JEE Main 2026 Answer Key Challenge Window Closes Today; NTA to Review Objections Before Result Declaration

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is set to close the objection window for the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Provisional Answer Key today, February 6, 2026. This is the final opportunity for candidates who appeared in the January session to challenge any discrepancies they found in the officially released keys or their recorded responses. Once the window shuts, the NTA will not entertain any further grievances, and the expert panel will begin finalizing the Final Answer Key, which serves as the sole basis for the NTA scores and rank list.

To stay updated on the official result date and the list of dropped questions, follow Only Education News.

How to Raise Objections: The Final Checklist

Candidates who believe a specific answer is incorrect must act quickly. The process is entirely online and requires a non-refundable processing fee.

• Deadline: Today, February 6, 2026 (typically until 11:50 PM).
• Processing Fee: ₹200 per question challenged.
• Official Portal: jeemain.nta.nic.in.

Steps to Challenge:

1. Log in using your Application Number and Date of Birth/Password.
2. Click on the ‘Challenge Answer Key’ or ‘View/Challenge Answer Key’ link.
3. Select the Question ID you wish to challenge and upload supporting documents (NCERT references or solved equations).
4. Save your claims and pay the processing fee through a Credit/Debit Card or Net Banking.

What Happens to "Dropped" Questions?

In every session, certain questions are occasionally found to be technically incorrect or to have multiple correct options. If the NTA experts agree with a challenge, the question is "dropped."

• For MCQ Questions: If a question is dropped, full marks are awarded to all candidates who appeared in that specific shift, regardless of whether they attempted it.
• For Numerical Value Questions: Usually, marks are awarded only to those who attempted the question, though this is subject to the specific NTA guideline for the 2026 cycle.

Anticipated Results and Percentile Trends

With the challenge window closing tomorrow, the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Results are expected to be announced by the end of next week. Initial analysis of the January shifts suggests that a score of 180-190 might be required for a 99 percentile in tougher shifts (like Jan 28 Shift 1), while easier shifts might see that requirement push toward 200+.

As the Session 1 chapter closes, aspirants should not lose momentum. The registration for Session 2 is already picking up pace. If you are unsatisfied with your provisional score, this is the time to pivot your strategy toward the April attempt. For a comprehensive "Marks vs. Percentile" analysis based on the latest provisional key, follow Only Education News.