JEE Main 2026 Session 2: Registration & Admit Card — Explained

JEE Main 2026 Session 2 is the final opportunity for over 12 lakh engineering aspirants to improve their NTA scores and secure admission into top NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs. Registration for the April session typically opens in the first week of February 2026, providing a critical second chance for students who appeared in Session 1 or those applying for the first time. This session determines the final All India Rank (AIR) based on the best of two scores, making it the most competitive phase of the entrance cycle.

When will JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Registration begin?

The National Testing Agency (NTA) follows a strict timeline for the April session. Registration is expected to commence immediately after the Session 1 results are declared, likely in the first week of February 2026. Candidates who already applied for Session 1 do not need to register as new users; they can simply log in with their existing application number and password to pay the session fee.

For new candidates, the process involves a fresh registration on the NTA portal. The application window usually remains open for 30 days, followed by a brief correction window. It is vital to note that the NTA rarely extends the deadline for Session 2 because the exam schedule is tightly packed before the JEE Advanced and board examinations.

Event	Tentative Date (Session 2)
Notification Release	First week of February 2026
Online Application Starts	February 2, 2026
Last Date to Apply	March 4, 2026 (up to 9:00 PM)
Last Date for Fee Payment	March 4, 2026 (up to 11:50 PM)
Correction Window	Second week of March 2026

What is the Application Fee for JEE Main 2026 Session 2?

The fee structure depends on the candidate's category, gender, and the number of papers they choose to appear for (B.E./B.Tech, B.Arch, or B.Planning). Fees must be paid online through Net Banking, Credit Card, Debit Card, or UPI. No offline payment modes like Demand Draft or Challan are accepted by the NTA.

For Indian exam centers, the fee for a single paper (e.g., Paper 1: B.E./B.Tech) is ₹1,000 for General/OBC/EWS male candidates and ₹800 for General/OBC/EWS female candidates. SC, ST, PwD, and Third Gender candidates are required to pay ₹500. If a candidate chooses to appear for both Paper 1 and Paper 2, the fee is effectively doubled.

Candidates applying from outside India face a higher fee structure. General/OBC/EWS male candidates must pay ₹5,000, while female and reserved category candidates pay ₹2,500. Ensure you keep the proof of payment (transaction slip) safe until the admission process is completed.

Who is eligible for the JEE Main 2026 April Attempt?

Eligibility for Session 2 is identical to Session 1, but candidates must be aware of the specific year-of-passing requirements. To apply for JEE Main 2026, you must have passed your Class 12 or equivalent examination in 2024, 2025, or be appearing for it in 2026. Students who passed Class 12 in 2023 or earlier are not eligible to appear.

There is no age limit for appearing in JEE Main 2026. However, candidates must satisfy the age criteria of the specific Institute (NITs, IIITs) they seek admission to. For admission to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs, a candidate must have secured at least 75% marks in the Class 12 examination or be in the top 20 percentile of their respective boards. For SC/ST candidates, the qualifying mark is 65%.

Compulsory subjects in Class 12 include Physics and Mathematics, along with one of Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, or Technical Vocational subjects. For B.Arch, Chemistry is mandatory. Candidates can appear for JEE Main for three consecutive years from the year they pass Class 12.

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for JEE Main 2026 Session 2

1. Visit the official website jeemain.nta.nic.in and click on the 'Session 2 Registration' link.
2. If you appeared in Session 1, log in using your Application Number and Password. If you are a new user, click on 'New Registration' and generate your credentials using Aadhaar or DigiLocker.
3. For existing users, select the paper you wish to appear for (Paper 1, 2A, or 2B) and choose your preferred Exam Cities. You can choose up to four cities in order of preference.
4. New users must fill in personal details, educational qualifications, and contact information accurately. Ensure your mobile number and email ID are active as all OTPs will be sent there.
5. Upload scanned documents: A recent photograph (10kb to 200kb) and signature (4kb to 30kb). The photograph must have 80% face coverage, no mask, and a white background.
6. Pay the Examination Fee through the integrated payment gateway. Do not refresh the page during the transaction.
7. Download and print the Confirmation Page. This is the most important document for future reference; NTA does not send physical copies.

JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme

Understanding the structure of the paper is essential for effective time management. Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) consists of 90 questions, out of which candidates must attempt 75. The exam duration is 3 hours (4 hours for PwD candidates). The paper is conducted entirely in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode.

Subject	Section A (MCQs)	Section B (Numerical)	Total Marks
Physics	20 Questions	10 Questions (Attempt 5)	100
Chemistry	20 Questions	10 Questions (Attempt 5)	100
Mathematics	20 Questions	10 Questions (Attempt 5)	100
Total	60	15 (out of 30)	300

The marking scheme is consistent across both sections. For every Correct Answer, you receive +4 marks. For every Incorrect Answer, -1 mark is deducted. This negative marking applies to both Multiple Choice Questions and Numerical Value Questions. Unanswered questions result in zero marks. To maximize your score, avoid guessing in the numerical section where calculations can be tricky.

How to download the JEE Main 2026 City Intimation Slip?

The City Intimation Slip is released approximately 10 to 12 days before the commencement of the exam. This document is NOT the Admit Card. Its sole purpose is to inform candidates about the city where their exam center is located so they can make travel and lodging arrangements in advance. This is particularly helpful for students in rural areas who need to travel to urban centers like Patna, Lucknow, or Jaipur.

