EXAM UPDATE
JEE MAIN 2026
JEE Main 2026 Answer Key LIVE: NTA Response Sheet Download, Challenge Link @ jeemain.nta.nic.in, Result Date
The National Testing Agency (NTA) is set to publish the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 provisional answer key and
candidate response sheet on February 4, 2026. Candidates can also raise objections through the
challenge window (expected open till February 5). Session 1 results are expected by February 12.
objection window will remain open till Feb 5 (login required).
What’s releasing on Feb 4?
For JEE Main 2026 Session 1 (exam held between Jan 21–29, 2026), NTA will publish:
(1) candidate response sheet, (2) provisional answer key, and (3) question paper PDF.
After this, candidates can raise objections within the challenge window (usually with a fee per question, as per portal rules).
JEE Main 2026 Session 1: Key Dates
All dates as per official announcement
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Session 1 Exam | Jan 21 – Jan 29, 2026 |
| Response Sheet Release | Feb 4, 2026 (anytime) |
| Provisional Answer Key | Feb 4, 2026 |
| Objection / Challenge Window | Feb 4 – Feb 5, 2026 |
| Session 1 Result | By Feb 12, 2026 |
Timeline: What happens next?
How to Download JEE Main 2026 Response Sheet (PDF)
The response sheet (with question paper PDF) will appear inside your candidate login once released.
- Go to the official website: jeemain.nta.nic.in
- Open the link like “JEE Main Candidate Response Sheet 2026 (Session 1)”
- Login using:
- Application Number
- Password
- CAPTCHA
- On your dashboard, click the Response Sheet link to open it
- Use the Print option to save/download the PDF
How to Estimate Your Score Using Answer Key + Response Sheet
Your response sheet shows what you marked, and the answer key shows the official correct options (provisional). Match both to estimate your raw score.
- +4 for every correct answer
- -1 for every incorrect answer
- Unattempted: 0
- Download response sheet + answer key
- Count correct answers (C) and wrong answers (W)
- Estimated Score = (4 × C) − (1 × W)
Answer Key vs Candidate Response Sheet: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Response Sheet | Answer Key |
|---|---|---|
| Contains your marked answers? | Yes | No |
| Contains official correct answers? | No | Yes (provisional first) |
| Same for all candidates? | No (candidate-specific) | Yes (shift-wise) |
| Can you challenge it? | No | Yes (during window) |
| Login required to download? | Yes | Yes |
How to Challenge the JEE Main 2026 Provisional Answer Key
If you spot a possible error in the provisional key, you can raise an objection within the official time window.
The challenge facility and download links are expected to appear together inside the candidate login.
- Login at jeemain.nta.nic.in using your application number and password
- Open the Answer Key Challenge link
- Select the question(s) you want to challenge
- Upload/support your claim with the required details (as asked on portal)
- Pay the required challenge fee (as per portal instructions) and submit
JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Result Date & What You’ll See
NTA is expected to declare the Session 1 result by February 12, 2026. The scorecard typically displays:
subject-wise percentile (Maths, Physics, Chemistry) and the overall percentile.
In many cases, the Session 1 view may not show ranks/cutoffs immediately—those details can come later as per NTA process.
Safety Checklist (Avoid Mistakes)
- Only use the official portal for response sheet, answer key, and challenge submission.
- Download and save your PDF copies (response sheet + key) before the window closes.
- Challenge only when you have a clear academic justification—random objections can waste time and money.
- Keep your login details private; avoid sharing screenshots with sensitive details.
FAQs: JEE Main 2026 Answer Key, Response Sheet & Result
When will JEE Main 2026 Session 1 answer key be released?
How do I download the NTA JEE Main response sheet PDF?
Can I challenge the JEE Main 2026 provisional answer key?
How can I calculate my expected score using the key and response sheet?
What is the expected JEE Main 2026 Session 1 result date?
About BeInCareer
BeInCareer shares verified career updates, exam alerts, walk-in drives, and hiring news to help students and job seekers take faster decisions.
We also publish step-by-step guides so you can complete applications and downloads without confusion.
