JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Provisional Answer Key LIVE Updates Released by NTA

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the provisional answer key for JEE Main 2026 Session 1 on February 4, 2026. Candidates can access the answer key on the official website, jeemain.nta.nic.in. The release comes shortly after the completion of the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 examination, held on January 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, and 29. The exam witnessed a strong turnout, with over 96% attendance among more than 13 lakh registered candidates across multiple days of testing, highlighting the scale and competitiveness of the examination.

Candidates can download their individual provisional answer key, recorded response sheet, and question paper PDFs by logging in with their application number and date of birth or password on the official JEE Main 2026 portal. The release of the provisional answer key marks a crucial step in the JEE Main 2026 process, enabling candidates to estimate probable scores and prepare for the next phase of admissions.

Key Dates for JEE Main 2026 Session 1

• Provisional answer key and response sheet release: February 4, 2026

• Challenge window for objections: February 4 – February 5, 2026

• Final answer key & Session 1 result (expected): February 12, 2026

Check the official notice here.

How to Download the JEE Main 2026 Provisional Answer Key

Candidates must follow these steps to access their answer keys and response sheets:

1. Visit the official JEE Main 2026 website at jeemain.nta.nic.in.

2. Click on the link for “JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Answer Key / Response Sheet”.

3. Log in using your application number and date of birth or password.

4. View and download your question paper, response sheet, and provisional answer key in PDF format.

5. Save the PDFs for score calculation and future reference.

The portal also displays the marking scheme, where candidates receive +4 marks for each correct answer, –1 mark for each incorrect attempt, and no negative marking for unanswered questions.

Objection / Challenge Process

The NTA has opened a 48-hour challenge window for candidates to raise objections against any discrepancies in the provisional answer key. The challenge period runs from February 4 to February 5, 2026. Objections must be submitted online through the same official portal (jeemain.nta.nic.in) within this timeframe; no objections will be accepted after the deadline.

Along with the provisional answer key, NTA has released individual candidate response sheets, enabling students to compare their marked answers with the official solutions and submit objections within the prescribed window. After all valid challenges are examined, the agency will publish the final answer key, which will be used to calculate scores and compile the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 results. The final answer key and results are expected to be released by February 12, 2026. In case of confirmed errors, necessary corrections will be made, including the removal of incorrect questions, with full marks awarded to all candidates who attempted them.

Next Steps and Registration for Session 2

With the provisional answer key now available, candidates are advised to review their responses carefully and use the challenge facility if needed. Meanwhile, registration for JEE Main 2026 Session 2 is already open and will continue until February 25, 2026, offering candidates an additional opportunity to appear and improve their performance.

The release of the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 provisional answer key is a key milestone in the engineering entrance exam cycle, helping students assess their performance and prepare for the upcoming admission stages and Session 2 exams.

Written by Shreoshree Chakrabarty

Shreoshree Chakrabarty is an experienced content writer with over five years of professional expertise in creating engaging and impactful content across diverse formats. Over the course of her career, she has collaborated with well-known brands such as Myntra and Justdial, contributing high-quality content that aligns with brand voice and audience expectations. Academically, Shreoshree holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication, and outside of her professional pursuits, she is an avid reader and a passionate traveller who enjoys exploring new places and cultures. She also loves watching movies, finding inspiration in cinema and literature that often reflects in her writing style.

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