To download the slip, log in to the NTA portal with your application number and date of birth. The slip will display the city name and the date of the exam. The specific venue address and shift timing (Morning: 9 AM - 12 PM or Evening: 3 PM - 6 PM) will only be mentioned on the final Admit Card.

JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Admit Card: Important Details

The NTA releases the JEE Main Admit Card in a phased manner, usually 3 days before the specific exam date of the candidate. If the exams start on April 1, the first batch of admit cards will be available around March 28. It is mandatory to carry a printed color copy of the admit card to the exam center.

Check the following details on your admit card immediately after downloading: Candidate Name, Roll Number, Exam Center Address, Reporting Time, and Gate Closing Time. If there is any discrepancy in your photograph or signature, contact the NTA Helpdesk at 011-40759000 or email at jeemain@nta.ac.in immediately.

Along with the admit card, candidates must carry a valid original Photo ID (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, or Passport) and one passport-size photograph to be pasted on the attendance sheet. /admit-card can provide further updates on download links as they go live.

High-Weightage Topics for JEE Main 2026 Session 2

Since Session 2 occurs after most board exams, the competition level is significantly higher. Focusing on high-yield topics can help you jump from the 95th to the 99th percentile. Based on previous years' trends, certain chapters consistently contribute more questions.

• Physics: Modern Physics (3-4 questions), Heat and Thermodynamics (2 questions), Current Electricity (2 questions), Optics, and Electrostatics. Do not ignore 'Physics in Everyday Life' as it often yields direct questions.
• Chemistry: Organic Chemistry (GOC, Hydrocarbons, Aldehydes & Ketones) carries nearly 35% weightage. In Inorganic Chemistry, prioritize Coordination Compounds and Chemical Bonding. For Physical Chemistry, focus on Equilibrium and Electrochemistry.
• Mathematics: Vectors and 3D Geometry (4-5 questions), Calculus (Definite Integration and Differential Equations), Matrices and Determinants, and Sequence and Series. Mathematics is often the toughest section, so accuracy is more important than speed here.

Utilizing resources for /exam-preparation will help you identify which areas need more mock test practice. Solving the 2025 and 2026 Session 1 papers is the best way to understand the current difficulty level and question framing style of the NTA.

60-Day Preparation Strategy for the April Attempt

The gap between Session 1 and Session 2 is roughly two months. This period is often interrupted by Class 12 Board exams. The key to success is balancing board theory with JEE-level numerical practice. Divide your 60 days into three phases: 30 days for board-aligned JEE topics, 15 days for exclusive JEE topics (Class 11 syllabus), and 15 days for full-length mock tests.

In the first phase, focus on chapters common to both boards and JEE. This includes Calculus, Organic Chemistry, and Optics. Use NCERT as your base for Chemistry; 90% of Inorganic Chemistry questions in JEE Main are derived directly from NCERT lines. For Physics, solve the 'Example' problems from HC Verma to strengthen conceptual clarity.

The final 15 days should be reserved for 'Simulation Mode.' Sit for a 3-hour mock test at the exact time of your shift (either 9 AM or 3 PM). This trains your brain to be at peak performance during those hours. Analyze every mistake in the mock test—distinguish between calculation errors, conceptual gaps, and time-management failures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for Session 2 if I missed Session 1?

Yes, you can apply for Session 2 even if you did not register or appear for Session 1. You will need to register as a new candidate on the NTA website during the February registration window and pay the required fee.

Which session score will be used for the final ranking?

NTA uses the 'Best of Two' rule. If you appear in both sessions, your highest NTA score (percentile) among the two will be considered for the final All India Rank (AIR) and for qualifying for JEE Advanced.

Is the 75% marks criteria mandatory for JEE Main 2026?

The 75% marks (65% for SC/ST) in Class 12 is not required to sit for the JEE Main exam. However, it is a mandatory eligibility condition for securing admission into NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs through the JoSAA/CSAB counseling process.

What items are prohibited inside the JEE Main exam center?

Candidates cannot carry electronic gadgets (mobile phones, calculators, smartwatches), jewelry, bags, or any printed material. Only the Admit Card, a transparent ballpoint pen, a passport-size photo, and an original ID proof are allowed. Transparent water bottles are permitted.

Will there be a correction window for Session 2?

Yes, NTA usually provides a 2-3 day correction window after the registration closes. During this time, candidates can edit specific details like category, sub-category, and city preference. However, primary details like name and contact info often remain locked.

Preparation for JEE Main 2026 Session 2 requires a blend of speed and precision. With the right focus on high-weightage topics and consistent mock test practice, you can significantly improve your percentile and secure your future in a premier engineering institution. Stay updated with every notification by visiting TrueJobs regularly. Start your final revision phase today to stay ahead of the curve.

Related Resources

• JEE Advanced 2026: Eligibility and Exam Pattern
• Top Engineering Colleges in India (NIRF Ranking)
• Sarkari Result

How to follow this exam update

JEE Main 2026 Session 2 is a crucial final chance to improve your rank. Stay updated on the official NTA website for all announcements. Prepare strategically to maximize your score in this attempt.