JEE Main 2026: NTA Announces Exam Schedule and Application Details
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially announced the examination dates for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026. The exam, which serves as the gateway to some of India’s top engineering institutions including NITs, IIITs, and other centrally funded technical institutes, will be conducted in two sessions — January 21 to 30, 2026, and April 1 to 10, 2026.
According to the official notification, the registration process for the January session will begin in October 2025, while applications for the April session will open in the last week of January 2026. Candidates can apply for the exam through the “Candidate Activity” section on the official NTA website at jeemain.nta.nic.in.
Documents Required for JEE Main 2026 Application
To ensure a smooth registration process, the NTA has advised candidates to keep their essential documents ready before filling out the online form. The list of documents includes:
-
A valid Aadhaar Card
-
UDID Card for candidates with disabilities (if applicable)
-
Category Certificate (EWS/SC/ST/OBC-NCL), if applicable
These documents are required to verify the eligibility and personal details of candidates during the application process. The NTA has also clarified that candidates are not required to send or submit any physical documents, including the confirmation page, via post, email, fax, or by hand. All application-related steps will be completed online through the official website.
Subjects and Eligibility Criteria
The NTA has reiterated that candidates appearing for JEE Main must have studied five subjects in their Class 12 or equivalent examination. The mandatory subjects are Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, along with two other subjects of the candidate’s choice.
In a recent revision made in January 2025, the number of attempts allowed for JEE Main was reduced from three to two sessions per academic year. This means that candidates who are unable to apply for or perform well in the January session can still appear for the April session. The best score out of the two attempts will be considered for admission and ranking purposes.
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for JEE Main 2026
Candidates can follow these steps to register for the upcoming exam:
-
Visit the official website: jeemain.nta.nic.in.
-
Click on “New Registration” under the “Candidate Activity” tab.
-
Enter your personal and academic details as required.
-
Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and documents.
-
Pay the application fee online using debit/credit card, net banking, or UPI.
-
Download and save the confirmation page for future reference.
Applicants are advised to double-check their details before submitting the form to avoid any discrepancies later in the process.
Exam Structure and Purpose
The JEE Main examination comprises two papers:
-
Paper 1: For admission to undergraduate engineering programs (BE/BTech) offered by NITs, IIITs, and other centrally funded technical institutions (CFTIs).
-
Paper 2: For admission to BArch and BPlanning courses offered by various architecture institutions across India.
Candidates who qualify JEE Main Paper 1 will be eligible to appear for the JEE Advanced examination, which is conducted for admission to the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).
The JEE Main is one of the most competitive exams in India, attracting over a million students each year. It plays a crucial role in shaping the academic and professional futures of engineering aspirants across the country.
Important Advice for Candidates
The NTA has urged students to check the official website regularly for updates regarding admit card release, exam city information slips, and results. Additionally, candidates are encouraged to practice mock tests and review previous years’ papers to strengthen their preparation.
For candidates with disabilities, the agency ensures that all necessary accommodations are provided during the exam in compliance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
As the JEE Main 2026 exam approaches, aspirants are advised to stay organized, adhere to official guidelines, and complete their applications well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.
