The National Testing Agency (NTA) is currently addressing concerns regarding discrepancies identified in the Chemistry section of the JEE Main 2026 Session 2 exam, which took place on April 5, 2026. This issue arose during the second shift of the examination, leading to significant unrest among students and educational stakeholders.
In response to the reported discrepancies, the NTA has urged candidates not to submit any payments for challenging the Chemistry answer key until an official statement is released. The agency acknowledged the situation through a social media post, stating: “Reports regarding discrepancies in the JEE Chemistry paper (5 April, S2) have been noted on social media and are currently under verification. NTA regrets the inconvenience caused. Candidates are advised not to make any payments related to challenges for these until an official clarification is issued.”
Impact on Students and Stakeholder Reactions
The announcement from the NTA has prompted a wave of reactions from students, parents, and educators on various social media platforms. Many candidates expressed their frustration and anxiety over the situation, emphasizing the importance of accuracy in an exam that represents years of hard work and preparation. One student voiced their frustration, stating, “WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?? RELEASE THE CORRECT ANS KEY ASAP AND ISSUE AN APOLOGY REGARDING THE MENTAL TORTURE YOU HAVE GIVEN TO THIS SHIFT CHILDREN.”
Another candidate echoed similar sentiments, insisting that an apology alone is insufficient, and called for accountability from the NTA. This sentiment was further reinforced by a parent who remarked on the emotional toll such discrepancies can have, saying, “How can NTA do such a blunder? Please try to understand that this exam involves years of preparation and a lot of expectations from students and parents.”
Details of the JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Examination
The JEE Main 2026 Session 2 exams were conducted from April 2 to April 8, 2026, across a total of 566 examination centres in 304 cities within India and 14 cities internationally. Approximately 11.23 lakh candidates participated in this computer-based test (CBT). Following the examination, the NTA released the provisional answer key for Paper 1 (BE/BTech) on April 11, 2026, along with the opening of the objection window for candidates.
| Event | Date |
| JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Examination Dates | April 2 - April 8, 2026 |
| Release of Provisional Answer Key | April 11, 2026 |
| Final Answer Key Release Date | April 20, 2026 |
Challenging the Answer Key
Candidates wishing to contest the provisional answer key must pay a non-refundable processing fee of Rs 200 per question. However, in light of the ongoing review of the Chemistry section, students are advised to refrain from submitting any objections until further clarification is provided by the NTA. The agency has committed to reviewing all objections and concerns raised by candidates before finalizing the answer key.
Join KollegeApply's Official Telegram Channel for Latest Exams Updates: https://t.me/KollegeApplyAlerts
Looking Ahead: Final Answer Key Release
The NTA is expected to release the final answer key on April 20, 2026. This final version will incorporate any valid challenges raised during the objection period. Candidates are encouraged to stay informed and monitor official announcements to ensure they are aware of any changes or updates regarding the examination results.