JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Provisional Answer Key Released: How to Challenge & Check PDF

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially released the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Provisional Answer Key on its official website. This is an important update for candidates who appeared in the January session, as it allows them to verify their responses and estimate their probable score before the final result declaration.

The provisional answer key also gives students the opportunity to raise objections if they find any incorrect answers. In this blog, we explain how to download the answer key PDF, how to challenge answers, important dates, and what comes next.

What Is the JEE Main Session 1 Provisional Answer Key?

The provisional answer key is a temporary answer sheet released by NTA that contains the correct answers to all questions asked in the exam. It is shared before the final result so that students can:

• Match their responses
• Calculate expected marks
• Identify possible errors
• Submit objections if required

After reviewing student challenges, NTA releases the final answer key, which is used to prepare the official results.

How to Download JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Answer Key PDF:

Follow these simple steps to download the provisional answer key:

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Visit the official website: https://jeemain.nta.nic.in
2. Click on the link “JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Provisional Answer Key”
3. Log in using your Application Number and Password/Date of Birth
4. Select your exam shift and paper
5. Download the answer key PDF
6. Save the file for future reference

Students should also download their response sheet, which shows the answers marked during the exam.

NTA Official Announcement:

How to Check Your Score Using the Answer Key:

Once you have the answer key and response sheet, calculate your marks using the official marking scheme.

JEE Main Marking Scheme:

• Correct Answer: +4 marks
• Wrong Answer (MCQ): -1 mark
• Unattempted Question: 0 marks
• Numerical Value Questions: No negative marking

Add the marks for correct answers and subtract negative marks to estimate your raw score.

How to Challenge JEE Main 2026 Provisional Answer Key:

If you believe that any answer in the provisional key is incorrect, you can raise an objection online.

Steps to Challenge the Answer Key:

1. Log in to the JEE Main candidate portal
2. Click on “Challenge Answer Key”
3. Select the question ID you want to challenge
4. Upload supporting documents or explanation
5. Pay the challenge fee per question
6. Submit the objection

Each challenge requires a non-refundable processing fee. The exact amount is mentioned on the portal during submission.

Important Points to Remember While Challenging:

Candidates should keep the following in mind:

• Only valid academic proof will be accepted
• Random objections without explanation may be rejected
• Challenge window is time-limited
• No offline objections are accepted
• Once submitted, changes cannot be made

It is advised to cross-check with reliable sources such as NCERT textbooks and standard reference books before submitting challenges.

Why the Provisional Answer Key Is Important:

Checking the answer key helps students understand their performance early. It also ensures transparency in the evaluation process.

Benefits include:

• Early score estimation
• Understanding mistakes
• Predicting percentile range
• Fair opportunity to report errors
• Better preparation for Session 2

What Happens After the Challenge Window Closes?

After reviewing all student objections:

• NTA experts verify each challenge
• Correct answers are updated if required
• The final answer key is released
• JEE Main Session 1 results are prepared based on the final key

No further objections are allowed after the final answer key is published.

Expected Timeline After Answer Key Release:

Although official dates may vary, the usual sequence is:

• Provisional answer key release
• Challenge window (2–3 days)
• Final answer key publication
• Result declaration
• Rank and percentile announcement

Candidates are advised to regularly check the official website for updates.

What Should Students Do After Checking the Answer Key?

After calculating the expected score, students should:

• Analyze weak topics
• Identify silly mistakes
• Improve speed and accuracy
• Start focused preparation for Session 2
• Plan JEE Advanced preparation (if eligible)

This phase is important for strategic improvement.

ALLEN Overseas Guidance for Students:

ALLEN Overseas recommends students:

• Use the answer key only for analysis, not stress
• Focus on improvement areas
• Revise high-weightage topics
• Practice mock tests regularly
• Avoid overthinking expected percentile

Structured guidance and smart revision can significantly improve Session 2 performance.

The release of the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Provisional Answer Key is an important milestone in the exam process. It allows students to evaluate performance transparently and raise valid objections if necessary.

Candidates should use this opportunity wisely, stay calm, and focus on strengthening their preparation for upcoming attempts.

ALLEN Overseas wishes every aspirant success in the next phase of their JEE journey.

JEE Main 2026 (Session 1) Supporting Content:

• JEE Main 2026 (Session 1) Memory Based Paper Analysis | 21st January Morning and Evening Shift
• JEE Main 2026 (Session 1) Memory Based Paper Analysis | 22nd January Morning & Evening Shift
• JEE Main 2026 (Session 1) Memory Based Paper Analysis | 28th January Morning & Evening Shift