JEE Main 2026: Answer Key Released and Important Dates Announced
JEE Main 2026 Answer Key Released
JEE Main Answer Key 2026: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has published the provisional answer key for the January session of JEE Main 2026. Students across the nation have been eagerly anticipating this announcement. The provisional answer key and candidate response sheets are set to be available for download by February 4, 2026, on the official websites: jeemain.nta.nic.in or nta.ac.in.
Objection Window Details
Objection Window Opens:
Following the release of the provisional answer key, candidates will have the opportunity to raise objections starting February 4, 2026. The NTA has specified that only paid challenges will be considered valid. Complaints submitted without payment, lacking substantial evidence, or made unethically will not be accepted. Candidates must submit their challenges through the Key Challenge link on the official site within the designated timeframe.
Results Announcement
Results to be declared on February 12th:
The results for JEE Main 2026 Session 1 are expected to be announced on February 12, 2026. Approximately 1.33 million candidates participated in Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) during the January session, which took place on January 21, 22, 23, 24, and 28, 2026. The attendance rate was recorded at 96.26%, with 4,314 candidates from the PwD category. The overall difficulty level of the exam was moderate, with most shifts being balanced, although the mathematics section was noted to be slightly more challenging in several instances.
Marking Scheme
4 marks for a correct answer:
The marking scheme awards 4 marks for each correct response, deducts 1 mark for incorrect answers, and does not allocate any marks for unanswered questions. The All India Rank (AIR) will not be released after Session 1; it will be finalized only after Session 2 in April 2026, when scores from both sessions are combined. The official cut-off will also be published by the NTA along with the final results for Session 2.
Previous Year Comparison
Last year, the paper ran until January 30:
In the previous year, the January session extended from January 22 to 30, with 12 questions, primarily from the Physics section, being excluded from the final answer key. Additionally, there have been notable changes for JEE Advanced 2026, including an increase in application fees for foreign exam centers and a reduction in the total number of exam centers.
Stay Updated
Keep an eye on the website:
Students are advised to regularly check jeemain.nta.nic.in for updates. It is crucial to review your response sheet and provisional answer key thoroughly. If any discrepancies are found, ensure to submit a paid challenge promptly, as challenges without proof or payment will not be considered.