The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially unveiled the provisional answer key for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026 Session 1. This crucial development allows aspirants who appeared for the engineering entrance test to review their responses and assess their preliminary performance.
Accessing the Provisional Answer Key Online
Candidates can now visit the official JEE Main portal at jeemain.nta.nic.in to download the provisional answer key. The NTA has activated a dedicated link on the website, enabling seamless access for all registered examinees. It is essential to use your application number and date of birth to log in and view the document.
Steps to Check and Challenge Answer Key Discrepancies
The release of the provisional answer key initiates a critical window for candidates to identify and report any potential errors. The NTA has outlined a clear process for raising objections:
- Download the answer key PDF from the official website.
- Carefully compare the provided answers with your recorded responses during the exam.
- If you find any discrepancy, you must submit a challenge through the online portal within the stipulated deadline.
- Each challenge requires a non-refundable fee payment, which varies based on the number of questions contested.
Important Note: The NTA will only consider challenges submitted through the proper official channel. Objections sent via email or other informal means will not be entertained.
Impact on JEE Main 2026 Result and Final Score Calculation
The provisional answer key plays a pivotal role in the result declaration process. After reviewing all valid challenges, the NTA will compile and publish a final answer key. The final JEE Main 2026 scores for Session 1 will be calculated based on this revised key. Authorities emphasize that the answer key challenge mechanism ensures transparency and fairness in the evaluation procedure for one of India's most competitive engineering entrance examinations.
Key Dates and Next Steps for Candidates
While the exact deadline for submitting challenges is specified on the NTA portal, candidates are advised to act promptly. Typically, the window remains open for a limited period of 2-3 days. Following the resolution of all challenges, the agency will announce the final answer key and subsequently release the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 results. Students should regularly monitor the official website for all official notifications and updates regarding the examination cycle.
This development marks a significant milestone for over a million engineering aspirants across India. The timely release of the provisional answer key by the NTA helps maintain the integrity and schedule of the JEE Main 2026 admission process.
