The National Testing Agency has officially released the schedule for JEE Main 2026. This is a big deal for engineering students all throughout the country. This difficult test is the first step to getting into top engineering schools like IIT, NIT, and IIIT.
The dates for the JEE Main 2026 exam have been set, and there will be two different sessions. From January 21 to January 30, 2026, Session 1 will take place. From April 1 to April 10, 2026, Session 2 will take place. Both sessions will be held in Computer Based Test format.
- JEE Main 2026 Exam Schedule
- JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2026
- JEE Main Application Process with Aadhaar Verification
- JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026
- Paper 1: B.E./B.Tech
- Paper 2A and 2B: B.Arch and B.Planning
- JEE Main Application Fee Structure
- Enhanced Accessibility and Language Options
- Essential Documents for JEE Main Registration
- Strategic Preparation Tips
- Admission to Premier Engineering Institutions
- Registration Guidelines
- Final Recommendations
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q1. When will JEE Main 2026 registration begin?
- Q2. What are the JEE Main 2026 exam dates?
- Q3. Is there any age limit for JEE Main 2026?
- Q4. What is the minimum percentage required in Class 12 for JEE Main?
- Q5. How many times can a candidate appear for JEE Main?
- Q6. What is the application fee for JEE Main 2026?
JEE Main 2026 Exam Schedule
In October 2025, registration for Session 1 of the JEE Main 2026 will open. Registration for Session 2 will commence in late January 2026, once the results of Session 1 are out. Three days before each exam session, admit cards will be sent out.
| Session | Exam Dates | Registration Opens | Registration Closes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | January 21-30, 2026 | October 2025 | Expected December 2025 |
| Session 2 | April 1-10, 2026 | Late January 2026 | Expected March 2026 |
JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2026
It is highly important for everyone who wants to take the JEE Main exam to know what the eligibility requirements are.
Age Requirements: There is no upper age limit for taking JEE Main 2026, so students of all ages can take the test.
Educational Requirements: Candidates who passed Class 12 in 2024 or 2025, or are taking the test in 2026, can apply.
| Category | Eligibility | Subject Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| General/EWS/OBC | Passed/Appearing Class 12 | Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry/Biology |
| SC/ST/PwD | Passed/Appearing Class 12 | Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry/Biology |
Minimum Marks: There is no minimum number of marks needed to take the test, however to get into IIT, NIT, or IIIT, general category students must get 75 percent of the marks in Class 12 or be in the top 20 percent. Candidates in the reserved category need to get 65% of the marks.
Number of Attempts: Students can take the JEE Main three times in a row, which gives them more chances to raise their results.
JEE Main Application Process with Aadhaar Verification
Aadhaar-based authentication for 2026 has changed the way people apply for the JEE Main. The UIDAI database will automatically get basic information about you, such as your name, date of birth, gender, photo, and address. This will speed up registration and cut down on mistakes made by hand.
During the online application procedure, candidates can fix any differences in names between their Aadhaar cards and their educational credentials. Before registering, aspirants should make sure their Aadhaar information is up to date to avoid problems.
JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026
The JEE Main exam pattern continues with the established format for comprehensive evaluation of engineering aptitude.
Paper 1: B.E./B.Tech
Paper 1 comprises 90 questions across Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, with 75 questions to be attempted.
| Subject | Section A (MCQ) | Section B (Numerical) | Total Questions | Attempt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | 20 | 10 (Choose 5) | 30 | 25 |
| Chemistry | 20 | 10 (Choose 5) | 30 | 25 |
| Mathematics | 20 | 10 (Choose 5) | 30 | 25 |
Marking Scheme: Each correct answer awards 4 marks, while incorrect responses result in 1 mark deduction. The examination duration is three hours.
Paper 2A and 2B: B.Arch and B.Planning
There are three parts to Paper 2A for the Bachelor of Architecture: Mathematics, Aptitude Test, and Drawing. It is worth 400 points. The questions on Paper 2B for the Bachelor of Planning test are similarly worth 400 points and are based on math, aptitude, and planning.
JEE Main Application Fee Structure
The JEE Main application fee varies based on category and examination center location.
