JEE Main 2026 Provisional Answer Key: Session 1(OUT on 4th Feb) 

Latest Update: JEE Main 2026 Provisional Answer Key OUT by NTA. Stay tuned for the latest updates.

The JEE Main Provisional Answer Key 2026, released soon after the exam by NTA, helps candidates estimate scores, analyse responses, and challenge discrepancies before final results are declared.  

1.0What is the JEE Main Provisional Answer Key?

The JEE Main Provisional Answer Key is an initial set of correct answers released officially by the NTA for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE Main). It contains the correct options for all exam questions and is published before the final answer key, giving candidates an opportunity to verify and challenge any questionable answers. 

Unlike the final answer key, the provisional key invites candidate objections. The NTA also provides the candidate’s response sheet (the answers they marked in the exam) and sometimes the question paper PDF alongside the provisional key.  

2.0Official Release Date of JEE Main Provisional Answer Key 2026

For Session 1 of JEE Main 2026, the provisional answer key was announced to be released on February 4, 2026. Along with the answer key, the NTA also published the candidate-specific response sheet and the question paper PDF on the official website. 

The objection window — a short period for candidates to challenge the provisional key — was available typically for two to three days after the key release. After the challenge window closes and objections are reviewed, the final answer key is published. 

3.0How to Download JEE Main Provisional Answer Key

Candidates can follow the steps below to access the provisional answer key:

1. Visit the official JEE Main website
2. Click on the link titled “JEE Main Provisional Answer Key”
3. Log in using:
   Application number
   Date of birth or password
4. Download:
   Provisional answer key (PDF)
   Response sheet
   Question paper
5. Save copies for score calculation and objection reference

Downloading all three documents together is essential for accurate answer matching.

4.0How to Calculate Score Using JEE Main Provisional Answer Key

Candidates can calculate their expected JEE Main score using the official marking scheme.

JEE Main Marking Scheme (Paper 1 – B.E./B.Tech)

• Correct answer: +4 marks
• Incorrect answer (MCQ): −1 mark
• Unattempted: 0 marks
• Numerical value questions: No negative marking

Score Calculation Formula: (Expected Score) = (Number of Correct Answers × 4) − (Number of Incorrect MCQs × 1)

This calculated score helps candidates predict their percentile range using previous-year trends.

Also Check: How to Challenge JEE Main 2026 Answer Key 

5.0Why the Provisional Answer Key Matters

1. Estimate Your Score Early
   Candidates can calculate their tentative raw scores before the final results are published. This early score prediction helps in planning for counselling or subsequent attempts. 
2. Identify Errors or Discrepancies
   If a candidate believes the official answer is incorrect, they can raise an objection within the designated challenge window. 
3. Better Preparation for Next Attempts
   Whether planning for the April session or future exams, analysing the answer key enables focused revision based on weak areas. 
4. Rank Prediction & College Planning
   Based on expected raw scores and past year trends, candidates can use rank predictors and college predictors to estimate admission chances.