The National Testing Agency (NTA) has published the first set of answer sheets and keys for the JEE Main 2026 January session. As part of the evaluation process for engineering candidates, this announcement enables candidates to evaluate their prospective scores and contest any potential discrepancies prior to the publication of results.
The significance of this phase cannot be overstated. It serves to promote confidence with respect to how students’ responses were captured and evaluated. Candidates also enjoy the benefit of having their answers evaluated prior to the publication of results.
Provisional Answer Key & Response Sheets Released
Contents
On February 4th, 2026, the NTA published provisional answer keys and individual response sheets for participants of JEE Main 2026 Session 1. Candidates can download the sheets from the JEE Main portal after logging in with their application number and date of birth or password. Matching the answer sheets with the answer keys enables candidates to assess their performance even before the results are published.
The answer sheets contain the provisional answer keys for all the questions from the different shifts of the exams conducted between January 21 to 29, 2026, and this enables candidates to calculate their scores.
Objection Window — Raise Challenges If Needed
Following the publication of provisional answer sheets, the NTA provided candidates with the opportunity to contest any answer they feel should be adjusted. This window remained open from February 4 to February 6, which meant candidates had a total of three days to submit their challenges electronically. Payment for each challenge is required, and challenges submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
This is an important part of the JEE Main evaluation process, promoting fairness and accuracy. After the provisional answer key is released, and before the final answer key, subject matter experts evaluate the submission of any answer challenges. The final version of the answer key becomes the basis for the official JEE Main results.
Document Your JEE Main Possible Score
To get a JEE Main score prediction, you need the answer sheets and answer keys, which allow you to estimate your score before the official results are released. Your score prediction helps you plan your next steps such as counselling, JEE Session 2 attempts, or JEE Advanced preparation.
Calculating your score is straightforward as you use the same answer keys and your response sheet.
Here’s how scores are allocated (there is no ambiguity):
- +4 Correct answers
- -1 Wrong answers
- 0 Missed questions
Answer sheets are scored and then converted into a JEE Main score. The JEE Main score is used to allow entry into the next phases: selection and counselling.
JEE Main 2026 Results
It can be estimated that JEE Main 2026 results for Session 1 will be out on 12 February 2026. This is based on the fact that results are generally published 1–2 weeks after the final answer key and the objections are processed. JEE Main results will provide the candidates with subject-wise and overall percentiles so they can compare their performance with the rest of the candidates across the different shifts.
The first results will not include any ranks. All India Ranks (AIR) are usually published with the final cut-off after Session 2 is complete.
What Happens After the Answer Key is Released?
Final answer keys and results provide a path forward for students in the admission cycle. They are able to see where their performance ranks them among the many candidates that took the exam.
- The answer key will provide a chance for students to access their scores and the results will provide their percentiles
- Students use percentiles to determine if they qualify for the counselling boards; if they do, they must compare their predicted cut-offs to the college they wish to attend
- After determining if they passed the counselling boards, students either prepare to take Session 2 or study for the JEE Advanced exam
This session is extremely important for students hoping to gain admission to the NITs and IIITs.
Suggestions for Prospective Students
During the time when the result declaration date is still pending, and the answer keys have just been published, think carefully about how to use the time. Candidates should actively think about how to evaluate their response to the engineering entrance exam, and, more importantly, how to respond constructively to the situation.
- Save a copy of the answer key and response sheets as a reference
- Try to score your attempts to have a clearer picture of your score
- Before submitting objections, reflect on attempts you think you may have answered incorrectly
- Official announcements regarding the final answer key and the date of the results should be closely monitored
Being proactive and informed will help to understand the situation better and will help to determine the next step in the engineering entrance exam.
