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JEE Main 2026 Registration is the first step for engineering aspirants aiming to secure admission to NITs, IIITs, GFTIs and other premier engineering institutions across India. The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts this examination twice a year in two sessions. Session 1 registration for JEE Main 2026 closed on November 27, 2025. Session 2 registration is expected to begin in the last week of January 2026. A record-breaking 14.5 lakh students registered for Session 1, making it the highest ever for a January session.
Table of Contents
JEE Main 2026 Registration Dates
NTA has announced the complete schedule for JEE Main 2026. Candidates must mark these dates to avoid missing any important deadlines.
| Event | Session 1 Dates | Session 2 Dates (Tentative) |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Start Date | October 31, 2025 | January 31, 2026 |
| Registration Last Date | November 27, 2025 | Third week of February 2026 |
| Correction Window | December 1-2, 2025 | First week of March 2026 |
| City Intimation Slip Release | January 8, 2026 | Second week of March 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | January 17-18, 2026 | Last week of March 2026 |
| Exam Dates | January 21, 22, 23, 24, 28 and 29, 2026 | April 2-9, 2026 |
| Result Declaration | February 12, 2026 | April 20, 2026 |
JEE Main 2026 Exam Dates Session-wise
The JEE Main 2026 examination will be conducted in two sessions. Candidates can appear for either one or both sessions. The best score from both sessions will be considered for determining the All India Rank.
| Session | Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) Dates | Paper 2 (B.Arch/B.Planning) Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Session 1 (January) | January 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 2026 | January 29, 2026 |
| Session 2 (April) | April 2-9, 2026 | April 9, 2026 |
JEE Main 2026 Registration Major Changes
NTA has introduced several significant changes in the JEE Main 2026 registration process to streamline applications and enhance security measures.
Key Changes for JEE Main 2026
- Live Photo Capture: Candidates must capture a live photograph during the registration process. This feature ensures authenticity and prevents the use of edited photos.
- Aadhaar/DigiLocker Verification: NTA now verifies candidate details directly from Aadhaar card data during the application process. This reduces manual errors and ensures accurate information.
- APAAR ID Integration: The Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR) ID can now be linked with JEE Main registration for seamless academic record tracking.
- UDID Certificate Upload: Candidates with disabilities must upload their Unique Disability ID (UDID) certificate in PDF format for automatic verification.
- Changed Photo and Signature Specifications: New dimensions have been specified for uploading photographs and signatures.
- Class 11 CBSE Registration Number: CBSE students must provide their Class 11 registration number to ensure exam dates do not overlap with board examinations.
- No Virtual Calculator: NTA has confirmed that the on-screen calculator option has been removed. Candidates cannot use calculators of any kind during the examination.
- 33 New Exam Centres Added: NTA has added 33 new examination cities while removing 7 cities, bringing the total to 323 exam cities.
JEE Main 2026 Eligibility
Candidates must fulfill the eligibility criteria before filling the JEE Main 2026 application form. Non-compliance may lead to cancellation of candidature at a later stage.
| Eligibility Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Age Limit | No upper age limit. However, candidates must meet age criteria of the institute they seek admission to. |
| Year of Passing | Passed Class 12 in 2024, 2025 or appearing in 2026. Students who passed before 2024 are not eligible. |
| Number of Attempts | Three consecutive years from the year of passing Class 12. Both January and April sessions count as one year. |
| Qualifying Exam | 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized Central/State Board (CBSE, ICSE, NIOS, State Boards) |
| Subjects for B.E./B.Tech | Physics and Mathematics mandatory, plus one from Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, or Technical Vocational Subject |
| Subjects for B.Arch | Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics mandatory |
| Subjects for B.Plan | Mathematics mandatory in Class 12 |
| Minimum Marks for Exam | No minimum percentage required to appear for JEE Main |
| Marks for NITs/IIITs/GFTIs | 75% in Class 12 (65% for SC/ST) or Top 20 percentile in respective board |
JEE Main 2026 Required Documents
Candidates must keep the following documents ready before starting the registration process.
- Scanned passport-size photograph (JPG/JPEG format, 10KB-200KB, 80% face visible with white background)
- Scanned signature (JPG/JPEG format, 10KB-100KB)
- Class 10 certificate for date of birth verification
- Class 12 marksheet (for passed candidates)
- Valid Aadhaar card or other valid ID proof
- Category certificate (for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS candidates)
- PwD/UDID certificate (for candidates with disabilities)
- Scribe details form (if applicable)
- Active mobile number and email ID
How to Register for JEE Main 2026?
Follow these steps to complete your JEE Main 2026 registration successfully.
Step 1: Visit Official Website
Go to the official NTA JEE Main website at jeemain.nta.nic.in. Click on the registration link for the respective session.
Step 2: New Candidate Registration
Click on "New Registration" and select the identification mode (Aadhaar or other ID). Enter your name, mobile number, email ID, and create a password. An application number will be generated after successful registration.
