JEE Mains 2026 Answer Key Released: NTA Publishes Response Sheets for Session 1
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially released the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Mains 2026 answer key, marking a significant milestone for engineering aspirants across India. This crucial development comes after the successful completion of the JEE Mains Session 1 examination, which was conducted between January 21 and 28, 2026.
Accessing Response Sheets and Answer Key
Candidates who participated in the JEE Mains 2026 Session 1 can now access their individual response sheets along with the provisional answer key through the official NTA portal. The agency has made these documents available at jeemain.nta.nic.in, providing transparency in the evaluation process and allowing students to review their performance.
According to the official notice dated February 4, 2026, the NTA has specifically uploaded the Provisional Answer Keys of Paper 1 (B.E./B. Tech) along with the complete question papers and recorded responses. This comprehensive release enables candidates to thoroughly examine their answers against the official solutions.
Challenge Mechanism for Provisional Answers
The NTA has established a formal procedure for candidates who wish to challenge any aspect of the provisional answer key. Students who identify discrepancies or have concerns about specific answers can submit their objections through the designated online portal. However, this process comes with certain conditions and deadlines that candidates must carefully observe.
Important Challenge Details:
- Candidates must submit challenges by February 6, 2026, at 11:50 PM
- A non-refundable processing fee of ₹200 per question challenged applies
- The complete challenge procedure is outlined in Annexure 1 of the official notice
- No challenges will be accepted after the specified deadline
Result Announcement Timeline
The NTA has confirmed that the JEE Mains 2026 Session 1 results will be declared by February 12, 2026. When the results are published, candidates will be able to access their subject-wise percentile scores and overall percentile performance. It's important to note that the initial result declaration will not include specific ranks or cutoff marks, which are typically released separately through subsequent notifications.
Step-by-Step Guide to Download Response Sheet
For candidates seeking to download their JEE Mains 2026 response sheet, follow this detailed procedure:
- Visit the official NTA JEE portal at jeemain.nta.nic.in
- Locate and click on the link titled "Answer Key Challenge for JEE(Main) – 2026 [Session-I]"
- Enter your JEE Main application number, password, and security code in the login window
- Navigate to your dashboard where the response sheet link will be available
- Use the print option to download the candidate response sheet as a PDF document
JEE Mains 2026 Session 2 Registration Update
While candidates focus on Session 1 results, the NTA continues to accept registrations for JEE Mains 2026 Session 2. The registration window remains open, with the final application deadline set for February 25, 2026. This provides an opportunity for students who wish to improve their scores or those who missed the first session to participate in the second attempt of this crucial engineering entrance examination.
The simultaneous availability of Session 1 evaluation materials and Session 2 registration creates a dynamic environment for engineering aspirants, allowing them to make informed decisions about their academic futures while maintaining momentum in their preparation journey.
