JEE Main 2026 Answer Key Release on 04 February, Objections Till 05

JEE Main 2026 Session 1 provisional answer key will be released by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on 04 February 2026. Along with the answer key, candidates will also be able to access their response sheet and question paper PDF through the official website jeemain.nta.nic.in. The answer key challenge window will remain open from 04 February 2026 to 05 February 2026.

JEE Main 2026 Answer Key Release Date and Challenge Schedule

NTA has officially announced the key dates for the answer key and objection process. The provisional answer key will help candidates check their performance and estimate their expected scores before the final result.

The answer key objection facility will be available only for two days. Candidates must submit challenges within the given deadline along with the required fee and supporting proof. A detailed schedule is given below.

• Exam Dates (Session 1): 21 January 2026 to 29 January 2026
• Provisional Answer Key Release: 04 February 2026
• Answer Key Objection Window: 04 February 2026 to 05 February 2026
• Final Result Declaration: By 12 February 2026

JEE Main 2026 Exam Dates for Paper 1 and Paper 2

The JEE Main 2026 Session 1 exam was conducted for multiple papers across several shifts. Paper 1 for B.E/B.Tech was held on 21 January 2026, 22 January 2026, 23 January 2026, 24 January 2026, and 28 January 2026 in two shifts each day.

Paper 2 for B.Arch and B.Planning was conducted on 29 January 2026 in the first shift. The provisional answer key will be released shift-wise for all candidates.

How to Download JEE Main Answer Key 2026 and Response Sheet?

Candidates will be able to download the answer key, response sheet, and question paper PDF through the candidate login portal. These documents are necessary for score calculation and for raising objections. The steps to download are provided below.

• Visit jeemain.nta.nic.in
• Click on the link for JEE Main 2026 Session 1 answer key
• Log in using application number and password
• The answer key PDF will appear on the screen
• Download and save it for reference

How to Challenge JEE Main 2026 Provisional Answer Key?

Candidates who find any incorrect answer in the provisional key can raise objections through the official challenge window. The process includes the following steps.

• Log in to the candidate portal
• Select the question to be challenged
• Upload supporting proof or explanation
• Pay the prescribed challenge fee per question
• Submit the objection

The challenge fee is non-refundable. Objections submitted without valid proof may be rejected. After reviewing all challenges, NTA will publish the final answer key.

How to Calculate Marks Using JEE Main 2026 Answer Key?

Candidates can estimate their expected score using the official marking scheme. A brief marking pattern is given below.

• +4 marks for each correct answer
• -1 mark for each incorrect answer
• No negative marking for unattempted questions
• Numerical value questions have no negative marking

The JEE Main 2026 answer key is a crucial tool for candidates to predict their chances of qualifying for JEE Advanced 2026 and upcoming counselling rounds.