JEE Main Result 2026: NTA postpones Session 1 scores, results now on February 16

In a significant update for lakhs of engineering aspirants across the country, the National Testing Agency has postponed the declaration of the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 results.

The scores, which candidates had been expecting earlier this week, will now be announced on February 16, 2026, according to the latest notification issued by the exam authority.

The delay follows the closure of the objection window for the provisional answer key. Candidates were allowed to challenge responses and recorded answers until February 6, after which subject experts began evaluating the submissions.

Sources indicate that the agency is finalising the revised answer key, a critical step before publishing the Session 1 results and percentiles.

Officials have maintained that the extension is intended to ensure accuracy and fairness. “All valid challenges are being reviewed carefully. The final answer key and results will be released once the verification process is complete,” an NTA official said.

The JEE Main 2026 Session 1 examination was conducted between January 21 and January 29, across multiple shifts and exam centres nationwide.

The computer-based test saw participation from candidates seeking admission to undergraduate engineering programmes at NITs, IIITs, and other centrally funded technical institutions, as well as eligibility for JEE Advanced 2026.

Once released, candidates will be able to access their scorecards through the official portals, jeemain.nta.nic.in and nta.ac.in.

To log in, students must use their application number along with their password or date of birth. The scorecard will display subject-wise NTA scores, overall percentile, All India Rank (AIR), and qualification status.

The postponement has triggered mixed reactions among students. While some expressed anxiety over the uncertainty, others welcomed the additional time for result processing. “It’s stressful because counselling timelines depend on results, but accuracy is more important,” said a candidate from Pune.

Education experts note that such delays are not uncommon in large-scale national exams, especially when a high volume of answer key objections is received.

“Reviewing challenges is essential to maintain credibility. Even a few disputed questions can significantly affect percentiles,” said a coaching institute director.

The revised schedule is unlikely to impact the broader admission calendar, as Session 2 of JEE Main 2026 is still expected to proceed as planned in April.

However, students are advised to stay alert for updates regarding cut-off announcements, rank lists, and the registration timeline for JEE Advanced 2026.

Meanwhile, candidates are encouraged to keep login credentials ready and monitor official websites to avoid misinformation circulating on social media.