The wait is finally over for lakhs of JEE Main 2026 aspirants. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the much-awaited JEE Main answer key, which has brought both relief and anticipation among candidates who have appeared for this prestigious entrance exam.
What Is the JEE Main Answer Key Challenge?
When the National Testing Agency releases the answer key, it has the answers that the National Testing Agency determined correct for every question that was asked in the exam. Even though the National Testing Agency prepares the answer key very carefully, sometimes the National Testing Agency might make mistakes, or some questions might be unclear, or people might understand them in different ways. The answer key can still have errors or things that are not easy to understand.
If you think that an answer in the key is not correct, the National Testing Agency gives you the option to raise a formal objection, which is also known as a challenge. The National Testing Agency process is called the JEE Main answer key challenge. The JEE Main answer key challenge is what this process is known as.
This objection window ensures transparency in the evaluation process and allows students to seek a fair assessment of their exam performance.
JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Dates To Challenge Answer Key 2026
| JEE Main 2026 Events | Dates |
| JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Exam | 21 to 29 January, 2026 |
| JEE Main Response Sheet Release Date | 4 February, 2026 |
| JEE Main Provisional Answer Key | 4 February, 2026 |
| Answer Key Objection Window | 4 – 5 February, 2026 |
| JEE Main 2026 Result | 12 February, 2026 |
How to Challenge JEE Main 2026 Answer Key
The challenge system in the JEE Main 2026 exam is really fair. If you think an answer is wrong or a question is not clear, you can say something about it on the website. You have the right to question the JEE Main examination answers or questions if you really think they are not correct. The JEE Main examination challenge system is a way to make sure everything is fair for everyone taking the JEE Main 2026 exam.
| Aspect | Explanation |
| Who Can Challenge? | Any candidate who appeared for JEE Main 2026 exam and has valid login credentials can challenge the answer key. |
| Where to Challenge? | Through the official NTA website – jeemain.nta.nic.in |
| Challenge Fee | Candidates must pay a processing fee of ₹200 per question challenged. |
| Is the Fee Refundable? | The fee is refundable only if the challenge is accepted by NTA experts |
JEE Main 2026 Marking Scheme
Once you have both the answer key and response sheet, calculating your expected score becomes relatively simple. The JEE Main marking scheme follows a specific pattern that students should understand thoroughly.
| Response Type | Marks Awarded |
| Correct Answer | +4 mark |
| Incorrect Answer | -1 mark |
| Unanswered Question | 0 mark |
| Numerical Questions (Not attempted) | 0 mark |
The numerical answer type questions follow a slightly different pattern with no negative marking, making them slightly less risky if you’re attempting educated guesses. However, you still need to be reasonably confident about your answers.
FAQs
Q1. What is the last date to challenge the JEE Main 2026 answer key?
The JEE Main 2026 answer key challenge window is open from 4-5 February 2026. Candidates must submit their objections online through the official NTA website within this period.
Q2. How much is the fee to challenge one question in JEE Main 2026?
Candidates need to pay ₹200 per question to challenge the JEE Main 2026 answer key. The fee is refundable only if NTA accepts the challenge after expert review.
Q3. Will my JEE Main score change if my answer key challenge is accepted?
Yes. If NTA accepts your challenge, the final answer key will be revised, and the updated answers will be used to prepare the final JEE Main 2026 result for all candidates.
