Published on November 01 , 2025
Contents
Delhi, India
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has kicked off registrations for JEE Main 2026 Session 1, the gateway to top engineering colleges like NITs, IIITs, and IITs via JEE Advanced. With over 10 lakh aspirants expected, this online-only process ensures a fair shot at undergraduate programs in BE/BTech, BArch, and BPlanning. Aligned with NEP 2020’s focus on merit and accessibility, the dual-session format (January and April) gives candidates flexibility to maximize scores. Don’t miss the window—apply early to avoid glitches and focus on prep.
Overview of the Release
- Launch Date: Registrations began on October 31, 2025, via jeemain.nta.nic.in—marking the start of the 2026 engineering admission cycle.
- Two-Session Structure: Session 1 (January) for early benchmarking; Session 2 (April) for score improvement; best score counts for rankings.
- Key Purpose: Qualifier for JEE Advanced (IITs) and direct entry to NITs/IIITs/CFTIs; also state-level admissions.
- Inclusivity Push: Updated advisories emphasize valid Aadhaar/UDID for seamless verification, reducing rejections.
Eligibility Criteria
- Academic Qualification: Passed Class 12 (or equivalent) in 2024 or 2025, or appearing in 2026; must include Physics, Mathematics, and one of Chemistry/Biology/Biotechnology/Technical Vocational subject.
- No Minimum Marks for Appearing: Zero cutoff to apply—75% aggregate (65% for SC/ST) required only for NIT/IIIT/GFTI admissions post-results.
- Age Limit: None; open to all, including droppers and repeaters (max 3 consecutive attempts).
- Special Cases: Diploma holders eligible via lateral entry routes; NIOS/open school candidates qualify if from recognized boards; transgender category included with fee concessions.
Registration Dates and Application Process
- Timeline: Form submission until November 27, 2025 (9:00 PM); fee payment until 11:50 PM same day; correction window expected early December.
- Step-by-Step Guide:
- Visit jeemain.nta.nic.in and click “New Registration for JEE (Main) 2026 Session 1.”
- Fill basic details (name, DOB, email, mobile) to generate application number and password.
- Log in, complete personal/academic info, select Paper 1/2A/2B, and choose up to 4 center cities (limited to present/permanent address state).
- Upload documents, preview form, and pay fee online (net banking/credit/debit card/UPI).
- Download confirmation page— no hard copy submission needed.
- Pro Tip: Use parent’s/guardian’s email/mobile if needed; demo form available at demo.nta.nic.in for practice.
Required Documents
- Photograph: Recent color photo (10-200 KB, JPG; 3.5×4.5 cm, 80% face coverage, white background).
- Signature: Black/blue ink on white paper (4-30 KB, JPG; 3.5×1.5 cm).
- ID Proof: Aadhaar number/Passport/DigiLocker details (must match Class 10 certificate).
- Academic: Class 10 marksheet/certificate (for name/DOB verification); Class 12 details if passed.
- Category-Specific: EWS/SC/ST/OBC-NCL certificate (valid post-April 1, 2025); PwD/UDID card (40%+ disability); citizenship proof for foreign nationals.
- Note: Scanned copies only; mismatches lead to rejection—update Aadhaar via UIDAI beforehand.
Fee Structure
- For Centers in India (Per Paper):
- General/OBC/EWS Boys: ₹1,000 (Paper 1); ₹1,000 each for Paper 2A/2B.
- General Girls: ₹800 (Paper 1); ₹800 each for Paper 2A/2B.
- SC/ST/PwD/Transgender: ₹500 (all categories/genders).
- For Centers Abroad: Double the India fees (e.g., ₹2,000 for General Boys Paper 1).
- Payment Mode: Online only; non-refundable; GST/processing charges extra.
- Both Papers: Pay for each separately if opting for Paper 1 + 2A/2B.
Exam Dates and Pattern
- Session 1 Dates: January 21 to 30, 2026 (two shifts: 9 AM-12 PM or 3 PM-6 PM); city intimation first week of January; admit cards mid-January.
- Overall Pattern (Paper 1 – BE/BTech, CBT Mode):
- Total Questions: 75 (25 per subject: 20 MCQs + 5 numerical value).
- Marks: 300 (100 per subject); +4 for correct, -1 for incorrect (numerical: no negative).
- Duration: 3 hours (4 for PwD); subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics.
- Paper 2A (BArch): 77 questions (400 marks; includes drawing test on paper); 3.5 hours.
- Paper 2B (BPlanning): 100 questions (400 marks; MCQs only); 3.5 hours.
- Languages: 13 options including English/Hindi/regional.
Syllabus Highlights
- Paper 1: Physics (20 units: mechanics, optics, modern physics); Chemistry (20 units: physical, organic, inorganic); Mathematics (14 units: algebra, calculus, vectors).
- Paper 2A/2B: Math same as Paper 1; Aptitude (perception, visualization); Drawing/Planning (geometric composition, urban awareness).
- Access: Download detailed PDF from jeemain.nta.nic.in; NCERT Class 11-12 based, with reduced topics from 2024 revisions (e.g., no communication systems in Physics).
- Prep Tip: Focus on high-weightage (e.g., calculus 30% Math); practice mocks for numerical questions.
