The National Testing Agency (NTA) officially released the CSIR NET Provisional Answer Key 2025 on March 11, 2025. Candidates who appeared the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research National Eligibility Test (CSIR NET) can download the answer key from the official website, csirnet.nta.ac.in.
If candidates find mistakes in the answer key, they can raise objections by March 14, 2025. For each challenge, they need to pay a fee of INR 200 per question and provide valid supporting evidence. A panel of subject experts will review the objections, and if they are found valid, corrections will be made to the final answer key.

Steps to Download CSIR NET Answer Key 2025?
Here are the steps candidates need to follow to download CSIR NET Provisional Answer Key 2025:
1. Visit the official website: csirnet.nta.ac.in
2. Next, click on the link “CSIR NET 2025 Provisional Answer Key”.
3. Fill in the Required details Application Number, Date of Birth/ Password.
4. Click on Submit.
5. The answer key will be displayed on the screen.
6. Then Download and also take a printout for future reference.

CSIR NET Answer Key 2025 Challenge Notice
However, NTA provides an opportunity for candidates to raise objections against the provisional answer key in a certain given period. Here’s how to raise objections:
1. Log in to the official website using your credentials.
2. Click on the “Challenge Answer Key” link.
3. Select the question(s) you want to challenge.
4. Upload supporting documents to justify your claim.
5. Pay the challenge fee of INR 200 per question via online payment methods.
6. Submit your objections before the deadline.
The NTA will review the objections, and if any discrepancies are found valid, they will be corrected in the final answer key.
How to Calculate Marks Using CSIR NET Answer Key 2025?
Candidates may also use the provisional answer key to calculate their probable score before the results are officially announced. Here’s how:
1. Compare your answers to the official answer key.
2. Follow the marking scheme:
- Correct Answer: +2 marks
- Incorrect Answer: -0.5 marks (negative marking applicable for Part B & C)
- Unattempted Questions: No marks deducted
3. Sum up your total score based on the marking scheme.
This estimated score will help candidates evaluate their performance and compare it with the expected cut-off marks.
How do you raise objections against the CSIR NET Answer Key?
If a candidate finds an error in the provisional answer key, they can raise an objection by following these steps:
1. Visit csirnet.nta.ac.in.
2. Log in using your Application Number and Password.
3. Click on “Challenge Provisional Answer Key”.
4. Select the question(s) you want to challenge.
5. Upload valid documentary proof to support your claim.
6. Pay the required fee (INR 200 per question).
7. Submit the challenge before the March 14, 2025 deadline.
After reviewing all objections, National Testing Agency (NTA) will release the Final Answer Key, and no further challenges will be entertained.
CSIR NET Cut Off 2024 (Expected Trends for 2025)
The CSIR NET Cut Off varies based on subjects and categories. Here’s an overview of the expected trends based on the previous year's cut-off:
Candidates should aim for a score higher than the expected cut-off to secure their chances of qualification.
Conclusion
The release of the CSIR NET Provisional Answer Key 2025 is an important step in the examination process. Candidates should review their answers, calculate their scores, and raise any objections before the deadline. Stay tuned to the official website for updates on the final answer key and results.
FAQs on CSIR NET Provisional Answer Key 2025
1. Where can I download the CSIR NET Provisional Answer Key 2025?
The answer key is available on the official NTA website: csirnet.nta.ac.in
2. What is the last date to raise objections for CSIR NET 2025 Answer Key?
Candidates can challenge the answer key until March 14, 2025.
3. Is there a fee for challenging the CSIR NET Answer Key?
Yes, candidates must pay INR 200 per question to submit their objections.
4. When will the final CSIR NET Answer Key 2025 be released?
The final answer key will be released after reviewing all objections, usually within a week from the challenge window closes.
5. How can I calculate my score using the CSIR NET Answer Key?
Marking scheme: +2 marks for correct answers, -0.5 marks for incorrect answers (in Part B & C), and no penalty for unattempted questions.