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The National Testing Agency has released the JEE Main Answer key 2026 for the Session 1 examination Today, February 4th, 2026. The NTA JEE Mains Answer Key 2026 is one of the most crucial documents that students are keenly looking for after taking the examination. All the students who appeared in the January session exam can download the provisional JEE Main Answer key PDF by simply visiting the official website at jee main nic in or the direct link shared on this page. Using the JEE Mains Answer Key Response Sheet, students can calculate their expected scores before the result announcement.
JEE Main Answer Key 2026
The JEE Mains 2026 Answer key is released in two phases, namely the JEE Main Provisional Answer key and the JEE Main Final Answer key. Initially, the provisional JEE Main Answer Key 2026 has been issued along with the response sheet online via the candidate’s dashboard.
In addition, the NTA opened the challenge window for candidates to lodge objections to the provisional JEE Main NTA answer keys. The JEE Mains answer key challenge window is now open and closes on February 5. Candidates will be able to access the JEE Main answer key and challenge facility at jeemain.nta.nic.in using their individual logins.
How to Predict Percentile Using JEE Mains Answer Key 2026?
The JEE Mains 2026 Answer Key and the JEE Main Response Sheet both the document helps students to calculate their projected scores. Once you obtain your rough score, you can check your percentile score using the CollegeDost’s exclusive JEE Main Percentile Calculator Tool.
The JEE Mains percentile Predictor tool allows Students to understand their performance and plan future actions based on their projected percentile.
Check Your JEE Mains Percentile Here!
NTA JEE Main Answer Key 2026 Session 1 Exam Overview
The Joint Entrance Test (JEE Main 2026) exam for session 1 was conducted from 21st January to 29th January 2026. The publication of the JEE Main Answer Key 2026 Session 1 is an intermediate stage before publishing the final results. NTA will release the JEE result 2026 for session 1 exams along with the Final Answer Key JEE Mains 2026 on February 12, 2026.
| Particulars | Details |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency |
| Name of Examination | Joint Entrance Examination (JEE Main 2026) |
| JEE Mains 2026 Session 1 Exam date | 21st January to 29th January 2026 |
| JEE Mains answer key 2026 release date | February 04, 2026 |
| JEE Main Response Sheet release date | February 04, 2026 |
| JEE Main Answer Key Challenge window closes | February 06, 2026 |
| JEE Main Final Answer Key 2026 Release Date | February 12, 2026 |
| JEE Mains Result 2026 Date | February 12, 2026 |
| Status of the Answer Key of JEE Mains 2026 | Released |
| Login details for NTA JEE Mains 2026 Answer Key PDF | Application Number and DOB/ Password |
| Official website | jeemain.nta.nic.in |
How To Check JEE Main Answer Key 2026?
To download the JEE Main provisional answer key 2026 PDF, you are required to login into the candidate’s dashboard using credentials such as jeemain.nta.nic.in. Follow the steps mentioned below to obtain the JEE Main official answer key 2026 PDF in a hassle free way.
- Step 1: Visit the official website of NTA at jeemain.nta.nic.in.
- Step 2: Under the latest updates, click on the link labelled “JEE Main 2026 answer key and candidate response sheet 2026 – session 1”.
- Step 3: Upon clicking the JEE Main Answer key download link, the login window opens.
- Step 4: You just need to enter the credentials, including the JEE Main application number, Password and CAPTCHA
- Step 5: The dashboard will open, where candidates can check the JEE Mains Answer Key Response Sheet link. And click on it.
- Step 6: In the next window, the JEE Main official Answer key will open with your marked responses.
- Step 7: Click on the “print” option to download the NTA JEE Mains 2026 answer key PDF for future reference.
To check the answer key you can also directly click on this link
JEE Main Provisional Answer key 2026 vs Final Answer key JEE Mains 2026
For the new aspirants, you might be confused about why the NTA JEE Main Answer Keys are released twice. We have shared a comparison of both the JEE Mains NTA answer key for better understanding.
| Feature | JEE Main Provisional Answer Key 2026 | Final Answer Key JEE Mains 2026 |
| Definition | The initial set of correct answers will be released by the NTA JEE Mains NTA answer key portal shortly after the exams. | Official and confirmed answer key after reviewing objections. It is used for result preparation. |
| JEE Mains 2026 answer key release date | Released first (Session 1: Feb 4, 2026). | Released later, after an objection window and review (results expected by Feb 12, 2026). |
| Purpose | Helps candidates cross-check their marked answers and estimate probable scores. | Official document used for calculating JEE Main results and ranks. |
| Challenge Window | Open for a short period (typically 48 hours) to raise objections. | No challenge allowed once published; this is the final authority. |
| Flexibility | May contain errors or discrepancies that get corrected on challenge. | Errors are supposed to be resolved through the objection process before finalization. |
| Calculation Use | Used only for rough score estimation. | Used for real score, percentile, and qualifying decisions |
Common Mistakes Students Make While Using JEE Main Answer Key 2026
While doing the score calculation with the NTA Answer key JEE Mains 2026, Many students make small mistakes in evaluation, which can lead to wrong score estimates and false expectations. You should avoid these common errors to get an accurate idea of your performance.
