JEE Main Application Form 2026: Registration Date — Explained

JEE Main 2026 Session 1 registration is expected to begin in the first week of November 2025, with the National Testing Agency (NTA) conducting the first phase of the exam in January 2026. As the gateway to India’s premier engineering institutes like NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs, as well as the qualifying round for JEE Advanced, a precise application process is the first step toward a successful engineering career. Candidates planning to appear for the exam must keep track of the specific timelines for document preparation and fee payment to avoid last-minute technical glitches on the official portal, jeemain.nta.nic.in.

JEE Main 2026 Quick Overview

JEE Main 2026 Important Dates: Session 1 and Session 2

The NTA conducts the JEE Main exam in two sessions to provide candidates with multiple opportunities to improve their scores. While the official notification for 2026 is awaited, the following schedule is based on the established academic cycle of the NTA. Candidates should note that the best of the two scores is considered for the final merit list and AIR (All India Rank).

Who is Eligible for JEE Main 2026?

Eligibility criteria for JEE Main 2026 are strictly enforced by the NTA. Candidates must ensure they meet the following requirements before starting the registration process. Failure to meet these criteria will result in the cancellation of candidature during the JoSAA counseling process.

• Age Limit: There is no upper age limit for appearing in JEE Main 2026. However, candidates must comply with the age requirements of the specific institute (IIT/NIT/IIIT) they seek admission to.
• Qualifying Examination: Candidates must have passed their Class 12 or equivalent exam in 2024 or 2025. Those appearing for the Class 12 exam in 2026 are also eligible.
• Subject Requirements: For B.E./B.Tech, candidates must have taken at least five subjects in Class 12, with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects along with Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, or a Technical Vocational subject.
• Number of Attempts: A candidate can appear for JEE Main for three consecutive years from the year of passing the Class 12 examination.
• Minimum Percentage: While there is no minimum percentage to appear for the exam, admission to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs requires at least 75% marks in Class 12 (65% for SC/ST candidates) or being in the top 20 percentile of the respective board.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fill JEE Main Application Form 2026

The application process is entirely online. It is divided into four major stages: Registration, Application Form Filling, Document Upload, and Fee Payment. Follow these steps carefully to ensure your application is accepted.

1. Online Registration: Visit jeemain.nta.nic.in and click on the "New Registration" link. You will need to provide your name, parent’s name, date of birth, gender, and contact details. Create a strong password and choose a security question. Upon successful submission, an Application Number will be generated and sent to your registered mobile number and email.
2. Filling the Application Form: Log in using your Application Number and Password. Enter personal details, including your category (General/OBC-NCL/SC/ST/EWS), PwD status, and place of residence. Select the paper you wish to appear for (Paper 1 for B.E./B.Tech, Paper 2A for B.Arch, or Paper 2B for B.Planning). You must also choose four preferred exam cities.
3. Educational Qualifications: Provide details of your Class 10 and Class 12 exams, including the year of passing, name of the board, school name and address, and marks obtained (or appearing status).
4. Uploading Scanned Documents: Upload your recent photograph and signature according to the NTA’s specifications. If you belong to a reserved category or are a PwD candidate, you must also upload the relevant certificates.
5. Application Fee Payment: Pay the required fee using Net Banking, Credit Card, Debit Card, or UPI. The application is only considered complete once the fee is successfully processed.
6. Print Confirmation Page: After the payment is successful, a Confirmation Page will be generated. Download and print at least three copies for future reference.

Documents Required for JEE Main 2026 Registration

To avoid session timeouts during the application process, keep the following documents ready in digital format. All scanned images must be clear and legible.

• Passport Size Photograph: 10KB to 200KB (Color or Black & White with 80% face visible, white background).
• Signature: 4KB to 30KB (In blue or black ink on a white background).
• Category Certificate: 50KB to 300KB (PDF format, required for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS candidates).
• PwD Certificate: 50KB to 300KB (PDF format, if applicable).
• Class 10 Marksheet: For proof of date of birth and father/mother name.
• Valid ID Proof: Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, or Ration Card.

JEE Main 2026 Application Fee Structure

The application fee varies based on the candidate's category, gender, and the number of papers they choose to appear for. The fees mentioned below are for a single session. If applying for both sessions together, the amount will be doubled.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During JEE Main Registration

Even a small error in the application form can lead to complications during the counseling process or result in the rejection of your application. Pay close attention to the following areas:

• Category Selection: Ensure you select the correct category. Changing from a reserved category to General is allowed during the correction window, but changing from General to a reserved category often requires valid documentation that must be dated before the application deadline.
• Exam Center Preference: Choose cities that are easily accessible. The NTA usually allots the first or second choice, but early registration increases the chances of getting your preferred city.
• Image Quality: Do not upload selfies or blurred images. The photograph must be professional and follow the 80% face coverage rule.
• Email and Phone Number: Use a permanent email ID and mobile number. All OTPs, admit card alerts, and result notifications will be sent to these contact details.

JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern and Syllabus Overview

Understanding the structure of the paper is critical for effective preparation. Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) consists of 90 questions, out of which candidates must attempt 75. The syllabus is primarily based on Class 11 and 12 NCERT topics for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.

The exam is conducted in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode. Each subject has two sections: Section A (20 Multiple Choice Questions) and Section B (10 Numerical Value Questions). In Section B, candidates only need to attempt 5 out of 10 questions. Both sections carry negative marking, where 4 marks are awarded for a correct answer and 1 mark is deducted for an incorrect response.

Candidates should focus on high-weightage topics such as Modern Physics, Organic Chemistry, and Calculus. For a detailed breakdown of the curriculum, refer to our guide on /jee-main-syllabus which provides a chapter-wise weightage analysis based on the last five years of exam data.

Reservation Policy in JEE Main 2026

The Government of India’s reservation policy is applicable for admissions through JEE Main. This affects the seat allocation in NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs. The percentage of seats reserved for different categories is as follows:

• General-EWS: 10% of seats.
• OBC-NCL: 27% of seats.
• Scheduled Caste (SC): 15% of seats.
• Scheduled Tribe (ST): 7.5% of seats.
• Persons with Disability (PwD): 5% horizontal reservation in each category.

Candidates must ensure their category certificates are issued by the competent authority and are updated as per the latest financial year requirements, especially for EWS and OBC-NCL categories. If you are also preparing for other technical exams, check our latest updates on /sarkari-result for engineering recruitment news.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for both JEE Main 2026 sessions at once?

Yes,

Checks to complete before you apply

Submitting the JEE Main 2026 application form accurately and on time is crucial for your engineering career. Carefully follow the official guidelines, double-check all details, and during the correction window, and keep your admit card ready for the exam day. We wish you the best for your preparation.

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