JEE Main Response Sheet 2026: Release Date, Download Link

For engineering aspirants across India, the days following the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Mains 2026 are often filled with anxiety and anticipation. Before the final results are declared, the National Testing Agency (NTA) releases a crucial document that offers the first concrete insight into your performance: JEE Mains 2026 response sheet.

The JEE Main Response Sheet 2026 will be released by the National Testing Agency (NTA) shortly after the exam. It displays the question-wise responses recorded by candidates during the exam. Once the response sheet is available on the official portal, candidates can download the response sheet PDF and compare it with the JEE Main Answer Key 2026 to estimate their probable score, expected percentile, and overall performance. This helps candidates assess their exam performance well before the official results are declared. 

Whether you appeared for the January session (Session 1) or are preparing for the April session (Session 2), accessing your response sheet is the first step toward predicting your rank and planning your next moves for JEE Advanced. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about the response sheet for JEE Mains 2026, including important dates, how to download it, and how to use it to calculate your probable score.

Additionally, the JEE Main Response Sheet 2026 serves as a valid reference for raising objections against the provisional answer key, if any discrepancies are found.

1.0JEE Mains 2026 Response Sheet Release Date

The NTA typically releases the response sheet 3 to 5 days after the conclusion of the exam for a specific session.

Below is the tentative schedule for the release of the response sheet:

2.0How to Download the JEE Main 2026 Response Sheet

Downloading your response sheet is straightforward, but it must be done within the NTA-provided time window. Once the link is deactivated, you cannot retrieve this document.

Follow these simple steps for the JEE Main response sheet download:

1. Visit the Official Website: Go to the official NTA JEE Main portal.
2. Locate the Link: On the homepage, look for the link titled "JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Response Sheet & Answer Key".
3. Login: You will be redirected to a login page. You can log in using either:
   Application Number + Password
   Application Number + Date of Birth
4. Access the Dashboard: Once logged in, you will see options to view your Admit Card and Response Sheet. Click on "View Response Sheet".
5. Download and Save: The sheet will open in a new tab. "Save as PDF" for future reference.

3.0Details Mentioned on the JEE Main Response Sheet 2026

When you open your response sheet for JEE Mains 2026, ensure that the details match your exam day experience. The document typically contains:

• Candidate Name & Application Number: Verify these immediately to ensure you have accessed the correct account.
• Roll Number: Your unique exam identification.
• Exam Date & Shift: E.g., "Jan 21, 2026 - Shift 1".
• Question ID: A unique numeric code assigned to every question.
• Option IDs: Unique codes for the four options provided.
• Status: Whether you "Answered," "Not Answered," or "Unattempted."
• Chosen Option: The option ID you selected.

4.0What is the JEE Main Response Sheet?

The JEE Main Response Sheet is an official document released by the National Testing Agency (NTA) that contains all the answers candidates marked during the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main. It serves as a mirror of your exam responses, helping you cross-check your answers against the official answer key released later.

This sheet is usually available a few days after the exam ends, before the results are declared. Candidates can download it from the official website – jeemain.nta.ac.in.

5.0Response Sheet vs. Answer Key: What is the Difference?

Many students confuse the response sheet with the answer key, but they serve different purposes.

• Response Sheet: This is your performance. It shows what you answered. It does not tell you if the answer is right or wrong.
• Provisional Answer Key: This is released simultaneously by the NTA. It contains the correct option IDs for all questions.

To estimate your score, you must keep both the JEE Mains 2026 response sheet and the Answer Key open side-by-side.

6.0How to Calculate Your Score Using the Response Sheet

Once you have downloaded both documents, you can calculate your score (out of 300) before the normalization process.

The Marking Scheme (As per 2026 Pattern):

• Correct Answer: +4 Marks
• Incorrect Answer: -1 Mark (Negative Marking applies to both Section A and Section B)
• Unattempted: 0 Marks

Calculation Steps:

1. Match Question IDs: Pick a question from your response sheet and find the corresponding Question ID in the Answer Key.
2. Compare Option IDs: Check if the "Chosen Option" on your sheet matches the "Correct Option" in the Answer Key.
3. Tally the Marks:
   If they match exactly -> Add 4 marks.
   If they do not match -> Deduct 1 mark.
   If you did not attempt the question -> 0 marks.

Formula:

$\text{Total Score}=(\text{Total Correct}\times 4)-(\text{Total Incorrect}\times 1)$

7.0How to Challenge Answers using Response Sheet 2026

If you find a discrepancy in your JEE Mains 2026 response sheet, you can raise an objection.

Step-by-Step Process to Raise Objections

1. Visit the official website.
2. Log in using your credentials.
3. Click on “Challenge Response Sheet.”
4. Select the question(s) you wish to challenge.
5. Upload valid proof or reference material.
6. Pay the prescribed fee per question.

NTA Guidelines for Challenge Submission

NTA allows challenges for a limited time window (usually 2-3 days). Ensure you provide authentic evidence and submit it before the deadline.

8.0Importance of the JEE Mains 2026 Response Sheet for Candidates

The response sheet for JEE Main 2026 is not just a document—it’s a critical tool for self-assessment.

Here’s why it’s important:

• It helps you verify your answers against the official JEE Main 2026 answer key.
• You can estimate your probable score even before the official results are announced.
• It allows you to identify errors in the recorded responses (if any) and raise challenges.
• It ensures transparency in NTA’s evaluation process.