UGC-NET 2026: Three Papers to Be Reheld as NTA Faces Accountability Questions

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced fresh examinations for English, Commerce and Sociology papers of UGC-NET June 2026 after an internal review found multiple errors in the question papers, triggering criticism from opposition parties and student organisations.

The retests will be held on September 9 and 10. English will be conducted on September 9 from 9 am to noon, Commerce from 3 pm to 6 pm, and Sociology on September 10 from 9 am to noon. Candidates will not be charged an additional examination fee. The June examination was conducted between June 22 and 30 across 87 subjects to determine eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), Assistant Professor positions and PhD admissions.

The NTA review identified factual, typographical, grammatical and translation errors, along with repeated questions and other inconsistencies. Candidates had earlier raised concerns over the Sociology paper, including misspelt names and poor translations, while English candidates alleged that several questions had been repeated from earlier examinations. The controversy has raised concerns because UGC-NET results can directly affect PhD admissions, JRF opportunities and academic careers. Candidates have questioned why they should bear the consequences of errors made by the examination agency.

Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi criticised the decision, arguing that the NTA makes mistakes while students are forced to face the consequences. The Congress has demanded greater accountability from the agency and the government. Student organisations, including ABVP and SFI, have also raised concerns over examination quality and accountability. ABVP said students' futures cannot be compromised because of failures in the examination system and called for stronger safeguards.

The NTA, however, has maintained that the retest is necessary to ensure a fair and level playing field. Sources said the number of qualifying candidates and subject-wise allocations will not be reduced because of the retest. The controversy has also prompted a wider NTA overhaul. More than 50 staff members have reportedly been removed, while the agency has advertised 10 leadership positions in areas including cybersecurity, technology, test security and psychometrics. The Centre has ordered an audit of examination processes and security protocols, seeking measures to prevent similar errors in future.