🧠 JEE Main 2026 Registration Begins: Check Dates, Eligibility, Exam Pattern & Latest Updates

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially opened the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 registration window, marking the start of the new academic season for lakhs of engineering aspirants across India. Students aiming for admission to NITs, IIITs, CFTIs, and eligibility for JEE Advanced 2026 can now apply online at jeemain.nta.ac.in.

This year’s examination will again be held in two sessions—Session 1 in January 2026 and Session 2 in April 2026—allowing candidates more flexibility and multiple opportunities to improve their scores.

Let’s explore the complete details including the application process, eligibility criteria, important dates, exam pattern, and preparation tips for JEE Main 2026.

📅 JEE Main 2026 Registration Dates

The NTA has announced a detailed schedule for JEE Main 2026 Session 1:

A similar schedule for Session 2 (April 2026) will be announced later.

🧾 How to Apply for JEE Main 2026

The JEE Main 2026 registration process is completely online. Candidates must follow these steps carefully to avoid mistakes that could delay or invalidate their application.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Visit the Official Website:
   Go to jeemain.nta.ac.in.
2. Register as a New Candidate:
   Use a valid email ID and mobile number to generate your Application Number.
3. Fill the Application Form:
   Enter personal details, academic records, paper preference (B.E./B.Tech, B.Arch, B.Planning), and exam city options.
4. Upload Required Documents:
   Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and category certificate (if applicable).
5. Pay the Application Fee:
   Use debit/credit card, UPI, or net banking.
6. Download Confirmation Page:
   After successful submission, save and print the confirmation for future reference.

💡 Tip: Cross-check the details with your Aadhaar card or Class 10 certificate—any mismatch could lead to disqualification.

🧑‍🎓 Eligibility Criteria for JEE Main 2026

Before filling out the form, ensure you meet the latest NTA eligibility rules:

1️⃣ Educational Qualification

• Must have passed 10+2 or equivalent examination in 2024 or 2025.
• Candidates appearing in 2026 are also eligible.
• Must have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects.

2️⃣ Age Limit

• There is no upper age limit for JEE Main.
• However, age restrictions may apply during admissions by specific institutions (like IITs or NITs).

3️⃣ Number of Attempts

• Candidates can appear for JEE Main twice a year (two sessions).
• The best score of the two sessions will be considered for final ranking.

🧩 JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern

The exam structure remains largely the same as 2025.

Paper 1: B.E./B.Tech

• Duration: 3 hours
• Mode: Computer Based Test (CBT)
• Negative Marking: 1 mark deducted for incorrect answers in MCQs

Paper 2A: B.Arch & Paper 2B: B.Planning

These papers will test Mathematics, Aptitude, and Drawing/Planning skills and are conducted separately.

📘 JEE Main 2026 Syllabus Overview

The syllabus for JEE Main 2026 is primarily based on NCERT Class 11 & 12 textbooks.

🔹 Physics

• Laws of Motion, Work & Energy, Gravitation, Thermodynamics, Current Electricity, Modern Physics, etc.

🔹 Chemistry

• Physical Chemistry (Mole Concept, Thermodynamics),
• Inorganic Chemistry (Periodic Table, Coordination Compounds),
• Organic Chemistry (Hydrocarbons, Biomolecules).

🔹 Mathematics

• Algebra, Calculus, Coordinate Geometry, Trigonometry, Statistics & Probability.

You can download the official syllabus PDF from the NTA website.

🧠 Preparation Strategy for JEE Main 2026

Cracking JEE Main demands consistent preparation, mock testing, and conceptual clarity.

🔸 Follow a Structured Timetable

Divide study hours equally among Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Include daily revision time and weekly full-length tests.

🔸 Focus on NCERT First

Almost 60–70% of questions are derived from NCERT fundamentals. Master these before moving to advanced books.

🔸 Solve Previous Year Papers

Attempt past 10 years’ JEE papers to identify recurring patterns and difficulty levels.

🔸 Take Online Mock Tests

Since the exam is CBT, practice in an online environment to build speed and accuracy.

🔸 Revise Smartly

Make short notes for formulas, reactions, and key theorems. Quick revision before exam saves time and boosts confidence.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incorrect Documents: Upload clear, properly sized photo & signature.
2. Wrong Category/Exam City: Check details before final submission.
3. Skipping Mock Tests: Practise in CBT mode to avoid surprises.
4. Last-Minute Rush: Don’t wait till the deadline; servers often slow down.
5. Ignoring Health: Balanced diet and good sleep are vital during exam season.

🧾 JEE Main 2026 Admit Card & Result

• Admit Card: Will be available online in the third week of January 2026. Candidates must carry a printed copy along with a valid photo ID to the exam centre.
• Result: Expected by 12 February 2026 for Session 1.
• Normalization: NTA uses percentile-based normalization to ensure fairness across multiple shifts.

🎯 Why JEE Main 2026 Matters

• Qualify for admission into top engineering colleges like NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs.
• Acts as a gateway to JEE Advanced 2026 for admission to IITs.
• Opens doors to state-level admissions via JoSAA & CSAB counselling.

With over 10 lakh students expected to appear, preparation and registration accuracy are key to success.

✅ Final Tips Before You Apply

• Double-check every field in the form before submission.
• Save a soft copy and printout of the confirmation page and fee receipt.
• Keep checking the NTA website for announcements, correction windows, or city allocation updates.
• Stay consistent with your studies — focus on quality over quantity.

🏁 Conclusion

The JEE Main 2026 registration process marks the first and most critical step in your journey toward India’s top engineering institutions. With the NTA opening the application window on 31 October 2025, aspirants have until 27 November 2025 to complete their forms.

Start early, avoid errors, and dedicate the next few months to disciplined preparation. A strong foundation, regular mock practice, and calm exam temperament can help you achieve the score you aim for.

Wishing every aspirant the very best for JEE Main 2026 Session 1 — your gateway to a bright engineering future!