
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has successfully concluded the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 exams. With the final shift ending on January 29, 2026, millions of aspirants are now searching for the same question: When will NTA release the JEE Main answer key 2026?
Based on official trends and the NTA information brochure, the JEE Main 2026 provisional answer key and student response sheets are expected to be released by February 1, 2026.
Aspirants can track the important schedule for the Session 1 answer key and results below:
| JEE Main 2026 Answer Key: Key Dates and Highlights | |
| Event | Tentative Date |
| JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Exam Dates | January 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, and 29, 2026 |
| Provisional Answer Key Release Date | February 1, 2026 (Expected) |
| Objection Window (Challenge Period) | February 1 to February 4, 2026 |
| Final JEE Main Answer Key Release | By February 12, 2026 |
| JEE Main Session 1 Result Date | February 12, 2026 |
The NTA (National Testing Agency) is expected to release the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Provisional Answer Key by February 1, 2026, shortly after the conclusion of the exams on January 29. Aspirants can download their response sheets and the official answer key PDF from the portal at jeemain.nta.nic.in by logging in with their application number and date of birth. Once released, a brief objection window will open, allowing students to challenge discrepancies by paying a non-refundable fee of ₹200 per question, leading up to the final result declaration scheduled for February 12, 2026.
Candidates can download their response sheets and the official answer key PDF from the official website by following these steps:
Visit the Official Portal: Go to jeemain.nta.nic.in.
Locate the Link: Click on the "JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Answer Key/Response Sheet" tab.
Login Credentials: Enter your Application Number and Date of Birth (or Password).
View & Download: Your recorded responses and the official provisional key will appear. Download the PDF for score calculation.
An answer key helps candidates estimate their probable score before the results by matching responses with the correct answers. It also allows students to spot errors in the provisional key and raise objections, ensuring a fair and accurate evaluation.
The JEE Main 2026 Result will be prepared based on the Final Answer Key. NTA is expected to announce the NTA scores (percentiles) and cut-offs for JEE Advanced eligibility by February 12.
Simultaneously, the JEE Main Session 2 Registration 2026 is expected to begin shortly. Candidates who wish to improve their scores can apply for the April session via the same official portal.