NTA Releases JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Provisional Answer Keys
The wait is finally over for nearly 1.3 million candidates who appeared for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026 Session 1. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially released the provisional answer keys and response sheets for the exam. Students can now visit the official portal to access these documents using their application number and password.
Challenge Window Open Until February 6
Along with the release of the provisional answer keys, the NTA has also opened the objection submission facility. Candidates who are not satisfied with any of the answers provided in the key can raise challenges from February 4 to February 6. A nominal fee of ₹200 per question must be paid when submitting a challenge against any question from the computer-based test.
With the help of the answer key and response sheet, students can calculate their probable scores before the official results are announced. The NTA has clarified that the final results will be prepared and declared based on the revised and final answer key. Candidates will not receive individual notifications regarding the acceptance or rejection of their challenges. Once all objections are reviewed by subject experts, the finalised answer key will be considered valid for result computation.
Exam Schedule and Result Date
JEE Main 2026 Session 1 was conducted between January 21 and January 29, 2026. The examination was held in two shifts each day — the morning shift ran from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, while the afternoon shift took place from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. This national-level entrance test serves as the gateway for admission to undergraduate engineering programs including B.Tech, B.Arch, and B.Planning courses across participating institutions.
The much-anticipated results for Session 1 are scheduled to be announced on February 12, 2026.
Step-by-Step Guide to Download the Answer Key
Candidates can follow these simple steps to access their response sheets and the provisional answer key:
- Navigate to the official JEE Main website.
- Look for the link labelled “JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Response Sheet” on the homepage and click on it.
- Enter your application number and password in the designated fields on the newly opened page.
- Press the submit button, and your response sheet along with the answer key will appear on the screen.
- Carefully review each question and cross-check it with the options you selected during the exam.
How to File an Objection Against the Answer Key
For those who wish to challenge any of the answers, the process is straightforward:
- Visit the official JEE Main website again.
- Click on the “JEE Main Answer Key 2026 Objection” link.
- Log in using your credentials and submit the details.
- Select the specific question or questions you wish to challenge.
- Upload supporting documents to validate your claim, pay the required fee, and complete the final submission.
Candidates are advised to review their response sheets thoroughly and make use of the objection window if they spot any discrepancies. Since the challenge window remains open for only three days, timely action is essential. The NTA has emphasised that only challenges supported by valid documentation will be considered during the review process.
For now, students can focus on calculating their estimated scores and preparing for the next stages of their academic journey. With results expected in just over a week, the coming days will be crucial for aspirants awaiting their performance in one of India’s most competitive engineering entrance examinations.
