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JEE Main Registration

JEE Main Registration 2026: Complete Guide to Application Form, Dates, Fees and Eligibility

Updated on March 3, 2026

JEE Main 2026 Registration is the first step for engineering aspirants seeking admission to premier institutes such as National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), and Government Funded Technical Institutes (GFTIs). The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE Main) is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in two sessions every year, typically in January and April, allowing candidates multiple opportunities to improve their scores.

The registration process is conducted entirely online through the official website jeemain.nta.nic.in, where candidates must complete the application form, upload required documents, and pay the application fee within the specified deadline.

JEE Main also serves as the qualifying examination for JEE Advanced, which is required for admission to the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). The top 2.5 lakh candidates based on JEE Main ranks become eligible to appear for the JEE Advanced examination.

Table of Contents

JEE Main 2026 Registration Dates

The National Testing Agency has released the official JEE Main 2026 registration dates for both sessions. Candidates must keep track of these deadlines to avoid missing the JEE Main registration last date.

Event

Session 1

Session 2

Registration Start Date

October 31, 2025

February 1, 2026

JEE Main Registration Last Date

November 27, 2025

February 25, 2026

Application Correction Window

December 1–2, 2025

February 27–28, 2026

City Intimation Slip

January 8, 2026

March 2026

Admit Card Release

January 17, 2026 onward

Last week of March 2026

Exam Dates

January 21–29, 2026

April 2–9, 2026

Result Declaration

February 12, 2026

April 20, 2026

The Session 2 registration window opened on February 1, 2026 and closed on February 25, 2026, giving candidates another opportunity to apply or improve their score.

Candidates should regularly check the official website for updates regarding registration deadlines, admit card release, and exam schedules.

Since the registration window is open only for a limited period, students are advised to complete their application process well before the last date to avoid:

  • Server congestion

  • Payment failures

  • Document upload errors

Missing the registration deadline means candidates will have to wait for the next exam session.

JEE Main 2026 Exam Dates (Session-wise)

The JEE Main 2026 exam will be conducted in two sessions in computer-based mode (CBT). Candidates appearing in both sessions will have their best score considered for the final ranking.

Session

Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech)

Paper 2 (B.Arch/B.Planning)

Session 1 (January)

January 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 2026

January 29, 2026

Session 2 (April)

April 2 – 9, 2026

April 9, 2026

The two-session format allows students to improve their performance and reduce exam pressure, which has been followed since recent years.

Major Changes in JEE Main 2026 Registration

NTA has introduced several updates in the JEE Main registration 2026 process to improve security and simplify verification.

Key Changes in JEE Main 2026

  • Live Photo Capture: Candidates must capture a live photograph during registration to prevent misuse of edited images.
  • Aadhaar-Based Verification: Candidate details can be automatically fetched from Aadhaar records.
  • APAAR ID Integration: Students can link their academic ID for easier record verification.
  • UDID Certificate for PwD: Candidates with disabilities must upload their Unique Disability ID (UDID) certificate.
  • Updated Photo and Signature Specifications: NTA has revised size and format guidelines.
  • More Exam Cities: Additional exam cities have been introduced to increase accessibility.

These updates were introduced by the National Testing Agency to improve transparency, reduce fraudulent applications, and simplify candidate verification during the examination process. For example, the live photo capture feature ensures that candidates upload a real-time photograph rather than an edited or outdated image, which helps prevent identity mismatch during exam day verification. Similarly, the integration of Aadhaar and APAAR ID allows the system to automatically verify candidate information, reducing the chances of errors in personal and academic details. These technological improvements aim to make the registration process faster, more secure, and more reliable for candidates.

JEE Main Registration 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Before filling the JEE Main 2026 registration form, candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria set by NTA.

