The JEE Main exam is one of the largest engineering entrance tests in India, drawing over 11 lakh candidates each year. This year, the exam took place from April 2 to April 8, 2026, across 566 examination centres in 304 cities within India and 14 cities abroad. As students eagerly awaited their results, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has now released the provisional answer key on April 11, 2026.
Candidates can access their response sheets and question papers to evaluate their performance. However, the release has not come without controversy. Many students have expressed frustration over discrepancies found in the Chemistry exam, with one student stating, “WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?? RELEASE THE CORRECT ANS KEY ASAP AND ISSUE AN APOLOGY REGARDING THE MENTAL TORTURE YOU HAVE GIVEN TO THIS SHIFT CHILDREN.” Another student echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that “this discrepancy cannot be dismissed with just an apology from NTA. Accountability must be ensured.”
In response to the uproar, the NTA has urged candidates to wait for clarification regarding the discrepancies before submitting any objections. They have stated, “NTA regrets the inconvenience caused. Candidates are advised not to make any payments related to challenges for these until an official clarification is issued.” Candidates can challenge the provisional answer key for a fee of ₹200 per question, but this fee is non-refundable, even if the challenge is accepted.
As the situation unfolds, the final answer key is expected to be released on April 20, 2026. Observers suggest that candidates should analyze their responses and raise objections if necessary, particularly regarding the Chemistry section where details remain unconfirmed. The NTA has also started sharing exam-related information through social media, aiming to provide real-time updates and essential information in one place.