Step 3: Fill Application Form
Log in using application number and password. Fill personal details, academic details, exam preferences (paper type, exam city choices), and contact information. Select four preferred exam cities based on your permanent or present address.
Step 4: Capture Live Photo
Capture your live photograph as prompted. Ensure proper lighting and clear visibility of your face.
Step 5: Upload Documents
Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, ID proof, and category certificates as per specifications.
Step 6: Pay Application Fee
Pay the application fee through Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, or UPI. Verify payment status after completion.
Step 7: Download Confirmation Page
After successful payment, download and print the confirmation page for future reference.
JEE Main 2026 Fee For Candidates Appearing in India
The application fee varies based on category, gender, and number of papers selected.
| Category | Paper 1 OR Paper 2 | Paper 1 AND Paper 2 |
|---|---|---|
| General/Gen-EWS/OBC-NCL (Male) | Rs. 1000 | Rs. 1800 |
| General/Gen-EWS/OBC-NCL (Female) | Rs. 800 | Rs. 1600 |
| SC/ST/PwD (Male) | Rs. 500 | Rs. 1000 |
| SC/ST/PwD (Female) | Rs. 500 | Rs. 1000 |
| Third Gender | Rs. 500 | Rs. 1000 |
Note: GST and processing charges are additional and must be borne by the candidate. The fee is non-refundable under any circumstances except in cases of duplicate or failed transactions.
JEE Main 2026 Fee For Candidates Appearing Outside India
Candidates opting for exam centres outside India must pay higher application fees.
| Category | Paper 1 OR Paper 2 | Paper 1 AND Paper 2 |
|---|---|---|
| General/Gen-EWS/OBC-NCL (Male) | Rs. 5000 | Rs. 9000 |
| General/Gen-EWS/OBC-NCL (Female) | Rs. 4000 | Rs. 8000 |
| SC/ST/PwD (Male) | Rs. 2500 | Rs. 5000 |
| SC/ST/PwD (Female) | Rs. 2500 | Rs. 5000 |
| Third Gender | Rs. 3000 | Rs. 6000 |
JEE Main 2026 Exam Centres
NTA has expanded the exam centre network for JEE Main 2026 to improve accessibility for candidates across the country.
Exam Centre Statistics for JEE Main 2026
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Exam Cities in India | 308 |
| International Exam Cities | 15 |
| Total Exam Cities | 323 |
| New Cities Added | 33 |
| Cities Removed/Merged | 7 |
New Exam Cities Added for JEE Main 2026
| State | New Cities Added |
|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh | 8 cities |
| Gujarat | 3 cities |
| West Bengal | 3 cities |
| Maharashtra | 3 cities |
| Telangana | 3 cities |
| Karnataka | 2 cities |
| Tamil Nadu | 2 cities |
| Manipur | 2 cities |
| Haryana, Jammu, MP, Odisha, Bihar | 1 city each |
International Exam Centres
JEE Main 2026 will be conducted at 15 international locations including Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Colombo, Doha, Dubai, Hong Kong, Kathmandu, Kuala Lumpur, Kuwait City, Muscat, Riyadh, Sharjah, Singapore, Moscow, and Washington D.C.
JEE Main Application 2026 Correction Window
NTA provides a limited correction window to rectify errors in the submitted application form.
Correction Window Details
| Session | Correction Window Dates |
|---|---|
| Session 1 | December 1-2, 2025 (until 11:50 PM) |
| Session 2 | Expected in first week of March 2026 |
Details That Can Be Corrected
- Name of candidate, father, or mother (only one)
- Category and sub-category
- Exam city preferences
- Medium of examination
- Class 10 and Class 12 qualification details
- Course/paper selection
- Date of birth (for non-Aadhaar verified candidates)
- Gender (for non-Aadhaar verified candidates)
- Signature re-upload
Details That Cannot Be Changed
- Mobile number
- Email ID
- Permanent and correspondence address
- Emergency contact details
- Photograph
- Session choice
JEE Main 2026 Correction Window Issues and Solutions
Candidates often face technical issues during the correction window. Here are common problems and their solutions.
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Unable to log in to correction portal | Clear browser cache, try different browser, or use incognito mode. Ensure application number and password are correct. |
| Correction link not visible | The link appears only during the active correction window. Wait for official activation or contact NTA helpline. |
| Payment failed during correction | Wait 24-48 hours for automatic reversal. If not resolved, contact your bank and NTA support. |
| Unable to upload corrected signature | Ensure file is in JPG/JPEG format, size between 10KB-100KB, and signature is clear on white background. |
| Category change not reflecting | Pay additional fee if required. Download revised confirmation page after successful submission. |
| Server timeout during submission | Avoid last-minute submissions. Try during off-peak hours (early morning or late night). |
JEE Main Session 2
JEE Main 2026 Session 2 provides another opportunity for candidates to improve their scores or for those who missed Session 1.