- Using the Wrong Shift Answer Key: JEE Main is conducted in multiple shifts. Using an NTA JEE Mains 2026 answer key from a different date or shift gives completely wrong results.
- Ignoring the JEE Main Response Sheet: NTA releases the JEE Main response sheet along with the answer key. Some students only check the answer key and forget to match it with their response sheet, which shows the answers they actually selected.
- Calculating Marks. When evaluating scores, ensure you are aware of the most recent NTA marking scheme. Failure to adhere to the official marking scheme can lead to inaccurate calculations.
- Not Considering Dropped Questions: NTA may remove questions or award additional points. Students who neglect this frequently calculate lower or higher scores than the actual outcome.
- Missing the Objection Window: If you discover an error but do not dispute it within the allotted period, you will lose the opportunity to have it repaired. It should be noted that the JEE Main Answer Key Challenge is open until February 6, 2026.
- Comparing scores with other shifts: The JEE Main Session 1 takes place over numerous days and shifts, with varying difficulty levels. Comparing raw scores without normalisation adds unnecessary stress.
Difference Between JEE Main Response Sheet and NTA Answer Key
The JEE Mains 2026 answer key and response sheet, along with the PDF of the question paper, will be available after logging into the dashboards. It should be noted that this response sheet differs from the JEE Mains 2026 Answer Key.
JEE Mains Answer Key Response Sheet PDF
The NTA JEE Main response sheet 2026 keeps track of all the answers chosen by a candidate during the computer-based test. It is frequently referred to as the JEE Main recorded replies 2026 and is issued together with or before the tentative answer key for JEE Mains 2026.
The JEE Mains Answer Key Response Sheet provides transparency as it gives a clear record of each response recorded by the candidate. To download the response sheet, candidates must log in using their application number, password, and date of birth.
Whereas the JEE Mains 2026 Answer key contains the correct answers issued by the NTA. Candidates must utilise both documents to determine their expected score.
| Basis | JEE Main Response Sheet | NTA Answer Key |
| Meaning | Shows the answers marked by the candidate in the exam | Shows the correct answers released by NTA |
| Released By | NTA (separately for each student) | NTA (same for all students of a shift) |
| Purpose | To check what you attempted | To verify correct answers |
| Availability | Login required (candidate-specific) | Publicly available on NTA website |
| Used For | Self-evaluation and score calculation | Official reference for result preparation |
How to calculate Scores using NTA Answer Key JEE Mains 2026
The NTA JEE Mains Answer Key response sheet enables candidates to double-check their solutions and predict their performance prior to the official results. Calculating preliminary scores also allows students to determine their possible eligibility for JEE Advanced 2026 to anticipate their chances of admission to NITs, IIITs, and other technical colleges.
As per the marking scheme,students can calculate their likely scores using the +4 points for correct answers and -1 mark for incorrect answers.
You can also check your JEE Main 2026 percentile Score using the following formula and JEE Mains NTA answer key
JEE Mains Answer Key Challenge 2026
After the tentative answer key for JEE Mains 2026 is released, it can be contested online within the timeframe specified. To challenge the JEE Mains 2026 Answer key, go to the official website jeemain.nta.nic.in and search for the “Challenge Answer Key”. Students need to pay ₹200 per question and offer justification and supporting documentation, such as NCERT references or proof.
Step-by-Step JEE Main Answer Key Challenge Process
Students may follow the step-by-step challenge process for the JEE Main answer key 2026 session 1, as discussed below:-
- Visit the official website of NTA at https://jeemain.nta.nic.in/
- Now, click on the ‘Challenge (s) regarding Answer Key JEE Mains 2026‘.
- Log in with your Application Number and Password, enter the Captcha Code as displayed, and submit.
- Click ‘Challenge (s) regarding Answer Key’.
- You will see the Question IDs in the order below sequential order for JEE (Main) – 2026 Session 1 Paper 1: B.E. /B. Tech 25+25+25 Questions Mathematics/Physics/Chemistry
- The ID next to the question under the column ‘Correct Option’ stands for the most appropriate Answer Key by NTA.
- If you wish to challenge this option, you may use any one or more of the Option IDs given in the next four columns by clicking the check box.
- You may upload supporting documents, for which you can select ‘Choose File and Upload (all documents to be put in a single PDF file).
