JEE Main answer key 2026: provisional key released on April 11, 2026
NTA released the provisional JEE Main answer key 2026 on April 11, 2026 . The provisional answer key and your response sheet are available together on the NTA portal.
JEE Main answer key 2026: how to download
You must log in at jeemain.nta.ac.in to get the answer key and response sheet. Use your application number and date of birth and select your exam shift (Session 1 or Session 2) to download the PDFs for Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
Follow these points when you download:
- The response sheet shows your marked answers with Question ID and Option ID.
- Compare the Question ID + Option ID on your response sheet with the Option ID in the provisional answer key.
- Save copies of both PDFs for calculations and any future challenges.
| Important date | Detail |
|---|---|
| April 11, 2026 | Provisional answer key release |
| 2–3 days after key | Typical challenge window |
| April 14, 2026 | Article updated |
JEE Main answer key 2026: marking scheme and score calculation
Total marks for the exam are 300 — 100 per subject . Each subject contains 25 MCQs and 10 numerical value questions (Section B).
| Question type | Correct | Incorrect | Unattempted | Max per Q |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MCQ (single correct) | +4 | -1 | 0 | 4 |
| Numerical value questions | +4 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
Calculate your raw score using: (Correct MCQs + Correct numericals) × 4 − (Incorrect MCQs × 1). Numerical value questions have no negative marking. If NTA accepts a challenge, candidates who chose that option are awarded 4 marks for that question. If a question is dropped, full marks for that question are awarded to all candidates.
How to challenge the provisional answer key
If you believe an answer in the provisional key is wrong, you can challenge it online on the NTA portal during the short window (typically 2–3 days after the key is out). Each challenge costs ₹200 per question payable online.
Notes on challenges:
- You must enter the Question ID and provide supporting proof while submitting a challenge.
- The fee is refunded only if NTA accepts your challenge; otherwise it is forfeited.
- Official timestamps for challenge start and end are published on the NTA portal with the key.