JEE Main Session 2 Key Points
- Registration Period: Expected from January 31 to third week of February 2026
- Exam Dates: April 2-9, 2026
- Fresh Registration Required: Candidates who did not register for Session 1 must register as new candidates
- Session 1 Candidates: Can use their Session 1 credentials to apply. Only exam preferences and fee payment are required
- Best Score Considered: For candidates appearing in both sessions, the better score will be considered for All India Rank
- Separate Admit Cards: Separate admit cards will be issued for Session 2
JEE Main 2026 Admit Card
The JEE Main 2026 admit card is a mandatory document for appearing in the examination.
Admit Card Release Schedule
| Session | Expected Release Date |
|---|---|
| Session 1 | January 17-18, 2026 (3-4 days before exam) |
| Session 2 | Last week of March 2026 |
Details on Admit Card
- Candidate's name and photograph
- Application number and roll number
- Exam date, shift, and reporting time
- Complete exam centre address
- QR code for verification
- Instructions for exam day
JEE Main Previous Years' Registration Trends
Registration numbers for JEE Main have shown consistent growth over the years, reflecting increasing interest in engineering education.
| Year | Session 1 Registrations | Session 2 Registrations | Unique Candidates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 14.5 lakh (record high) | Expected 10-11 lakh | Expected 15-17 lakh |
| 2025 | 13.11 lakh | 10.61 lakh | 15.39 lakh |
| 2024 | 12.21 lakh | 9.50 lakh | 14.75 lakh |
| 2023 | 11.13 lakh | 8.90 lakh | 13.50 lakh |
| 2022 | 10.26 lakh | 6.52 lakh | 11.20 lakh |
| 2021 | 6.52 lakh | 2.52 lakh | 7.00 lakh |
JEE Main Number of Rejected JEE Main Applications in Past Years
Every year, a certain percentage of applications get rejected due to various errors during the registration process.
| Year | Rejection Rate | Primary Reasons |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 5-10% | Missing details under photos, duplicate session forms, stricter verification |
| 2024 | 6-8% | Aadhaar/PAN mismatches, incomplete fee payments |
| 2023 | 5-7% | Blurred photos, signature issues, technical errors |
Common Reasons for Application Rejection
- Incorrect or blurred photograph not meeting specifications
- Signature not as per NTA guidelines
- Multiple application submissions for same session
- Name mismatch between application and ID proof
- Incomplete fee payment or transaction failure
- Invalid or expired category certificates
- Wrong identification number entry
- Failure to click "Final Submit" after form completion
Practical Checklist for Applicants (Quick Action Items)
Use this checklist to ensure smooth and error-free registration.
Before Registration
- Read the official Information Bulletin thoroughly
- Verify your eligibility as per NTA criteria
- Keep all required documents ready in specified formats
- Ensure valid and active mobile number and email ID
- Update Aadhaar card if name or other details have discrepancies
During Registration
- Use stable internet connection throughout the process
- Double-check all details before moving to next step
- Save application number immediately after generation
- Take screenshot at each step as backup
- Select exam cities carefully based on accessibility
- Verify payment status shows "Successful"
After Registration
- Download and save confirmation page
- Print multiple copies for reference
- Check email for confirmation from NTA
- Login regularly to check for updates or discrepancies
- Note correction window dates for any changes
- Download city intimation slip when released
- Download admit card 3-4 days before exam
NTA JEE Main Helpline
For any queries or issues related to JEE Main 2026 registration, candidates can contact NTA through the following channels:
| Contact Mode | Details |
|---|---|
| Helpline Numbers | 011-40759000, 011-69227700 |
| jeemain@nta.ac.in | |
| Official Website | jeemain.nta.nic.in |
Important: Helpline is available on working days from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Keep your application number handy when contacting support.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Yes. Candidates who missed Session 1 can register for Session 2 as fresh candidates when the registration window opens. The Session 2 registration is expected to begin in the last week of January 2026.
- No. The photograph cannot be changed during the correction window. NTA has made this field non-editable. Ensure your photograph meets all specifications before final submission.
- Wait for 24-48 hours as the amount usually gets auto-reversed for failed transactions. If not resolved, contact your bank first and then reach out to NTA helpline at 011-40759000 with transaction details and bank statement.
- Yes. Candidates can appear for both January and April sessions. The best score from either session will be considered for determining the All India Rank. Separate registration and fees are required for each session.
- This is a common issue that can lead to application rejection. Get your Aadhaar card updated to match your Class 10 certificate before applying. NTA verifies details against Aadhaar during registration.
- There is no minimum percentage required to appear for JEE Main exam. However, for admission to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs, candidates must have either 75% marks in Class 12 (65% for SC/ST) or be in the top 20 percentile of their respective board.
- Candidates can appear for JEE Main for three consecutive years from the year of passing Class 12. Since the exam is held twice a year, a candidate can have up to six attempts in total.
- No. Once the city intimation slip is released, candidates cannot change their exam city. Changes to exam city preferences can only be made during the correction window, which occurs before the city slip release.