Eligibility Parameter

Requirement

Age Limit

No upper age limit (subject to institute criteria)

Year of Passing

Passed Class 12 in 2024 or 2025, or appearing in 2026

Qualifying Exam

10+2 from a recognized board (CBSE, ICSE, State Boards, NIOS)

Subjects for B.E./B.Tech

Physics and Mathematics + one from Chemistry/Biology/Biotechnology/Technical subject

Subjects for B.Arch

Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics

Subjects for B.Plan

Mathematics in Class 12

Minimum Marks to Appear

No minimum percentage required

Marks for NIT/IIIT/GFTI Admission

75% in Class 12 (65% for SC/ST) or top 20 percentile of the board

Meeting eligibility is essential because incorrect information can lead to rejection during counselling.

It is important to note that eligibility for appearing in JEE Main is different from eligibility for admission into institutes.

While there is no minimum percentage required to appear for JEE Main, candidates seeking admission to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs must meet the 75% marks criterion in Class 12 or rank within the top 20 percentile of their respective boards.

Students should carefully verify their eligibility to avoid disqualification during the JoSAA counselling process.

Details Required in JEE Main 2026 Application Form

While filling out the JEE Main application form, candidates must provide accurate personal, academic, and contact information.

Important details required include:

Personal Details

  • Candidate’s name

  • Date of birth

  • Gender

  • Nationality

  • Category and sub-category

Academic Details

  • Class 10 board name and passing year

  • Class 12 board name and status (passed or appearing)

  • Subject combination in Class 12

Exam Details

  • Paper selection (Paper 1, Paper 2A, or Paper 2B)

  • Preferred exam cities

  • Medium of examination

Providing incorrect or incomplete information may result in rejection of the application during verification.

Documents Required for JEE Main 2026 Registration

Candidates must keep all documents ready before starting the jee main registration 2026 process to avoid errors during application.

Required Documents

  • Scanned passport-size photograph (JPG/JPEG, 10KB–200KB)
  • Scanned signature (JPG/JPEG, 10KB–100KB)
  • Class 10 certificate for date of birth
  • Class 12 marksheet (for passed candidates)
  • Valid ID proof (Aadhaar card or other government ID)
  • Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS)
  • PwD or UDID certificate (if applicable)
  • Scribe details form (if applicable)
  • Active mobile number and email ID

Ensure all uploaded documents follow NTA’s size and format guidelines to avoid rejection.

Candidates should ensure that all scanned documents are clear, legible, and uploaded in the correct format and size specified by NTA. Keeping digital copies ready in advance can help complete the application process smoothly and avoid delays during registration.

Photograph and Signature Specifications

NTA has provided specific guidelines for uploading photographs and signatures during the registration process.

Photograph Guidelines

  • Recent passport-size color photograph

  • White or light background

  • File format: JPG/JPEG

  • File size: 10 KB to 200 KB

  • Face should be clearly visible without sunglasses or caps

Signature Guidelines

  • Signature must be done on white paper using black or blue ink

  • File format: JPG/JPEG

  • File size: 10 KB to 100 KB

Failure to follow these guidelines may lead to rejection of the application form.

How to Complete JEE Main Registration 2026

The JEE Main registration process is conducted completely online. Candidates must carefully follow the steps below to successfully submit the application form.

Step 1: Visit Official Website

Go to the official portal jeemain.nta.nic.in and click on JEE Main 2026 Registration.

Step 2: New Candidate Registration

Click on New Registration, enter personal details, and create login credentials. An application number will be generated.

Step 3: Fill Application Form

Log in using the application number and password. Enter:

  • Personal details
  • Academic information
  • Exam paper preference
  • Exam city choices

Step 4: Upload Documents

Upload scanned copies of photograph, signature, and required certificates.

Step 5: Pay Application Fee

Complete payment using Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI.

Step 6: Download Confirmation Page

After successful submission, download and print the confirmation page for future reference, as it may be required during later stages such as admit card download, counselling registration, and document verification.

Candidates must carefully review all information entered in the application form before submitting it. Once the form is submitted, only limited details can be edited during the correction window.

How to Check JEE Main Application Status

After completing the registration process, candidates can check the status of their application through the official website.

