Published: February 4, 2026
JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Answer Key Released Today
Provisional Answer Key & Response Sheet Now Available
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially released the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 provisional answer key and response sheets on February 4, 2026. Candidates who appeared for the examination during January 21-30, 2026, can now download their answer keys and response sheets from the official NTA portal at jeemain.nta.nic.in.
Students must log in using their JEE Main 2026 application number and password or date of birth to access the documents. The release of the answer key allows candidates to self-evaluate their performance and calculate their expected scores before the official result declaration. Each question paper's answer key includes detailed question IDs, correct options, and candidate responses side-by-side, enabling transparent comparison.
Challenge Window Open Until February 5
The challenge window for the JEE Main 2026 provisional answer key remains open from February 4 to February 5, 2026. If candidates believe any answer in the provisional key is incorrect, they can submit their objections through the official portal by providing valid explanations and supporting documents. NTA will review all challenges and make corrections to the final answer key based on credible evidence. Candidates should note that the challenge window closes on February 5, and late submissions will not be accepted.
JEE Main Session 1 Result Expected February 12
According to the official announcement, NTA will declare the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 result by February 12, 2026. The result declaration will include the final answer key, marks obtained, and the official merit list. For candidates who wish to appeal their marks or believe their responses were incorrectly evaluated, the final answer key will be the authoritative document. The JEE Advanced exam, the second stage of the entrance test for IIT admissions, is tentatively scheduled for May 17, 2026.
CUET UG 2026 Registration Deadline Extended to February 4
Last Day to Register for Undergraduate Common Entrance Test
Today, February 4, 2026, marks the extended final deadline for registration in the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) UG 2026. The National Testing Agency extended the CUET registration deadline from January 3 to February 4, 2026 (until 11:50 PM) to provide additional opportunities for eligible candidates to apply. CUET UG 2026 is the mandatory entrance examination for undergraduate admissions across Central Universities, State Universities, Private Universities, and Deemed Universities across India.
Students aspiring to pursue undergraduate studies must complete their registration, fill out the application form with accurate details, upload required documents, and pay the application fee before the 11:50 PM deadline on February 4. Late registration will not be accepted, and no extensions will be granted after this deadline. Candidates who miss today's deadline will not be able to appear for the CUET UG 2026 examination.
CUET UG 2026 Examination Schedule & Admit Card Timeline
The CUET UG 2026 examination is tentatively scheduled to be conducted between May 11 to May 31, 2026. The National Testing Agency will conduct the exam in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode at designated exam centres across the country. The exam city slip (intimation letter) will be released in the first week of May 2026, followed by the admit card release in the second week of May 2026.
Candidates must carry a printed admit card along with a valid photo identification (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, Driving License, or PAN Card) to the exam centre. The admit card will contain essential information, including the candidate's name, roll number, exam date, shift timing, exam centre address, and reporting time. Provisional answer keys will be released after the examination concludes, with a formal answer key and result declaration expected in the last week of June 2026.
CUET UG 2026 Participating Universities & Admission Process
CUET UG 2026 is accepted by over 300 universities across India, including Delhi University, Banaras Hindu University, Aligarh Muslim University, Jawaharlal Nehru University, and numerous state and private institutions. The examination is conducted in multiple languages, including English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Marathi, and Gujarati, allowing students to write in their preferred language. Candidates can apply to multiple universities and programmes through a single application, streamlining the undergraduate admission process across Indian higher education institutions.
UP Board Class 12 Practical Examination Deadline Extended
February 4, 2026, Now Final Date for First Phase Practicals
The Uttar Pradesh Secondary Education Board (UPMSP), commonly known as the UP Board, has extended the deadline for the first phase of Intermediate Class 12 practical examinations to February 4, 2026. The original deadline was February 1, 2026, but due to incomplete practicals in several schools, the Board extended the deadline in the interest of students. The first phase of practical examinations now runs from January 24 to February 4, 2026, providing an additional three days for schools to complete their assessments.
The extension decision was made following the postponement of the UP Teacher Eligibility Test (UP TET) 2026. The Board initially excluded January 29-30, 2026, from the practical exam schedule to avoid conflicts with UP TET, but since the TET has been postponed to July 2-3, 2026, these dates have been reinstated in the practical exam schedule. Board officials have instructed all examination centres and schools to strictly adhere to the new February 4 deadline to ensure no further delays.
UP Board Theory Examination Schedule & Student Participation
The UP Board has scheduled Class 10 and Class 12 theory examinations from February 18 to March 12, 2026. More than 50 lakh students (5 million) are expected to appear for the UP Board examinations across the state. The practical exams, currently underway, cover subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and other laboratory-based courses. Following the completion of practical exams by February 4, schools will begin preparations for theory examinations scheduled to commence on February 18.
The Board has distributed revised schedules to all schools, advising them to make necessary arrangements for assessment, evaluation, and examiner allocation. Students appearing for the examination should ensure they complete their practical components by the extended deadline and prepare adequately for theory papers that will begin within two weeks of the practical exams concluding on February 4, 2026.
CBSE Board Exams 2026: Timeline and Preparation
Class 10 and Class 12 Examinations Begin February 17
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially confirmed that Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations will begin on February 17, 2026. CBSE Class 10 theory examinations will run from February 17 to April 9, 2026, while CBSE Class 12 examinations are scheduled from February 17 to April 4, 2026. Both examinations will be conducted in pen-and-paper format at authorised examination centres across the country. The examination timings will be from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM for most papers, with slight variations for certain subjects.
CBSE has released the detailed subject-wise date sheet for both classes, enabling students to plan their revision schedule effectively. The mathematics examination for Class 10 is scheduled for March 4, 2026, followed by science on March 7, 2026, and social science on March 9, 2026. For Class 12, the examinations are spread across multiple phases with minor and major subjects scheduled on alternate days to avoid excessive student fatigue.
