Delhi HC directs NTA to form an expert committee within four weeks to review objections raised in the UGC NET History examination. The order was passed on 19 February 2026 following petitions challenging alleged errors in the question paper and answer key.
The UGC NET examination was conducted between 31 December 2025 and 7 January 2026, and the provisional answer key was released on 14 January 2026. The exam determines eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), Assistant Professor posts, and admission to PhD programmes.
Delhi High Court Order on UGC NET History Answer Key
The legal proceedings began after a writ petition was filed challenging specific question IDs in the History paper. During the first hearing on 10 February 2026, the court directed the National Testing Agency to respond within four days.
On 19 February 2026, the court ordered that objections submitted by candidates be treated as formal representations. It directed NTA to constitute an expert committee to evaluate the concerns, hear applicants, and pass a reasoned order within four weeks from the date of the directive.
The court also granted relief to one petitioner who was short of JRF qualification by two marks. Observing that one disputed question involved identical options, the court paved the way for awarding two marks and disposed of the petition.
UGC NET History 2025 Result and Candidates’ Concerns
A total of 60,777 candidates appeared for the UGC NET History paper in December. The result was declared on 4 February 2026. Several candidates alleged that nine questions and two translations contained errors.
Despite objections raised during the challenge window, the final answer key released on 4 February 2026 remained unchanged. Candidates claimed that even questions with identical options were not rectified.
Some aspirants stated they missed the JRF or Assistant Professor cut-off by one or two questions. Concerns were also raised regarding the INR 200 non-refundable fee per objection and the absence of detailed explanations from subject experts on rejected challenges.
NTA Forms Subject Expert Committee
Amid growing discontent, NTA informed candidates on 21 February 2026 that a subject expert committee had been formed to re-examine concerns related to the History paper.
Faculty members from coaching institutes claimed there were nine incorrect answers and two translation issues. However, some qualified JRF candidates disputed the scale of errors and argued that only a limited number of questions were debatable.
With the High Court’s direction now in place, thousands of candidates await clarity on whether further corrections, revised results, or score changes will follow. The expert committee’s findings are expected within four weeks from 19 February 2026.