The National Testing Agency (NTA) has published the provisional answer key for the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 exam on the official portal jeemain.nta.nic.in, alongside candidate response sheets. This release follows the successful conduct of the engineering entrance test in multiple shifts earlier this year.
JEE Main 2026: Provisional Answer Key and How to Access?
The provisional answer key and individual response sheets for candidates who appeared in the January session have been made available for viewing and download. Students can log into the jeemain.nta.nic.in portal using their application number and date of birth or password to access the documents. These documents allow candidates to cross-verify their marked responses against the official provisional answers and estimate their probable scores based on the standard JEE marking scheme. Candidates should download both the answer key and response sheet for reference during the challenge period.
JEE Main 2026 Objection Window: Last Date to Raise Challenges
The NTA has opened the answer key objection facility for the provisional key. Aspirants who identify discrepancies in the provisional answer key can raise objections online during the dedicated period:
- Objection window opens: Already active
- Last date to challenge: 6 February 2026 (11:50 PM)
Candidates must submit objections through the official challenge link on jeemain.nta.nic.in, paying a non-refundable fee of ₹200 per question challenged. Challenges submitted without the required fee or outside the official interface will not be accepted. When raising objections, test-takers should provide clear justification or evidence supporting their challenge to increase the chance of it being considered. Expert panels appointed by NTA will review all valid objections and make corrections before issuing the final answer key.
JEE Main 2026 Final Answer Key and Result Date
After reviewing all objections, the NTA will release the final answer key, which forms the basis for result preparation. Based on current timelines and official updates:
- Final answer key expected: Before the result announcement
- JEE Main 2026 Session 1 result date: By 12 February 2026
The final result will be published on jeemain.nta.nic.in after all challenges are processed and key revisions completed. Candidates will be able to check their percentile, score and qualifying status directly on the portal.
What JEE Main Candidates Should Do Next?
Students are advised to:
- Download and review the provisional answer key and response sheet promptly.
- Compare marked responses carefully and calculate tentative scores.
- Submit well-justified objections before the February 6 deadline to address any key errors.
- Keep checking the official portal for updates on the final answer key and result release.
Timely action during the objection window can have a material impact on final scores and percentile, which in turn affect admissions prospects into NITs, IIITs, GFTIs and eligibility for JEE Advanced 2026. Staying updated with official announcements from jeemain.nta.nic.in will ensure applicants don’t miss any critical deadlines or procedural changes.