Dual Board Exam Policy for Class 10: First Exam February 2026
A significant reform introduced by CBSE this year is the implementation of dual board examinations for Class 10 students. Under this new policy aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, students will have the opportunity to take two board examinations: the first in February 2026 (currently underway) and the second in May 2026. This policy aims to reduce student stress and provide additional opportunities for students to improve their scores.
If a student performs better in the May examination, they can choose to use that score for college admissions and merit-based scholarships. Additionally, students who wish to change their subject selection after receiving their February results will have the opportunity to do so before the May examination, provided their schools offer such flexibility and subject combinations are available. This dual exam system represents a major shift in India's assessment approach, emphasising continuous evaluation and student well-being over a single high-stakes examination.
Results Declaration Timeline and Supplementary Exams
CBSE has scheduled the result declaration for Class 10 Phase 1 (February exam) for April-May 2026, while Class 12 results are expected in May 2026. The supplementary examinations (retake opportunities) for Class 12 will be conducted on June 30, 2026, with results declared by July 15, 2026. Students who fail in any subject or wish to improve their scores can appear for supplementary examinations, providing additional flexibility in achieving their academic goals.
National Education Policy Reforms Shape 2026 Exam Season
AI Integration in Schools Starting April 2026
As part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 implementation, artificial intelligence (AI) will be introduced into the school curriculum starting April 2026 for students from Grade 3 onwards. This marks a significant milestone in India's education modernisation, introducing computational thinking and AI fundamentals to young learners. The NEP 2020 envisions equipping students with 21st-century skills essential for a technology-driven economy.
The curriculum integration of AI will initially focus on foundational concepts such as algorithm design, pattern recognition, and problem-solving using computational methods. The initiative aims to prepare students for emerging career opportunities in technology sectors while fostering innovation and critical thinking from an early age. Schools across the country have begun teacher training programs to ensure educators can effectively teach these new concepts.
New Curriculum Framework for Senior Classes
The session 2026-27 will introduce new textbooks for Classes 9-12 based on the revised National Curriculum Framework (NCF). These textbooks represent a comprehensive redesign of school curricula, incorporating greater emphasis on experiential learning, interdisciplinary approaches, and skill development over rote memorisation. The new curriculum aligns with the 5+3+3+4 educational structure introduced by NEP 2020, which divides schooling into four distinct stages based on child development stages.
The revised curriculum emphasises foundational literacy, numeracy, multilingual learning, and the integration of vocational skills from the middle school level onwards. States across India are accelerating the adoption of NEP provisions, including flexible subject choices and competency-based assessments. Several states have introduced remedial programs to bridge learning gaps at the primary level, ensuring all students develop strong foundational skills before progressing to higher classes.
Foreign Universities Establishing Indian Campuses
19 Universities Authorized to Operate in India
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has authorized 19 foreign universities to establish campuses in India under the new regulations. These universities, primarily from Australia, the United States, and Europe, are launching undergraduate and postgraduate programs in India. The authorised campuses will offer specialized courses in business, media, computer science, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and engineering disciplines.
The opening of foreign university campuses represents a major development in India's higher education landscape, providing students with access to international-quality education without the need to study abroad. These institutions will follow their home country's academic standards and curriculum while complying with Indian regulations, ensuring quality assurance and academic credibility. Students will be able to earn degrees recognised globally while studying in India, making quality higher education more accessible and affordable.
Impact on Undergraduate Admissions and Career Pathways
The presence of foreign university campuses is expected to significantly enhance competition in India's higher education sector, encouraging Indian institutions to improve their teaching quality and campus facilities. These international institutions will participate in the CUET UG admission process, providing additional options for candidates seeking undergraduate education. The availability of specialised programs in emerging fields like artificial intelligence and cybersecurity will create new career pathways for Indian students.
Sources Section
- Times of India Education – 2026 में क्या-क्या बदलने वाला है? स्कूल-कॉलेज में इन 5 बड़े बदलाव: https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/education/education-news/
- Times of India – Exam calendar 2026: Key dates for JEE, NEET, CUET, CBSE, ICSE: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/education/news/
- DSI Faridabad – CBSE Class 10 Board Exam 2026 Date Sheet: https://www.dsisfaridabad.com/blog-cbse-class-10-board-exam-2026/
- Times of India – National Education Policy (NEP) 2025: What's Changed: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/education/news/
- Shiksha.com – CBSE Date Sheet 2026 Class 10th, 12th (Final): https://www.shiksha.com/boards/cbse-board-dates
- Times of India – CBSE Board exam date sheet 2026 for class 10, 12: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/education/news/cbse-board-exam-date-sheet-2026/
- 21K School – National Education Policy 2025-26: What's New, Structure, Curriculum: https://www.21kschool.com/us/blog/national-education-policy/
- Shiksha.com – Registration Dates and Complete Schedule for All NTA Exams: https://www.shiksha.com/exams/nta-exam-dates
- Motion.ac.in – CBSE Class 12 Date Sheet 2026 (Released): https://motion.ac.in/blog/cbse-class-12-date-sheet/
- News18 – JEE Main Answer Key 2026: Provisional Key To Be Out On February 4: https://www.news18.com/education-career/
- Testbook – NTA Exam Calendar 2026, Important Dates for NEET, UGC NET: https://testbook.com/news/nta-exam-calendar-2026/
- PW Live – CUET UG 2026: Registration Extended, Exam Date: https://www.pw.live/cuet
- English Dainik Jagran MPCG – States Step Up Education Reforms Ahead of 2026 Academic Year: https://english.dainikjagranmpcg.com/education/
