If you haven’t checked the provisional answer key or response sheet, now is the time. Let us get into a clear, step-by-step guide to what’s happening. Check how to challenge and what to expect next.
JEE Main 2026 Answer Key & Response Sheet: How to Download
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the Session 1 provisional answer key and response sheets for JEE Main 2026. Candidates can access them on the official website: jeemain.nta.nic.in.
Steps to download:
- Visit jeemain.nta.nic.in
- Click on “Candidate Login”
- Enter application number and date of birth
- Download and save your answer key and response sheet PDF
How to Raise Objections Against the Answer Key
Found an error? Here’s how to challenge it:
- Go to “Challenge(s) regarding Answer Key” on the homepage
- Login using your credentials
- Select the question ID(s) you want to challenge
- Upload supporting documents in a single PDF
- Pay Rs 200 per question via debit/credit card or net banking
- Submit your objection and note the confirmation
Deadline: Today, February 6, 2026
Once the challenge window closes, no late submissions will be entertained.
JEE Main 2026 Result & Cut-Offs
Session 1 results are expected on February 12, 2026.
This will determine who qualifies for JEE Advanced 2026.
- Exam Dates: Jan 21, 22, 23, 24, 28 (BTech) | Jan 29 (BArch/BPlanning)
- Shifts: Forenoon 9 AM–12 PM | Afternoon 3 PM–6 PM
- Candidates Appeared: 13+ lakh
- JEE Advanced Qualifiers: ~2.5 lakh
After the results, JoSAA counselling begins for admission to:
- IITs
- NITs
- IIITs
- Other government-funded technical colleges
JEE Main 2026 Marks vs Percentile
Wondering how your raw score converts to percentile? Here’s an expected trend based on previous years:
| JEE Main Marks | Percentile (Approx) |
| 109–100 | 93.8–94.9 |
| 99–90 | 92.2–93.6 |
| 89–80 | 90.2–92.0 |
| 79–70 | 87.5–90.0 |
| 69–60 | 83.9–87.3 |
| 59–50 | 78.3–83.5 |
| 49–40 | 69.5–77.8 |
| 39–30 | 56.0–68.8 |
| 29–20 | 36.5–54.0 |
| 19–10 | 18.1–35.3 |
| 9–0 | –5.7–17.1 |
Example: Scored 60 marks? Expect 83–87 percentile, rank roughly 1,20,000–1,70,000.
Expected Cut-Offs for NITs & Top Colleges
Based on trends:
- Top NITs: 99.2+ percentile
- Approx raw score needed: 190+ (varies with difficulty)
- These are guidelines, final cut-offs may change
JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Registration
Missed Session 1? You can still appear in Session 2.
- Registration Deadline: February 25, 2026
- Mode: Online
- Eligibility: Same as Session 1 (Class 12 qualified, age 17+)
How to Calculate JEE Main 2026 Score
Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech)
Formula:
- Total Score = (Correct × 4) − (Incorrect × 1)
- Unattempted = 0
- Numerical Value Questions: Correct +4 | Incorrect 0
This helps you estimate your percentile before results are out.
Tools to Predict Rank & College Options
- JEE Main 2026 Rank Predictor – estimate rank from your scores
- College Predictor – plan college options based on expected rank
Use these tools wisely to make early strategies.
Key Takeaways
- Today is the last day to challenge the answer key
- Results expected: February 12, 2026
- Top NIT cut-off: ~99.2 percentile
- Marks vs Percentile: Use trend table for estimation
- Session 2 registration: Open till Feb 25, 2026
Stay proactive. Don’t wait.
Check your scores. Raise objections if required. Plan your next steps.
FAQs: JEE Main 2026 Session 1
Q1. Where can I download JEE Main 2026 answer key?
A: Visit jeemain.nta.nic.in → Candidate Login → Download answer key & response sheet.
Q2. How to challenge a JEE Main answer key?
A: Click “Challenge regarding Answer Key”, upload proof, pay Rs 200 per question. Deadline: Today.
Q3. When will JEE Main 2026 results be declared?
A: February 12, 2026
Q4. What percentile corresponds to 60 marks?
A: Around 83–87 percentile, rank roughly 1,20,000–1,70,000
Q5. How many students qualify for JEE Advanced 2026?
A: Approximately 2.5 lakh from Session 1
