JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Answer Key: Step-by-Step Marks Calculation and Expected Cut-offs
The JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Final Answer Key is now the primary focus as the NTA prepares to announce the results by April 20, 2026. Candidates can use their downloaded response sheets and the marking scheme of +4 for correct and -1 for incorrect answers to calculate their raw scores and estimate their All India Rank (AIR).
With the conclusion of the JEE Main 2026 Session 2 exams on April 8, the National Testing Agency (NTA) is moving swiftly toward the result declaration. For the 11 lakh+ students who appeared in the April attempt, calculating an accurate raw score is the first step in determining eligibility for JEE Advanced 2026.
JEE Main 2026 Marking Scheme (Section A & Section B)
To ensure your calculation is 100% accurate, follow the official NTA marking criteria applicable to both Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics:
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Correct Answer: +4 Marks
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Incorrect Answer: -1 Mark (Negative marking applies to both MCQs and Numerical Value Questions)
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Unattempted Question: 0 Marks
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Dropped Question: +4 Marks (Full marks are awarded to all candidates in the shift if a question is dropped in Section A. For Section B, it is usually limited to those who attempted it).
How to Calculate Your JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Raw Score
You will need your official Candidate Response Sheet and the Final Answer Key to begin the process.
The JEE Calculation Formula:
Total Score = (Number of Correct Answers × 4) – (Number of Incorrect Answers × 1)
Step-by-Step Process:
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Compare IDs: Match the "Question ID" and "Option ID" from your response sheet with the finalized IDs provided in the NTA PDF.
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Tally Marks: Separate your answers into three categories: Correct, Incorrect, and Left.
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Calculate Deductions: Be careful with Section B (Numericals). Many students forget that negative marking applies here as well.
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Final Sum: Apply the formula above to reach your raw score out of 300.
JEE Main 2026 Marks vs Percentile (Session 2 Trends)
Session 2 is generally considered more competitive as many students have completed their Board exams and focused entirely on revision. Here is the expected data based on the difficulty levels of the April 2026 shifts:
| Raw Score (Out of 300) | Expected Percentile |
| 205 – 220 | 99.5+ Percentile |
| 185 – 200 | 99.0+ Percentile |
| 160 – 175 | 97.0+ Percentile |
| 135 – 150 | 95.0+ Percentile |
| 105 – 120 | 90.0+ Percentile (Qualifying Zone) |
Important Dates for JEE Main 2026 April Session
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Provisional Answer Key Release: April 11, 2026 (Expected)
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Objection Window: April 11 – April 13, 2026
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Final Answer Key Release: April 19, 2026
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Result & AIR Declaration: April 20, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How can I download the JEE Main Session 2 Answer Key?
You can access the answer key by visiting the official NTA JEE portal. You will need to log in using your Application Number and Password or Date of Birth. Once logged in, click on the "Challenge Answer Key" or "View Response Sheet" tab.
2. Can I challenge the Final Answer Key?
No. Once the NTA releases the Final Answer Key, it is considered the absolute reference. No further grievances or challenges are entertained as this key is used to generate the final NTA scores and Percentiles.
3. What is the difference between Raw Marks and NTA Percentile?
Raw Marks are the actual scores you get after applying the marking scheme. The NTA Percentile is a normalized score that shows how many students scored equal to or below you in that specific shift. Your final rank is based on the Percentile, not the Raw Marks.
4. Will there be a separate rank list for Session 2?
No. NTA will release a Combined All India Rank (AIR) list. For students who appeared in both January and April sessions, their best of the two NTA scores will be used to determine their final rank.
5. What if two options are found correct in the Final Key?
If the NTA finds that more than one option is correct, then all candidates who marked any of the correct options will be awarded +4 marks.