to check.
- NMCNMC is the National Medical Commission, whose rules set the NEET syllabus and eligibility. See what it controls, what NTA and MCC do, and the 2026 syllabus.
- State quotaState quota is the share of medical seats a state fills itself. See what it covers, how it differs from All India Quota and how Tamil Nadu splits 2026-27 seats.
- NEET tie-breakingNEET tie-breaking decides rank when candidates have equal marks. See the order NTA uses (Biology first), what was removed, and a worked example.
- Stray vacancy roundThe stray vacancy round is the last online round of NEET counselling, filling seats left empty after Round 3. See how it works, who can join and what to expect.
- Nativity certificateA nativity certificate proves you are a native of Tamil Nadu, which the state quota requires. See why a residence certificate is not accepted and who may apply.
- Mop-up roundThe mop-up round is Round 3 of Tamil Nadu NEET counselling, with stricter joining and deposit rules. See what changes, the 2026 dates and how to prepare.