JEE Main 2026 provisional answer key out, challenge window open, result by Feb 12
Candidates who appeared for the JEE Main 2026 January session can now cross-check their answers and calculate probable scores. The National Testing Agency has opened the objection window for candidates who wish to challenge the provisional keys.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the provisional answer key and response sheets for the JEE Main 2026 January session. Candidates who appeared for the exam can now review their responses and raise objections, if any, through the official websites,i.e.,nta.ac.in and jeemain.nta.nic.in.
The objection window will remain open until February 6 (11:50 pm), after which no challenges will be accepted.
HOW TO RAISE OBJECTIONS
Candidates who wish to challenge any answer must submit their objections online by paying a non-refundable fee of Rs 200 per question. The objections will be reviewed by subject experts before finalising the answer key.
If a challenge is found valid, the answer key will be revised and the correction will be applied uniformly to all candidates.
FINAL ANSWER KEY AND RESULT DATE
The final answer key will be published after all objections have been examined. Based on this revised key, the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 result is scheduled to be declared by February 12.
The NTA has clarified that candidates will not be individually informed about whether their objections have been accepted or rejected. The decision taken by the expert committee will be final.
ABOUT THE JANUARY SESSION EXAM
The first session of JEE Main 2026 was conducted between January 21 and January 29 across multiple centres in computer-based mode.
MARKING SCHEME EXPLAINED
The JEE Main paper is divided into Section A and Section B for each subject:
Section A consists of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Section B includes numerical value-based questions
For both sections:
+4 marks are awarded for each correct answer
–1 mark is deducted for every incorrect response
No marks are given for unanswered or marked-for-review questions.
If more than one option is correct, candidates selecting any correct option will receive full marks. In cases where all options are correct, full marks will be awarded to all candidates who attempted the question.
If a question is found incorrect, dropped, or has no correct answer, full marks will be awarded to all candidates, irrespective of whether they attempted it or not.
Candidates are advised to regularly check the official websites for updates related to the final answer key, result declaration and further admission processes.