The NEET answer key is released by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on neet.nta.nic.in. NTA first shows the scanned image of each candidate's OMR answer sheet, then publishes a provisional answer key. You can challenge both the OMR grading and the answers in the key by paying a fee. After experts review the challenges, NTA issues the final key and declares the result from it.
Because the exam is in pen-and-paper mode, the answer key works with your OMR sheet. Check that your bubbles were read correctly and that the key itself is right. These are two separate checks, with two separate challenge options.
Two things NTA shows after the exam
| Display | What you check | Challenge fee (2026 bulletin) |
|---|---|---|
| Scanned OMR sheet | Whether your marked bubbles were read and graded correctly | Rs 200 per question, non-refundable |
| Provisional answer key | Whether NTA's answer for each question is correct | Rs 200 per question, non-refundable |
The exact dates for both are given by public notice on the NEET website. The windows are short, usually a few days, so keep checking.
How to check the NEET answer key
- Visit neet.nta.nic.in and open the link for the provisional answer key or the OMR display.
- Log in with your application number and password, and enter the security pin.
- Download your scanned OMR sheet and save it.
- Open the answer key and find your test booklet code, printed on your booklet and OMR sheet.
- Match each answer in your OMR with the key for that code.
Using the wrong booklet code is the most common mistake. The question order differs between codes, so a key for another code will give you a wrong score.
How to calculate your NEET score
The marking scheme in the bulletin is:
- Correct answer: +4
- Wrong answer: -1
- Unanswered: 0
- Question dropped or wrong: +4 to every candidate who appeared
- More than one correct option: +4 to those who marked any correct option
Score = (correct x 4) - (wrong x 1). With 180 questions, the maximum is 720. For example, 140 correct and 25 wrong with 15 blank gives 560 - 25 = 535.
Your score from the provisional key is only an estimate. The final key can drop or change questions, and those changes apply to everyone.
Work out the score subject by subject as well: Physics and Chemistry out of 180 each and Biology out of 360. This shows where you lost marks and helps if you plan to take the exam again.
How to raise an objection
- Log in during the challenge window.
- Select the question ID and the option you think is correct.
- Upload supporting documents, such as a page from an NCERT textbook.
- Pay Rs 200 per question online. The fee is not refunded even if you are right.
- Submit and keep the receipt.
NTA does not send individual replies. If experts accept a challenge, the final key is revised. The bulletin states that no grievance about the final key is entertained after the result, so the challenge window is your only chance.
Score, percentile and rank: the difference
Your answer key gives you a raw score out of 720. The result adds two more numbers. Your percentile shows the share of candidates who scored the same as or less than you. Your All India Rank places you among everyone who took the exam. If two candidates have the same score, NTA breaks the tie using rules set out in the bulletin, so the rank can differ even at equal marks. Counselling is based on rank, so use the provisional score only as a rough guide to your chances.
Qualifying percentile
To be eligible for admission, the bulletin requires marks at the 50th percentile for General candidates, the 40th percentile for SC, ST and OBC candidates and the 45th percentile for General PwBD candidates. The marks that match these percentiles are worked out after the result, so they change every year. Do not rely on cut-off figures circulating before the result.
Common problems and fixes
Booklet code not remembered
It is printed on your scanned OMR sheet. Download the OMR first and read the code from there.
OMR image shows a bubble you did not mark
Raise an OMR grading challenge with your reason. NTA compares the original OMR sheet before deciding.
Key answer differs from your coaching key
Coaching keys are unofficial. Challenge only where you have a clear reference, since each challenge costs money.
Cannot log in
Reset the password using the security question or registered email and mobile number. Use only neet.nta.nic.in; links on social media can be fake.
Your OMR has a smudge or a double bubble
The OMR is machine-graded. A question with two bubbles filled is treated as a wrong or invalid response, not as a correct one. Count such questions as wrong in your estimate unless the scanned image clearly shows only one darkened bubble.
What happens next
After the final key, NTA declares the result with your score, percentile and All India Rank. The scorecard and OMR are also kept in DigiLocker. Counselling for MBBS and BDS seats is run by the Medical Counselling Committee for the all-India quota and by state authorities for state seats.
For exam basics, go to the NEET UG exam hub. If you need your roll number or code details, the NEET admit card guide explains where they appear. The CUET PG key process works in a similar way online, other keys are in our answer key section, and result guides are in the results section.
HindiScope is not an official site; confirm on neet.nta.nic.in.