- After clicking your desired option, for Mathematics / Physics / Chemistry for Paper 1 (B.E./B. Tech.), scroll down and ‘Save your claim’ and move on to the next screen.
- You will see a display of all the Option IDs you have challenged.
- Click on ‘Save your claim and Pay Fee finally’.
- Select the Mode of Payment and pay a non-refundable processing fee INR 200/- for each question challenged. Make payment through Debit / Credit Card / Net Banking.
JEE Main Final Answer Key 2026
Once the deadline for the JEE Main answer key challenge has passed, the NTA forwards all filed objections to a team of topic experts. These experts will evaluate the arguments and evidence presented.
If the objection is allowed, the NTA modifies the answer key and makes available the JEE Main final answer key. Students will not be told individually whether their objections have been accepted or not. The final results and NTA scores will be calculated using the updated JEE Mains final answer key.
JEE Main Question Paper 2026 with Answer Key
The JEE Mains 2026 Session 1 is conducted in computer based mode, thus no physical copy of the JEE Main Question paper is available. The NTA Answer Key JEE Mains 2026 is released along with the individual JEE Main Question papers via the candidates’ dashboard. These question papers and answer key JEE Mains 2026 are very crucial for those students who are going to appear in the April session.
If you want to increase your scores, then you must also refer to the JEE Main previous year question paper for a 360-degree preparation. This practice of the JEE Mains 2025 question paper and other subsequent years helps you get familiar with the question type and high-weightage topics win better way.
JEE Main Result 2026
The JEE Main Result Date has already been announced by the exam conducting body earlier in the information brochure. As per the Announcement, the NTA JEE Mains Result 2026, along with the JEE Main Final Answer Key PDF, will be announced on February 12, 2026. Along with the JEE Mains 2026 results, the NTA will reveal the list of toppers for the january Session in a press release.
It should also be noted that the NTA NIC JEE Mains result date is tentative in nature and can be released before the scheduled date. Once released, all the students can access their JEE Main result 2026 along with the scorecard online at jeemain.nta.nic.in 2026. Candidates will require their login information, such as their application number and password, to view the JEE Main Result 2026 for session 1.
JEE Mains Marks Vs Rank 2026 (Expected)
As per the student’s review, the overall difficulty level of the JEE main Qustion Paper for the January Session was slightly difficult. It is projected that in JEE Mains marks vs Rank 2026, applicants would need to earn between 158 and 190 marks to reach the 99 percentile. To get a 99.99th percentile, candidates must earn more than 240 points. Below we have shared the expected JEE Mains Marks vs Rank 2026 given below.
| JEE Main marks | Expected percentile | Expected ranks |
| 240 – 280+ | 99.9+ | 1 – 1,200 |
| 210 – 240 | 99.5 – 99.9 | 1,200 – 6,000 |
| 180 – 210 | 99.0 – 99.5 | 6,000 – 12,000 |
| 160 – 180 | 98.0 – 99.0 | 12,000 – 25,000 |
| 140 – 160 | 97.0 – 98.0 | 25,000 – 35,000 |
| 120 – 140 | 95.0 – 97.0 | 35,000 – 60,000 |
| 100 – 120 | 90.0 – 95.0 | 60,000 Lakh – 1.1 Lakh |
| 70 – 100 | 80.0 – 90.0 | 1.1 Lakh – 2.5 Lakh |
JEE Main 2025 Marks vs Percentile
For a better understanding of the students, we have shared the marks vs percentile jee mains 2025 and JEE Mains marks vs rank 2025 given below for reference.
