The National Testing Agency (NTA) is scheduled to release the JEE Main Answer Key 2026 for the Session 1 examinations today, February 4, 2026. Along with the provisional answer key, the agency will also upload individual candidate response sheets on its official website, jeemain.nta.nic.in. This release marks a crucial step for lakhs of engineering aspirants who appeared for the exam between January and early February, allowing them to cross-verify their marked answers with the official solutions before the final results are declared.
NTA JEE Main Session 1 Response Sheet 2026: Direct Link and Timing
Following the conclusion of the first session of the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026, the NTA has confirmed via its official social media handles that the answer key link will be activated today. While an exact hour has not been specified, the link typically goes live by late afternoon or evening.
Candidates must keep their login credentials ready, as the portal will require specific details to grant access to the personalized dashboard. The provisional key serves as a preliminary document; it is not the final result but a transparency measure to ensure students can audit their performance.
Step-by-Step Guide to Download JEE Main Answer Key 2026
To ensure a smooth experience amidst high web traffic, candidates are advised to follow these verified steps:
- Visit the official NTA JEE website at jeemain.nta.nic.in.
- Locate the “Latest News” or “Candidate Activity” section on the homepage.
- Click on the link titled ‘JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Answer Key and Response Sheet’.
- Select your preferred login method: Application Number and Password or Application Number and Date of Birth.
- Once logged in, your individual response sheet and the master provisional answer key will appear on the screen.
- Download the PDF files and save a digital copy for future reference.
How to Calculate Your Probable JEE Main Score
The release of the response sheet allows students to estimate their National Testing Agency (NTA) scores before the formal announcement. To calculate an accurate probable score, candidates must follow the official marking scheme strictly.
For every correct answer in the Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Numerical Value Questions, award yourself +4 marks. Conversely, for every incorrect response, deduct 1 mark (-1). No marks are added or subtracted for questions left unattempted. By tallying the response sheet against the JEE Main Answer Key 2026, aspirants can reach a near-accurate raw score, though the final percentile will depend on normalization across various shifts.
Challenging the JEE Main Provisional Answer Key
The NTA provides a specific window for candidates to contest any discrepancies they find in the provisional key. If a student believes an official answer is incorrect, they can raise an objection through the online portal.
This challenge facility is available from today, February 4, until the evening of February 5, 2026. A non-refundable processing fee is usually required for every question challenged. Subject experts will then review all submitted objections. If a challenge is found valid, the answer key will be revised, and a Final Answer Key will be published.
Important Dates for JEE Main 2026 Aspirants
The timeline for the Session 1 results is tight. While the answer key window closes on February 5, the NTA is expected to process the data rapidly. Based on official notifications, the final results and the All India Ranks (for Session 1) are likely to be announced by February 12, 2026.
| Event | Date |
| Provisional Answer Key Release | February 4, 2026 |
| Last Date to Raise Objections | February 5, 2026 |
| Declaration of Final Results | February 12, 2026 (Expected) |
As the server might experience heavy loads immediately after the link activation, candidates are suggested to maintain patience or try accessing the portal during off-peak hours.
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