The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the provisional answer keys and question papers with recorded responses for the ICAR AIEEA (PG) and AICE-JRF/SRF (Ph.D.) 2026 examinations. Candidates who are not satisfied with any answer in the provisional answer key can submit challenges through the official NTA ICAR portal.

ICAR AIEEA (PG) & AICE-JRF/SRF 2026 Examination

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Entrance Examinations for All India Entrance Examination for Admission (AIEEA)-PG and All India Competitive Examination (AICE)-JRF/SRF (Ph.D.) 2026 were conducted by NTA in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode in July 2026.

According to the public notice, the examination was conducted across cities and involved candidates registered for both AIEEA (PG) and AICE-JRF/SRF (Ph.D.) programmes.

Provisional Answer Key Challenge Dates

Candidates can challenge the provisional answer key from August 16 to August 18, 2026, up to 11:59 PM.

Rs. 200 Processing Fee Per Question

Candidates who wish to challenge any question in the provisional answer key must pay a non-refundable processing fee of Rs. 200 per question challenged.

NTA has clarified that no challenge will be accepted without successful payment of the prescribed processing fee, and challenges submitted through any other mode will not be entertained.

How to Challenge ICAR Answer Key 2026

Candidates can follow the steps below to submit their challenges:

1. Visit the official ICAR examination portal at exams.nta.nic.in/icar/.
2. Click on “Challenge(s) regarding Answer Key.”
3. Log in using the Application Number and Password.
4. Enter the displayed captcha and submit.
5. Click on “View Question Paper” to check the marked/recorded responses.
6. Click on “Click to view/Challenge Answer Key.”
7. Match the Question IDs in the question paper with those listed in the answer key.
8. Select the relevant Option ID(s) for the question being challenged.
9. Upload supporting documents, if required, in a single PDF file.
10. Click “Submit and Review Claims.”
11. Review the selected challenges carefully.
12. Use “Modify your Claims” if any changes are required.
13. Click “Final Submit.”
14. Click “Pay Now” and pay Rs. 200 for each question challenged.
15. The challenge will be saved only after successful payment.

Candidates Advised to Verify Question IDs Carefully

NTA has specifically informed candidates that the Question IDs displayed in the Answer Key list may not appear in sequential order. Candidates should therefore refer to their question paper and carefully match the corresponding Question IDs before submitting a challenge.

The Correct Option(s) column indicates the option identified by NTA as the appropriate answer. Candidates can select one or more Option IDs while submitting their objections.

Supporting Documents Can Be Uploaded

Candidates who have supporting evidence for their challenge can upload the relevant documents during the objection process. The documents are required to be combined into a single PDF file before uploading.

Candidates should carefully review all claims and supporting documents before final submission and payment.

NTA to Verify Challenges Through Subject Experts

All challenges submitted by candidates will be examined by a panel of subject experts. If a challenge is found to be correct, the provisional answer key will be revised.

The revised answer key will be applied to the responses of all candidates concerned. The result will be prepared and declared on the basis of the Final Answer Key.

NTA has also clarified that individual candidates will not be informed separately about the acceptance or rejection of their challenges. The answer key finalized by the subject experts after the challenge process will be treated as final.

Last Date to Submit ICAR Answer Key Challenge

The answer key challenge facility will remain available until August 18, 2026, at 11:59 PM. Candidates must also complete the fee payment within the same deadline.

Candidates are advised to submit their challenges well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical or payment-related issues..Click here

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