The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the JEE (Main) 2026 Session 1 answer key updates on the official website. Candidates can now access the provisional answer key, along with the recorded response sheet and question paper, and (if needed) raise objections during the official challenge window.
NTA has also uploaded the final answer key for JEE (Main) 2026 Session 1 (Paper 1: B.E./B.Tech) dated 16 Feb 2026. If you are targeting a better percentile in Session 2, this is also the best time to shift from guesswork to pattern-based prep. Practice with MTG JEE Main PYQ books to cover previous years’ questions chapterwise and topicwise, build exam temperament, and spot the most repeated concepts.
Check JEE Main April 2026 Answer Keys – Click Here
Latest official updates (Session 1)
1) Provisional answer key and response sheet (for challenge)
NTA released the provisional answer keys and recorded responses for JEE (Main) 2026 Session 1 (January 2026) and opened the online challenge facility.
Challenge window: 04 Feb 2026 to 06 Feb 2026 (up to 11:50 PM)
Challenge fee: Rs. 200 per question (non-refundable processing fee)
2) Final answer key (Session 1, Paper 1)
NTA has published the final answer key for Session 1 (B.E./B.Tech) dated 16 Feb 2026.
  |
  |
How to download JEE Main 2026 answer key, response sheet, and question paper
- Visit the official website: jeemain.nta.nic.in.
- Open the link for Answer Key / Candidate Activity (Answer Key Challenge portal).
- Log in using your Application Number and Password (as available on the portal).
- Download:
- Provisional answer key (PDF)
- Recorded response sheet
- Question paper (if provided for your shift)
How to challenge the JEE Main 2026 provisional answer key
If you believe any answer is incorrect, you could submit objections during the official window.
- Log in on jeemain.nta.nic.in
- Click “Challenge(s) regarding Answer Key”.
- Select the question(s) you want to challenge and choose the option you believe is correct.
- Upload supporting document(s) (as a single PDF, if required by the portal).
- Pay the processing fee Rs. 200 per question and submit.
Important: No challenge is accepted after 06 Feb 2026 (11:50 PM).
Marking scheme (so you can estimate your score)
As per the JEE (Main) 2026 Information Bulletin:
- Correct answer: +4
- Incorrect answer: -1
- Unattempted: 0
This negative marking applies to MCQs and also numerical value questions (Section B).
Tip: Use the provisional key only for rough estimation. The final score is prepared using the final answer key after challenges are reviewed.
What’s next after the answer key?
- The result is prepared after the challenge process is closed and the keys are finalized by experts.
- If you plan to improve your score, note that Session II registration is live on the official website (check the latest dates and notices there).
Quick FAQ
Q1. Can I still challenge the answer key now?
The official challenge window for Session 1 was 04 Feb to 06 Feb 2026 (up to 11:50 PM).
Q2. Where do I get the final answer key?
On the official JEE(Main) site under latest news/public notices. The final answer key for Session 1 (Paper 1) is dated 16 Feb 2026. (JEE Main
Q3. What if NTA drops a question?
If a question is dropped, full marks are awarded as per the bulletin rules for that shift.
Good Luck!