Steps to check application status:

  1. Visit the official website jeemain.nta.nic.in

  2. Click on Candidate Login

  3. Enter the application number and password

  4. View the application status on the dashboard

The status will confirm whether the application form has been successfully submitted and the fee payment has been completed.

JEE Main Registration Fees 2026 (India)

The JEE Main registration fees vary based on category, gender, and number of papers selected.

Category

Paper 1 OR Paper 2

Paper 1 AND Paper 2

General / OBC-NCL / EWS (Male)

₹1000

₹1800

General / OBC-NCL / EWS (Female)

₹800

₹1600

SC / ST / PwD

₹500

₹1000

Third Gender

₹500

₹1000

Note: GST and processing charges may apply. The JEE Main registration fee is non-refundable except in cases of failed transactions.

JEE Main Registration Fees 2026 (Outside India)

Candidates selecting exam centres outside India must pay higher application fees.

Category

Paper 1 OR Paper 2

Paper 1 AND Paper 2

General / OBC-NCL / EWS (Male)

₹5000

₹9000

General / OBC-NCL / EWS (Female)

₹4000

₹8000

SC / ST / PwD

₹2500

₹5000

Third Gender

₹3000

₹6000

JEE Main 2026 Application Correction Window

NTA provides a limited correction window allowing candidates to modify specific details in the submitted application form.

Session

Correction Window Dates

Session 1

December 1–2, 2025

Session 2

February 27–28, 2026

Details That Can Be Corrected

  • Candidate name (limited cases)
  • Category and sub-category
  • Exam city preference
  • Medium of exam
  • Qualification details
  • Paper/course selection
  • Signature upload

Details That Cannot Be Changed

  • Mobile number
  • Email ID
  • Address
  • Uploaded photograph
  • Session choice

Candidates should review the application carefully before final submission to avoid correction issues later.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During JEE Main Registration

Many candidates make errors while filling out the application form, which may lead to problems during verification or admit card generation.

Common mistakes include:

  • Uploading incorrect photograph or signature format

  • Entering wrong academic details

  • Selecting incorrect exam paper

  • Choosing exam cities without proper preference order

  • Not verifying information before final submission

Candidates should carefully review all details before submitting the application to avoid issues during the correction window.

What Happens After JEE Main 2026 Registration?

After completing the JEE Main 2026 registration process, candidates must follow several important steps before appearing for the examination. These steps are conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) through the official portal.

City Intimation Slip

NTA releases the city intimation slip before the admit card to inform candidates about the city where their examination centre will be located. This allows students to plan their travel arrangements in advance.

Admit Card Download

The JEE Main admit card is released a few days before the examination. Candidates must download it from the official website using their application number and password. The admit card contains important details such as the exam date, shift timing, and test centre address.

Exam Day Guidelines

Candidates must follow all exam day instructions mentioned on the admit card. They are required to carry a printed admit card, valid photo ID proof, and passport-size photograph to the examination centre. Electronic devices and prohibited items are not allowed inside the exam hall.

Result Declaration

After the examination is conducted, NTA releases the JEE Main result on the official website. Candidates can check their scorecard using their login credentials. The best score among the two sessions is considered for preparing the final rank list.

JEE Main 2026 Official Website and Helpline

Candidates can access all information related to JEE Main 2026 registration through the official website jeemain.nta.nic.in. For technical issues or application-related queries, students can contact the NTA helpdesk through the email jeemain@nta.ac.in or the helpline number available on the official portal.

JEE Main 2026 Registration Statistics

The number of students registering for JEE Main 2026 continues to increase each year, reflecting the exam’s importance for engineering admissions in India.

Year

Session 1 Registrations

Session 2 Registrations

Unique Candidates

2026

~13.5–14 lakh

Expected 10–11 lakh

~15–17 lakh

2025

13.11 lakh

10.61 lakh

15.39 lakh

2024

12.21 lakh

9.50 lakh

14.75 lakh

The rising number of applicants makes JEE Main one of the most competitive engineering entrance exams in India.

READ MORE

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.

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