As of November 3, 2025, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has kicked off registrations for JEE Main 2026 Session 1, marking the start of the race for millions of engineering aspirants aiming for IITs, NITs, IIITs, and beyond. With expanded accessibility through 323 exam cities, a freshly released syllabus aligned to NCERT Class 11-12, and a student-friendly exam pattern, this year’s edition promises fairness and convenience. Whether you’re a Class 12 passer or appearing student, this guide unpacks everything you need—from eligibility to application tips—to ace JEE Main 2026.
Registration Process: How and When to Apply for JEE Main 2026
The online application window for Session 1 opened on October 31, 2025, and closes on November 27, 2025 (11:50 PM). Missing this deadline means waiting for Session 2 in February 2026. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
- Steps to Apply:
- Visit jeemain.nta.nic.in and click “Apply for JEE Main 2026.”
- Create a login using your email and password (or use Aadhaar for authentication—name must match exactly to avoid rejection).
- Fill personal details, academic info, and choose up to 4 preferred exam cities from your present/permanent address state.
- Upload documents: Passport-size photo (10-200 KB, JPEG), signature (4-30 KB, JPEG), and certificates (e.g., category/PwD as PDF, 50-300 KB).
- Pay fees online (debit/credit/net banking/UPI); download confirmation page—no need to send hard copies.
- Key Tips: Apply early to secure preferred cities. A correction window may open later—watch for announcements. Multiple forms lead to cancellation.
- Session 2 Registration: Expected in February 2026; best scores from both sessions count for ranking.
Exam Dates and Schedule: Mark Your Calendar for JEE Main 2026
NTA has outlined a clear timeline to help you plan your prep without surprises.
- Session 1: January 21 to 30, 2026 (multi-shift, computer-based test).
- Session 2: April 2 to 9, 2026 (revised from April 1-10).
- City Intimation Slip: First week of January 2026 (Session 1); second week of March 2026 (Session 2).
- Admit Card Release: 3-4 days before exam; download via login credentials.
- Results Declaration: By February 12, 2026 (Session 1); scores normalized to percentiles for All India Rank.
Exams in 13 languages: English, Hindi, and regional options like Assamese, Bengali, and Urdu.
Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Appear for JEE Main 2026?
Open to a wide pool, but check these essentials to confirm your fit:
- Academic Qualification: Passed Class 12 (or equivalent) in 2024/2025, or appearing in 2026. Must have Physics, Mathematics, and one of Chemistry/Biology/Biotechnology/Technical Vocational subject.
- Age Limit: No upper limit; for general category, born on/after October 1, 2001 (5-year relaxation for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD).
- Attempts: Up to 3 consecutive years (6 sessions max).
- Other: Indian citizens, NRIs, OCIs, PIOs eligible. For B.Arch (Paper 2A), 50% aggregate in Physics, Chemistry, Math in Class 12; Mathematics compulsory.
Doubtful? Refer to the official information bulletin on nta.ac.in.
Application Fees: Breakdown for JEE Main 2026
Fees vary by gender, category, papers, and location (India/abroad). Pay via digital modes—no cash/checks.
| Category/Gender | Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) – India | Paper 2A/2B (B.Arch/B.Plan) – India | Both Papers – India | Abroad (Per Paper) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General (Boys) | ₹1,000 | ₹1,000 | ₹2,000 | ₹5,000 |
| General (Girls) | ₹800 | ₹800 | ₹1,600 | ₹4,000 |
| SC/ST/PwD/Transgender | ₹500 | ₹500 | ₹1,000 | ₹2,500 |
| Gen-EWS/OBC-NCL | ₹900 | ₹900 | ₹1,800 | ₹4,500 |
- Note: Fees non-refundable; SC/ST/PwD/Transgender/Females exempted from late fees in some cases.
Exam Pattern and Syllabus: What’s New for JEE Main 2026
Conducted in CBT mode, the exam tests core concepts with a mix of MCQs and numerical questions.
Exam Pattern Highlights
- Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech): 90 questions (300 marks, 3 hours); 20 MCQs + 10 numerical per subject (Physics, Chemistry, Math). +4 for correct, -1 for wrong MCQ; no negative for numerical.
- Paper 2A (B.Arch): 77 questions (400 marks, 3 hours); includes aptitude, drawing, math.
- Paper 2B (B.Plan): 100 questions (400 marks, 3.5 hours); planning-based.
- Updates: No on-screen/virtual calculator—physical ones banned (cheating risk). Live photo capture during registration for verification.
Syllabus Overview
- Based On: NCERT Class 11-12 curriculum; full PDF downloadable from jeemain.nta.nic.in.
- Key Subjects:
- Physics: Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Optics, Modern Physics (high-weightage: Electrostatics, Current Electricity).
- Chemistry: Physical (States of Matter), Organic (Hydrocarbons), Inorganic (p-Block).
- Mathematics: Calculus, Algebra, Coordinate Geometry (focus: Vectors, 3D Geometry).
- Changes: Aligned to rationalized CBSE syllabus; emphasis on application-based questions.
Pro Tip: Prioritize high-weightage topics—mock tests via NTA’s practice portal.
Exam Cities: 323 Locations for Greater Accessibility
A major boost for rural and remote aspirants: NTA added 33 new centers (7 removed), totaling 323 cities across India and abroad (e.g., Dubai, Singapore).
- Selection: Choose up to 4 from your address state; NTA allots based on availability—may merge low-registration cities.
- Abroad Centers: Limited; higher fees apply.
- Goal: Reduce travel burdens, boost participation from underrepresented areas.
City slips issued early—plan logistics accordingly.
