JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Paper 2 Answer Key Out; Objection Window Closes Soon

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially triggered the final phase of the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 cycle for Paper 2 aspirants. On Friday, the agency released the provisional answer keys for BArch (Paper 2A) and BPlanning (Paper 2B), alongside individual candidate response sheets.

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With the result compilation process underway, the NTA has provided a very tight window for students to verify their scores and flag potential discrepancies. Candidates have until 11:50 PM tonight, February 20, 2026, to submit their challenges via the official portal.

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How to Download and Challenge the Answer Key

To access the data, candidates must log in to the JEE Main portal using their application number and password. Once logged in, students can view their recorded responses alongside the NTA’s “official” correct options. If a candidate finds a mismatch, they can select the “Challenge” option. It is crucial to have supporting documents or textbook references ready to upload as evidence for the challenge to be considered by the NTA’s subject matter experts.

Fee Structure & Payment Deadline

The NTA has maintained its standard challenge protocol:

• Processing Fee: ₹200 for each question challenged.

• Refund Status: The fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether the challenge is accepted or rejected.

• Payment Modes: Debit Card, Credit Card, or Net Banking only.

The payment window will close precisely at 11:50 PM. Any challenge submitted without a successful payment transaction will be summarily discarded. Therefore, candidates are advised not to wait until the final hour, as server traffic often spikes during the last 30 minutes of the window.

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The Road to the Final Result

After the window closes tonight, all submitted objections will be reviewed by a panel of subject experts. If a challenge is found valid, the answer key will be revised for all candidates. Based on this Final Answer Key, the NTA will calculate the NTA scores (percentiles) and release the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Paper 2 results.

Reality Check

The NTA offers an “objection window,” but the ₹200 per question fee is non-refundable. Still, if an error is glaring, it is worth the cost as it impacts the national percentile. Therefore, the “opportunity” to challenge is effectively a paid service. In fact, historically, less than 1% of Paper 2 challenges result in a key change, as the mathematical and aptitude questions are strictly peer-reviewed before the exam.

The Loopholes

The NTA states that challenges must be submitted online. In fact, students often find that if they don’t upload a “clear and legible” PDF of their supporting proof, the challenge is rejected without review. Therefore, the loophole is in the technical submission rather than the logical one. Still, the response sheet serves as the ultimate proof; ensure you download and save it tonight, as it usually disappears from the dashboard once the final results are announced.

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What This Means for You

If you appeared for BArch or BPlan, this is your final chance to verify your raw score. First, cross-check your response sheet with the provisional key immediately. Then, calculate your probable score using the +4/-1 marking scheme.

Finally, realize that Paper 2 results typically follow Paper 1 results by 3-5 days. You should keep your architect portfolios ready for the JoSAA/CSAB counseling rounds, which will require these percentiles later in the year. Before the 11:50 PM deadline, ensure your internet connection is stable if you plan to make a payment, as a “failed transaction” will invalidate your challenge.

What’s Next

The objection window closes tonight, February 20, 2026, at 11:50 PM. Then, the Final Answer Key is expected to be uploaded by February 24. Finally, the JEE Main Paper 2 Results are tentatively scheduled for release by the last week of February 2026.

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End….

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