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ICAR AIEEA (PG), AICE JRF/SRF Answer Key 2026 Released
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has shared provisional answer keys and question papers and recorded answers for the ICAR AIEEA (PG) and AICE JRF/SRF (Ph.D.) examinations for 2026. Aspirants can submit an online challenge regarding the answer key through the official ICAR examination website.
The challenge window will be open from 16th August to 18th August, 2026 (11: 59 PM) for candidates. Candidates who want to submit a challenge will need to pay Rs.200 for each challenged question. The fee for a challenge is non-refundable.
Important Links for ICAR-2026 Examinations
NTA has released the provisional answer key. It has included question papers and recorded responses to the answer sheets. The answer key released by NTA allows candidates to cross-check the answers they marked in the exam against the responses to the questions released by NTA.
The computer-based examinations (CBT) were held on 4th July, 2026. According to the notice released by NTA, the examinations were conducted in 162 cities and about 42,110 candidates (30,619 for AIEEA (PG) and 11,491 for AICE JRF/SRF (PhD)) appeared for the examinations.
Important Dates for ICAR AIEEA PG/AICE JRF/SRF Answer Key, 2026:
|
Event |
Date/Details |
|---|---|
|
Provisional Answer Key Released |
August 16, 2026 |
|
Challenge Window |
August 16–18, 2026 |
|
Last Date to Submit Challenge |
August 18, 2026 |
|
Last Time for Fee Payment |
11:59 PM |
|
Challenge Fee |
₹200 per question |
|
Mode of Challenge |
Online only |
The deadline for both submission of challenges and payment of the processing fee of Rs.200 per question remains the same, i.e. 11:59 PM of 18 August, 2026.
How to Challenge ICAR Answer Key 2026
Here are the steps to file a challenge:
- Go to the official website of ICAR examinations.
- Select “Challenge(s) regarding Answer Key.”
- Log in with application number and password and enter the captcha.
- To see the recorded responses, select “View Question Paper.”
- To select “Click to view/Challenge Answer Key,”
- Clarify the questions and answer IDs and select the answer that you want to challenge.
- Challenge the answer by clicking on the answer or answers as required.
- Upload the scanned documents of proof as required. The proof should be in 1 PDF file.
- Click on “Claims,” verify the challenges, and click on “Modify your Claims” to make any necessary changes or “Final Submit,” as required.
- Click on “Pay Now” and pay INR 200 for every answer that you challenge.
Your challenge will only be considered complete after payment is successful.
What Happens After the ICAR Answer Key Challenge?
The challenges submitted will be scrutinized by an expert panel. The answer keys will be updated if the challenges are in order. The final answer keys will be used to evaluate the ICAR AIEEA (PG) and AICE JRF/SRF (PhD) examinations.
NTA has stated that each candidate will not be sent a communication stating whether their challenge was accepted or rejected. The answer key will not be changed after it is finalized.
What Candidates Should Check Before Raising an Objection
The challenge should not be based solely on a difference between the candidate’s answer and the provisional key. Candidates should check the question, question ID, and the proposed correct option and should preserve the supporting material, if needed.
Considering the challenge fee of Rs 200 per question, which is non-refundable, candidates should review each challenge thoroughly before submitting it.
ICAR Answer Key 2026: Helpline
Candidates facing difficulties or needing clarifications regarding the answer key challenge, can call NTA on 011-40759000 or send a mail to icar@nta.ac.in. NTA asks the candidates to visit their web page regularly for the latest news.
Final Thoughts
The provisional answer key provided to the ICAR AIEEA (PG) and AICE JRF/SRF (Ph.D.) candidates is an opportunity to point out possible anomalies. This will be the last opportunity to do so before the final key is prepared. The time given is very short, i.e., August 18, 2026, at 11:59 PM. Candidates who detect a genuine discrepancy should fill in the objection form online, provide the evidence and verify that the processing fee of Rs. 200 for each question has been deducted.
The candidates should rely on the official ICAR examination web page for the latest notifications instead of third party unofficial web pages and social media posts.
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