JEE Main Session 1 Answer Key ka wait kar rahe millions of engineering aspirants ke liye achchi khabar hai. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced the official schedule for the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 answer key, response sheet, and result date.
In this article, we will look into the official NTA JEE Main 2026 answer key release date, explain how to challenge the provisional answer key, and provide information on the JEE Main 2026 result date and scorecard download process
Students preparing seriously for upcoming attempts can also explore our JEE Main 2026 preparation course, which focuses on concept clarity, exam-level practice, and rank improvement.
JEE Main Session 1 Answer Key : Important Dates at a Glance
To help you stay on top of the deadlines related to the JEE Main Session 1 Answer Key, here is the official timeline released by the NTA:
| Event | Official Date |
| JEE Provisional Answer Key Release | February 4, 2026 |
| JEE Answer Key Objection Window | February 4 – February 6, 2026 (up to 11:50 PM) |
| JEE Final Answer Key Release | Second week of February (Before Results) |
| JEE Main 2026 Result Date: Session 1 | By February 12, 2026 |
| Session 2 Registration Start Date | February 1, 2026 |
If you are targeting a better score in Session 2, joining a structured JEE Main coaching program for 2026 can help you plan revision and mock tests effectively.
These dates are as per the official notification available on jee main nta nic in 2026, and students are advised to follow only NTA updates related to the JEE Main Session 1 Answer Key
How to Download the JEE Main Session 1 Answer Key?
The JEE Main Session 1 answer key and candidate response sheets are now available on the official portal. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth download process:
1. Visit the Official Website: Go to jeemain.nta.nic.in.
2. Find the Link: Look for the notification “JEE (Main) 2026 Session 1 Answer Key and Response Sheet.”
3. Login Credentials: Enter your Application Number and Date of Birth (or Password).
4. Access Documents: Once logged in, you can view your recorded responses alongside the provisional JEE answer key.
5. Calculate Your Score: Use the official marking scheme, add +4 for every correct answer, and subtract -1 for every incorrect response.
Along with the answer key, NTA has also released the JEE Main 2026 response sheet, which allows candidates to match their marked answers with the provisional key.
Many students use their answer key analysis to identify weak areas and then strengthen them through a guided JEE Main 2026 crash course.
JEE Main Session 1 Answer Key Challenge Process
The NTA provides a transparent mechanism for students to contest any discrepancies in the JEE Main Session 1 Answer Key. If you believe a particular answer provided by the NTA is incorrect, you can raise an objection.
This JEE Main Session 1 Answer Key challenge process ensures transparency and fairness for all candidates.
1. Deadline: The window closes on February 6, 2026, at 11:50 PM.
2. Fee: A non-refundable processing fee of ₹200 per question challenged is required.
3. Verification: NTA subject experts will review all challenges. If a challenge is found valid, the answer key will be revised, and the Final Answer Key will be prepared.
JEE Main Session 1 Answer Key & Result – What to Expect?
The JEE Main 2026 Result date is scheduled to be declared by February 12, 2026. It is important to note that the Session 1 result will primarily feature your NTA Percentile Score for each subject, as well as the total percentile. Candidates will be able to download their JEE Main 2026 scorecard from the official JEE Main 2026 result link on the NTA website, which will display subject-wise percentile, total percentile, and qualifying status.
Additionally, since the exam was conducted in multiple shifts, the NTA employs a normalization process. This process ensures fairness by accounting for varying difficulty levels across different days.
Based on your percentile, enrolling in a personalised JEE Main 2026 preparation course can help you target a higher rank in the next attempt.
Furthermore, your All India Rank (AIR) and the qualifying cutoff for JEE Advanced will only be finalized after the conclusion of the Session 2 exams, which will take place in April.
Preparing for Session 2?
While you wait for the results, keep in mind that the JEE Main 2026 Session 2 registration is already underway. Additionally, if you feel there is room for improvement, you have until February 25, 2026, to apply for the April attempt. Moreover, many students use the Session 1 result as a diagnostic tool. This helps them identify weak areas in Physics, Chemistry, or Mathematics.
To make the most of the April attempt, many aspirants choose a focused JEE Main Session 2 preparation course that includes revision plans, mock tests, and performance analysis.
Conclusion
The release of the JEE Main Session 1 Answer Key marks an important moment for over 13 lakh candidates. Consequently, it is important to follow the official NTA schedule. By doing so, you can accurately estimate your score. This estimation will help you decide your future course of action.
Furthermore, if you are aiming for a top NIT or a seat in the prestigious IITs via JEE Advanced, it is very necessary to stay focused. Therefore, keep a close eye on jeemain.nta.nic.in for the latest updates.
If your goal is to improve your percentile and secure a seat in top NITs or qualify for JEE Advanced, you can start your preparation with our JEE Main 2026 coaching course today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. When will the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Final Answer Key be released?
The NTA typically releases the Final Answer Key a few hours before the results, expected in the second week of February 2026. This version incorporates all verified corrections from student challenges and cannot be further contested.
2. Can I challenge the JEE Main Answer Key after the deadline?
No. The NTA is very strict regarding its timeline. The window to challenge the provisional key closes on February 6, 2026, at 11:50 PM. Once the link is removed from the official website, no further objections will be entertained via email or post.
3. What is the fee for challenging a question in JEE Main 2026?
Candidates must pay a non-refundable processing fee of ₹200 per question challenged. Payment must be made online via Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI before the deadline for the challenge to be considered.
4. Will my All India Rank (AIR) be mentioned in the Session 1 Result?
No. The Session 1 scorecard will only display your NTA Percentile Scores for individual subjects and the total. Your final All India Rank (AIR) and category ranks will be announced only after the Session 2 (April) results are declared, based on your best performance across both sessions.
5. How to calculate JEE Main 2026 score using the answer key?
To calculate your JEE Main score, match your responses with the provisional answer key, add +4 marks for each correct answer, and deduct -1 mark for every incorrect response. No marks are deducted for unanswered questions.
