‘Causing massive stress’: CUET UG 2026 students flag discrepancies in marked answers, demand NTA review

India's Common University Entrance Test (CUET UG) 2026 is embroiled in fresh controversy as students report 'massive stress' over alleged discrepancies in the recently released provisional answer key, just hours before the objection window closes. Aspirants are flagging widespread mismatches between the question IDs in the key and those they encountered during the examination, casting a shadow over the integrity of the critical undergraduate admissions process. The National Testing Agency (NTA), which administers the exam, has opened a challenge facility until June 11, 2026, but the short deadline and technical issues are exacerbating student anxieties. This latest outcry follows a series of operational blunders that have plagued national entrance examinations, including technical glitches that delayed CUET UG 2026 itself in May and early June, and the contentious NEET-UG 2026 paper leak allegations. The NTA repeated struggles to ensure a smooth, error-free testing environment have eroded public trust, sparking political debate and concern over India's 'vishwaguru' image in education. With over 15.68 lakh candidates appearing for CUET UG this year, the accurate and fair evaluation of answer keys is paramount, determining access to hundreds of central, state, and private universities. As the clock ticks down to the June 11, 2026, 10 PM deadline for answer key objections and 11:50 PM for fee payment, the NTA faces intense pressure to conduct a thorough and transparent review. While the agency has promised expert evaluation of all valid challenges, individual students will not be notified of the outcome. The finalized answer key will pave the way for results expected in the first week of July 2026, dictating the next steps for millions of students navigating a fragmented university admission process. All eyes are on NTA to restore faith in its examination system.