For Centers in India:
| Category | Male (Single Paper) | Female (Single Paper) |
|---|---|---|
| General/EWS/OBC | ₹1000 | ₹800 |
| SC/ST/PwD/Transgender | ₹500 | ₹500 |
For Centers Outside India:
| Category | Male (Single Paper) | Female (Single Paper) |
|---|---|---|
| General/EWS/OBC | ₹5000 | ₹4000 |
| SC/ST/PwD/Transgender | ₹2500 | ₹2500 |
Payment can be completed through credit or debit cards, net banking, and digital wallets. The fee is non refundable.
Enhanced Accessibility and Language Options
The National Testing Agency is adding more cities in India and throughout the world where people can take exams to help people from remote areas. Extra time, scribe services, and accessible testing centers are some of the special accommodations made for people with disabilities.
You can take the test in 13 different languages: English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu.
Essential Documents for JEE Main Registration
Mandatory Documents:
- Recent passport size photograph
- Scanned signature
- Valid Aadhaar card
- Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets
- Valid identification proof
Category Specific Certificates:
- SC/ST/OBC Non Creamy Layer certificate
- EWS certificate with financial year validity
- PwD certificate from authorized medical board
- Domicile certificate if claiming state quota
Strategic Preparation Tips
In order to do well on the JEE Main, you need to prepare in a systematic way that focuses on grasping concepts. Because of the negative marking system, quickness is just as important as accuracy.
Take Practice Tests: Official practice tests assist students get used to the computer-based assessment format and learn how to manage their time.
Conceptual Clarity: Instead than memorizing formulas, try to comprehend the basic ideas behind them. Regularly reviewing and tackling different types of problems helps you comprehend better and work faster.
Time Management: Start with topics you are sure about and work your way up to the harder ones.
Admission to Premier Engineering Institutions
The main entrance exam for getting into NIT, IIIT, and Government Funded Technical Institutes is the JEE Main. Performance also decides who can take the JEE Advanced, which is required for admission to IIT.
The Joint Seat Allocation Authority handles admissions for 23 IITs, 31 NITs, 25 IIITs, and other schools. After the results come out, qualifying candidates take part in online counseling where they can choose their favorite schools and branches. The All India Rank, category rank, and number of available seats all affect how seats are assigned.
Registration Guidelines
Before registering, make sure that the Aadhaar information matches the educational certifications. Keep the required documents scanned and in the right format.
During the sign-up process: Carefully fill out the application form, being sure to check all the information before you send it in. Be sure to pay close attention to your category and examination center choices.
After you register, download and save the confirmation page as proof that you applied. Check the official portal often for news about admit cards and exam rules.
Final Recommendations
The introduction of Aadhaar-based registration, the extension of examination centers, and the improvement of digital infrastructure all show a commitment to making JEE Main fair and open to everyone. The dual session structure gives pupils a chance to do better by letting them learn from their first try.
Candidates can easily cross this doorway to engineering careers if they plan ahead, register on time, and take a systematic approach. Smart work, good preparation, and hard labor all the time lead to success. Getting ready today will help you have a successful engineering career in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When will JEE Main 2026 registration begin?
JEE Main 2026 registration for Session 1 will begin in October 2025, while Session 2 registration will open in the last week of January 2026 after the declaration of Session 1 results.
Q2. What are the JEE Main 2026 exam dates?
Session 1 will be conducted from January 21 to 30, 2026, and Session 2 from April 1 to 10, 2026. Both sessions will be held in Computer Based Test mode.
Q3. Is there any age limit for JEE Main 2026?
No, there is no upper age limit for appearing in JEE Main 2026. Candidates of all age groups can apply for the examination.
Q4. What is the minimum percentage required in Class 12 for JEE Main?
There is no minimum percentage required to appear in JEE Main. However, for admission to IIT, NIT, and IIIT, General category students need 75% marks or top 20 percentile, while SC/ST candidates need 65% marks in Class 12.
Q5. How many times can a candidate appear for JEE Main?
Candidates can attempt JEE Main a maximum of three consecutive times, providing multiple opportunities to improve their scores.
Q6. What is the application fee for JEE Main 2026?
For Indian centers, General/EWS/OBC male candidates pay ₹1000 (females ₹800), while SC/ST/PwD candidates pay ₹500 for a single paper. Fees are higher for centers outside India.
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