JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Registration Begins: How to apply, eligibility criteria revealed

NTA opens JEE Main 2026 Session 1 registration at jeemain.nta.nic.in. Last date to apply is November 27. Check eligibility, documents, and how to apply online.

New Delhi: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has commenced the application process for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026 session 1 on October 31. Candidates registered for the exam can fill the JEE Main 2026 application form through the official website, jeemain.nta.nic.in.

As per the schedule, the JEE Main 2026 will be held in two phases: January 1 to 30 and April 1 to 10.

Candidates eligible to appear for JEE Main Exam 2026 can register by filling the detailed form, which includes candidates’ personal details, academic qualifications and images, among other details. The last date to register for the JEE Main 2026 January session exam is November 27.

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Key Dates for JEE Main 2026

The NTA has outlined an extensive schedule to help students plan their preparation. The last date to submit the application form is November 27, and candidates can make corrections to their forms in the last week of November 2025. The admit cards are expected to be released in the third week of December 2025, ahead of the January examination window.

The JEE Main 2026 results for Session 1 are likely to be announced in February 2026, soon after the exam concludes.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for JEE Main 2026, candidates must have completed their Class 12 or equivalent examination in 2024 or 2025. Students currently appearing for their Class 12 board exams in 2026 are also eligible.

Candidates must have studied Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects, along with Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, or any other technical subject as an optional paper in their qualifying exam.

There is no age limit for appearing in JEE Main; however, candidates must satisfy the age criteria set by the institutesthey are applying to, such as the IITs or NITs.

How to Apply for JEE Main 2026

Candidates can follow the below steps to register for the exam:

1. Visit the official website; jeemain.nta.nic.in.
2. Click on the ‘JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Registration’ link.
3. Complete the registration form with basic details such as name, contact number, and email ID.
4. Fill in academic and personal details in the application form.
5. Upload scanned copies of a recent photograph, signature, and category certificate (if applicable).
6. Pay the application fee online through debit/credit card or UPI.
7. Download and print the confirmation page for future reference.

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Exam Pattern & Mode

The JEE Main 2026 will continue to be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. The exam will consist of two papers:

• Paper 1 for admission to B.E./B.Tech courses.
• Paper 2A and 2B for admission to B.Arch and B.Planning courses respectively.

The question paper will carry multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and numerical value questions, with negative marking for incorrect answers.

What’s Next?

After the conclusion of Session 1, students will have another opportunity to improve their scores in Session 2 (April 2026). Candidates can either appear in one session or both, with the best score considered for final merit and ranking.

The JEE Main 2026 results will determine eligibility for JEE Advanced 2026, the gateway to India’s premier Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).