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Yuvraj Ghai

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  • Published: Feb 04 2026 03:24 PM
  • Last Updated: Feb 04 2026 03:50 PM

JEE Main 2026 Session 1 answer key out at 12:16 PM IST. Learn how to challenge wrong answers with correct file upload steps before the deadline



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The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the provisional answer key and response sheets for JEE Main 2026 Session 1 at around 12:16 PM IST today, providing engineering aspirants an early opportunity to check their marked answers against the official key. This update comes after days of anticipation following the engineering entrance exam conducted in multiple shifts on January 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, and 29, 2026. With the answer key now live on the official portal, candidates can not only evaluate their performance but also challenge answers they believe are incorrect.

What Is the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Provisional Answer Key

The provisional answer key shows the official answers that NTA believes are correct for each question in Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech). It works as a benchmark for students to estimate their probable score and verify the accuracy of answers marked during the exam. The response sheet released alongside shows the exact options students submitted in the actual exam, which can help them compare carefully with the official key. Together, the answer key and response sheet give students the first look at their potential performance before final results are declared.

JEE Main 2026 Timeline – Everything You Need to Know

Event

Date

JEE Main Session 1 Exam

Jan 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 29, 2026

Provisional Answer Key Released

Feb 4, 2026 (12:16 PM IST)

Objection Submission Window

Feb 4–6, 2026

Final Answer Key & Results

Expected by Feb 12, 2026

JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Last Date to Submit Objections

The last date to raise objections against the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 answer key is February 6, 2026, at 11:50 PM. Students must submit their challenges and pay the required fee before this deadline to ensure their objections are considered by NTA.

How to Raise Objections Against the JEE Main Answer Key

If you notice discrepancies between your answers and the official key, follow these steps to challenge them before the deadline:

  • Visit the official NTA site at jeemain.nta.nic.in.
  • Log in with your Application Number and Date of Birth/Password.
  • Click the link for Answer Key and Response Sheet.
  • Find the “Challenge Answer Key” option in your dashboard.
  • Select the question(s) you believe are incorrect.
  • Upload supporting academic evidence (textbook scans, expert solution proof, etc.) to justify your challenge. Ensure your upload meets the official requirements: PDF or JPG format, within allowed size limits.
  • Pay the non‑refundable fee of ₹200 per question online (via debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI).
  • Check the confirmation page and save the receipt for future reference.

Only submissions with correct format uploads and paid receipts will be processed.

JEE Main 2026

What Happens After You Submit Objections

Once the objection window closes:

  • A panel of subject experts appointed by NTA will review all valid objections.
  • If any challenge is accepted, the final answer key will be updated and applied to all candidates.
  • The final results will be prepared and declared soon after, expected by February 12, 2026.

Results include overall percentile scores and subject‑wise scores that determine ranking, counselling eligibility, and placements into top engineering institutes, including NITs and IITs.

How to Estimate Your Score Using the Answer Key

Calculating your probable score with the provisional answer key helps you understand your performance before results are out:

  • +4 marks for each correct response
  • –1 mark for each incorrect MCQ
  • No marks for unattempted questions

This quick estimate gives you a sense of your rank window and whether you might qualify for JEE Advanced or top NIT/IIIT seats ahead of results.

OTHER ARTICLES TO READ:

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Challenging Answers

Before submitting a challenge, make sure you:

  • Have checked each selected question carefully.
  • Use valid academic sources as evidence.
  • Upload files in approved formats (PDF/JPG) and within size limits.
  • Pay the objection fee fully and promptly.

Late or incorrectly formatted submissions will not be processed.

FAQ

Visit the official NTA website jeemain.nta.nic.in, log in using your application number and date of birth/password, and click on the “Answer Key and Response Sheet” link to download your key.

The objection window closes on February 6, 2026, at 11:50 PM. Make sure to submit your challenges and pay the required fee before this deadline.

Log in to the NTA portal, select the question(s) you want to challenge, upload PDF or JPG supporting evidence, pay ₹200 per question, and submit. Only valid and paid submissions are considered.

NTA accepts PDF or JPG files under 500KB. Files outside this format or size may lead to rejection of your objection.

If your objection is accepted by NTA, the fee may be refunded according to the official policy. Unsuccessful or invalid submissions are non-refundable.

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