| JEE Main 2025 Score | JEE Main 2025 Percentile |
| 300-281 | 100 – 99.99989145 |
| 271 – 280 | 99.994681 – 99.997394 |
| 263 – 270 | 99.990990 – 99.994029 |
| 250 – 262 | 99.977205 – 99.988819 |
| 241 – 250 | 99.960163 – 99.975034 |
| 231 – 240 | 99.934980 – 99.956364 |
| 221 – 230 | 99.901113 – 99.928901 |
| 211 – 220 | 99.851616 – 99.893732 |
| 201 – 210 | 99.795063 – 99.845212 |
| 191 – 200 | 99.710831 – 99.782472 |
| 181 – 190 | 99.597399 – 99.688579 |
| 171 – 180 | 99.456939 – 99.573193 |
| 161 – 170 | 99.272084 – 99.431214 |
| 151 – 160 | 99.028614 – 99.239737 |
| 141 – 150 | 98.732389 – 98.990296 |
| 131 – 140 | 98.317414 – 98.666935 |
| 121 – 130 | 97.811260 – 98.254132 |
| 111 – 120 | 97.142937 – 97.685672 |
| 101 – 110 | 96.204550 – 96.978272 |
| 91 – 100 | 94.998594 – 96.064850 |
| 81 – 90 | 93.471231 – 94.749479 |
| 71 – 80 | 91.072128 – 93.152971 |
| 61 – 70 | 87.512225 – 90.702200 |
| 51 – 60 | 82.016062 – 86.907944 |
| 41 – 50 | 73.287808 – 80.982153 |
| 31 – 40 | 58.151490 – 71.302052 |
| 21 – 30 | 37.694529 – 56.569310 |
| 20 – 11 | 13.495849 – 33.229128 |
| 0 – 10 | 0.8435177 – 9.6954066 |
JEE Mains Marks vs Rank 2025
This analysis of marks vs rank JEE Mains 2025 data helps aspirants to predict the current year mark vs rank. Check the marks vs rank JEE Mains 2025 given below
| JEE Main 2025 Percentile | JEE Main 2025 Rank |
| 100 – 99.99989145 | 1 – 20 |
| 99.994681 – 99.997394 | 80 – 24 |
| 99.990990 – 99.994029 | 83 – 55 |
| 99.977205 – 99.988819 | 210 – 85 |
| 99.960163 – 99.975034 | 367 – 215 |
| 99.934980 – 99.956364 | 599 – 375 |
| 99.901113 – 99.928901 | 911 – 610 |
| 99.851616 – 99.893732 | 1367 – 920 |
| 99.795063 – 99.845212 | 1888 – 1375 |
| 99.710831 – 99.782472 | 2664 – 1900 |
| 99.597399 – 99.688579 | 3710 – 2700 |
| 99.456939 – 99.573193 | 5003- 3800 |
| 99.272084 – 99.431214 | 6706 – 5100 |
| 99.028614 – 99.239737 | 8949 – 6800 |
| 98.732389 – 98.990296 | 11678 – 9000 |
| 98.317414 – 98.666935 | 15501 – 11800 |
| 97.811260 – 98.254132 | 20164 – 15700 |
| 97.142937 – 97.685672 | 26321 – 20500 |
| 96.204550 – 96.978272 | 34966 – 26500 |
| 94.998594 – 96.064850 | 46076 – 35000 |
| 93.471231 – 94.749479 | 60147 – 46500 |
| 91.072128 – 93.152971 | 82249 – 61000 |
| 87.512225 – 90.702200 | 115045 – 83000 |
| 82.016062 – 86.907944 | 165679 – 117000 |
| 73.287808 – 80.982153 | 246089 – 166000 |
| 58.151490 – 71.302052 | 385534 – 264383 |
Conclusion
The NTA JEE Mains 2026 Answer key helps students to calculate their scores and analyse their performance before the announcement of results. Candidates can gain a clear picture of their predicted score and rank by carefully matching the answer key of JEE Mains 2026 to the response sheet, using the correct marking system, and remaining up to speed with the final Answer key JEE Mains 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is NTA JEE Mains Answer Key 2026 released?
The National Testing Agency has released the JEE Mains Session 1 answer key along with responses sheet at the official website.
2. What is the JEE Mains answer key challenge fee?
As per the press release, students are required to pay a non-refundable processing fee INR200/- for each question challenged through Debit / Credit Card / Net Banking.
3. Where to get the JEE Main Session 1 answer key 2026 PDF?
The answer key of JEE Mains 2026, along with the response sheet and question paper, is uploaded on the official website at jeemain.nta.nic.in.
4. How many students appeared in the JEE Main Session 1 Exam?
The January session saw 96.26 per cent attendance from 13,00,368 registered candidates. The tests ran well over several days: January 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, and 29, 2026.
5. When JEE Main final answer key be released?
The final answer key of JEE Mains 2026 will be released along with the final scorecard on February 12, 2026.
6. When will the JEE Mains Session 2 Answer Key 2026 be issued?
The jee mains nta nic answer key for Session 2 will be issued in April 2026 after completion of the April session exam.
7. Is JEE Main result out?
The Final Answer Key JEE Mains 2026 along with the results, is scheduled to be released on February 12, 2026.
8. How to download JEE Main Responses Sheet 2026 PDF?
You can download the JEE Main Responses Sheet 2026 PDF that mentions your marked answers from the official website at jeemain.nta.nic.in.
9. What is the expected 99+ percentile score for JEE Mains 2026 Session 1?
Based on the January exam shift, it is predicted that applicants will need to score 158 to 190 marks to get the 99th percentile in JEE Main 2026.
10. Who releases the final answer key JEE Mains 2026?
After reviewing the objections to the JEE Main provisional answer key 2026, the expert panel of NTA will release the JEE Main Final Answer key 2026.
11. Where to download NTA JEE Mains 2025 Answer key?
The latest year’s JEE Main Question Paper, along withNTA JEE Mains 2025 Answer Key can be downloaded from the official website of the National Testing Agency.
