JEE Main 2026 Session 1 – Prov. Answer Key & Response Sheet Release Date Announced

Also Provisional answer key challenge date and result date of JEE Main 2026 Session 1 announced

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially announced important dates related to the provisional answer key, response sheet and result release for JEE Main 2026 Session 1. This update is crucial for students who took the JEE Main exam in January 2026.

The answer key allows candidates to not only compare their answers but also estimate their potential scores and their chances of qualifying for JEE Advanced 2026. Here’s detailed information on the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 answer key release date, download link, response sheet, objection process, and score calculation.

JEE Main 2026 Important Dates

According to the official schedule released by the NTA, the provisional answer key for JEE Main 2026 will be released on February 4, 2026. Candidates will also be provided with their recorded response sheets and question papers on the same day.

JEE Main 2026 Exam Date (Session 1): January 21 to January 29, 2026
Provisional Answer Key Release Date: February 4, 2026
Answer Key Objection Period: February 4 to 5, 2026
JEE Main 2026 Result: February 12, 2026

JEE Main 2026 Exam Overview

NTA conducted the JEE Main 2026 exam for B.E./B.Tech in two shifts on January 21, 22, 23, 24, and 28, 2026. Meanwhile, the B.Arch and B.Planning (Paper 2) exams were held in the first shift on January 29, 2026. With the release of the answer key, candidates will have the opportunity to clearly assess their performance.

How to download the JEE Main 2026 Answer Key?

To download the JEE Main 2026 answer key, response sheet, and question paper, candidates should follow the steps below:

First, visit the official website jeemain.nta.nic.in
Click on the link “JEE Main 2026 Answer Key Session 1” on the homepage
Log in by entering your application number and password
Your shift’s answer key will appear on the screen
Download the PDF file and save it for future reference.

Candidates are advised to download the response sheet and question paper along with the answer key, as these are the basis for score calculation and objection submission.

How to raise an objection against the JEE Main 2026 Answer Key?

If a candidate has doubts about any answer in the provisional answer key, they can raise an objection within the stipulated time limit.

Process for filing objections:

Log in to the candidate portal
Select the question whose answer you are objecting to
Upload the required documents or explanations in support of the correct answer
Pay the prescribed objection fee per question
Finalize the objection

Note: Objections submitted without proof will not be accepted. The objection fee is non-refundable. The final answer key will be released by the NTA after reviewing all objections.

How to calculate scores from the JEE Main 2026 Answer Key?

Candidates can easily calculate their estimated scores using the answer key. Follow the official JEE Main marking scheme.

JEE Main 2026 Marking Scheme:

For each correct answer: +4 marks
For each incorrect answer: –1 mark
For unattempted questions: No negative marking
For numerical value questions: No negative marking
Formula for calculating the total score:

Total marks = (correct answers × 4) – (incorrect answers × 1)

Based on this estimated score, candidates can prepare for their probable rank and further counseling.

The JEE Main 2026 answer key is an important tool for students to accurately assess their performance. Downloading the answer key on time, matching answers, and raising objections, if necessary, is crucial for the further process. Only after the final answer key and result will candidates’ actual rank and eligibility for JEE Advanced 2026 be clear.

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Aabshar Hassan Quazi

Aabshar H. Quazi is a seasoned education writer associated with ALLEN Career Institute, where he crafts insightful blogs on competitive exam trends, student journeys, and academic guidance. With a background in journalism, Aabshar has worked as Principal Correspondent for Hindustan Times, honing his skills in storytelling, analysis, and impactful reporting. His writing blends credibility with clarity, making complex topics accessible for students and parents alike.