• Updated on 3 Nov, 2025 by Ankita Banerjee
JEE Main Answer Key 2026 is expected to be released by the National Testing Agency (NTA) separately for Session I and Session II. The answer key is usually published a few days after the conclusion of each exam. For the 2026 cycle, the JEE Main Session I will be held from January 21 to 30, 2026, and the answer key is likely to be released in February 2026. Similarly, Session II is scheduled from April 2 to 9, 2026, with its answer key expected in April 2026 as well. The result for JEE Main 2026 will be announced after the publication of the final answer key. Read on to learn more about the JEE Main 2026 Answer Key and related details.
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JEE Main Answer Key 2026 Important Dates
NTA will release the JEE Main 2026 Answer Key on the official website at jeemain.nta.nic.in. Candidates can check the session-wise JEE Main Answer Key 2026 release date below.
JEE Mains Answer Key 2026 Release Date Session 1
NTA will release the provisional answer key for the session 1 exam in February 2026, followed by the JEE Main 2026 Result and the final answer key. Candidates can check the important dates in the table below.
Events | JEE Main Dates |
JEE Main 2026 Exam Date | January 21 to 30, 2026 |
Release Date of JEE Main 2026 Answer Key (provisional) | February 2026 |
NTA JEE Main 2026 Answer Key challenge date | February 2026 |
Final JEE Main 2026 Answer Key Date | February 2026 |
JEE Main Result Date 2026 | February 2026 |
JEE Mains Answer Key 2026 Release Date Session 2
Interested candidates can check the release date of JEE Mains Answer Key 2026 for the Session 2 exam in the table below. The final answer key is released along with the results of the JEE Main exam.
Events | JEE Main Dates |
JEE Main 2026 Exam Date | April 2 to 9, 2026 |
JEE Main 2026 Answer Key Session 2 Release Date | April 2026 |
NTA JEE Main 2026 Answer Key Challenge Date | April 2026 |
Final JEE Main 2026 Answer Key Date | April 2026 |
JEE Main 2026 Result Session 2 Release Date | April 2026 |
How to Download JEE Main Answer Key 2026?
Candidates can download JEE Main Answer Key 2026 by following the steps below.
- Go to the official website of JEE Main i.e., jeemain.nta.nic.in.
- On the homepage, click on the answer key link of JEE Main 2026.
- Enter the application number and password.
- Click on ‘Submit’, and the provisional JEE Main Answer Key 2026 will appear on the screen.
- Download the answer key and match it with the response sheet to calculate the expected secured marks.
How to Raise Objections Against JEE Mains Answer Key 2026?
After releasing the provisional JEE Main Answer Key, NTA will open the JEE Main Answer Key Challenge Window 2026. Candidates can follow the steps below to raise objections against JEE Main Provisional Answer Key 2026.
- Go to the official website of JEE Main 2026 at jeemain.nta.nic.in.
- Click on the link ‘Challenges Regarding JEE Main Answer Key 2026’.
- Enter your application number and password to log in.
- JEE Main Answer Key contains a question ID and the ID of the correct option for both papers 1 and 2.
- Candidates need to select the question ID to challenge the answer key.
- Click on ‘Save your claim’ and click on Next.
- The challenged question ID will be displayed on the screen.
- Candidates must have the necessary documents ready to support their claim.
- Candidates need to upload the supporting documents in PDF form and click the ‘Choose File’ button on the screen.
- Candidates need to pay the processing fee of INR 200 for each question to raise objections. Payments can be done through credit card/debit card/net banking.
Also Check: JEE Main Analysis
How to Calculate Marks using JEE Mains Answer Key 2026?
After the release of JEE Main 2026 Answer Key, candidates will be able to calculate their probable score using the answer key and the response sheet. Before calculating, they must go through the marking scheme of the JEE Main exam below.
- Correct Answer: +4 marks
- Incorrect Answer: -1 mark
- Unattempted questions: 0 mark
- Formulas to Calculate Score: (Number of Correct answers x 4) - (Number of incorrect answers)
JEE Main Marks vs Rank 2026
Candidates must check the expected marks vs rank after calculating the probable score using JEE Main 2026 Answer Key in the table below. Candidates with marks of 250 can expect a rank between 524 to 108.
Marks out of 300 | Rank |
286- 292 | 19-12 |
280-284 | 42-23 |
268- 279 | 106-64 |
250- 267 | 524-108 |
231-249 | 1385-546 |
215-230 | 2798-1421 |
200-214 | 4667-2863 |
189-199 | 6664- 4830 |
175-188 | 10746-7152 |
160-174 | 16163-11018 |
149-159 | 21145-16495 |
132-148 | 32826-22238 |
JEE Main Response Sheet 2026
Along with JEE Main 2026 Answer Key, NTA will release JEE Main Response Sheet 2026 at the official website. Candidates can download the response sheet using their login credentials of JEE Main 2026 i.e., the application number and date of birth. Candidates use this response sheet to verify their answers with the answer key. This response sheet includes the responses given by the candidates during the exam.
Read More: JEE Main Cutoff 2025
JEE Main Answer Key 2026 FAQs
When will the JEE Mains 2026 answer key be released?
The provisional JEE Mains 2026 answer key will be released a few days after the exam session ends, likely in February for Session 1 and April for Session 2. The final key will follow after objections are reviewed. Check the official website for updates.
Where can I download the official JEE Mains answer key 2026?
The official JEE Mains answer key will be available on jeemain.nta.nic.in. You need to log in using your application number and date of birth or password to download the PDF answer key and question paper for your shift.
What is the purpose of the JEE Mains answer key?
The answer key helps candidates cross-check their answers with correct ones to estimate their probable score before results arrive. It also helps students assess their performance and predict their chances of qualifying for further rounds.
Can I raise objections to the JEE Mains provisional answer key?
Yes, candidates can challenge the provisional answer key by submitting objections online within a specified time frame. A fee per question is required. Authorities will verify the objections, and the final answer key will be updated accordingly.
Is the JEE Mains answer key free to download?
Downloading the provisional and final answer key is free of cost for all candidates. However, if you wish to challenge any question, a small fee per objection is applicable, which is refundable if the objection is accepted.
Will the question paper and response sheet be available?
Yes, both the question paper and your recorded response sheet will be released alongside the answer key. This helps you to match your answers accurately and understand your performance better.
How do I calculate my probable score using the answer key?
To estimate your score, match your answers with the official key, assign marks for correct answers, and deduct for wrong answers based on the marking scheme. This gives a close idea of your expected results before official announcements.
Are answer keys released for both exam sessions separately?
Yes, answer keys are released separately for Session 1 and Session 2. Candidates who appear in multiple sessions can check respective provisional keys and challenge if needed for each session.
Can the answer key help predict JEE Mains rank?
While the answer key helps estimate your score, exact rank depends on overall candidate performance, difficulty level, and normalization. It gives a rough idea but final rank comes only after official results.
What details are needed to access the answer key online?
You must have your JEE Main application number, date of birth, and security PIN or password ready to log in and download the answer key and response sheet from the official portal.