The National Testing Agency (NTA) is expected to start the JEE Main 2026 registration process in October 2025. The exam will be conducted in two sessions — January 2026 and April 2026 for admission to BTech, BArch, and BPlanning programmes at top engineering institutes across India.
As per the latest advisory, candidates should ensure that their Aadhaar Card and category certificates are updated before the application process begins.
JEE Main 2026 Application Process to Begin in October
The NTA will soon open the JEE Main 2026 application window on its official websites — nta.ac.in and jeemain.nta.nic.in. Candidates must fill out the form carefully and upload accurate documents to avoid rejection.
Last year, the registration process started on October 28, and aspirants were given almost a month to submit their forms. This year, the process is expected to follow a similar timeline.
Before applying, candidates are advised to verify the following documents:
- Aadhaar Card: Should match details as per the Class 10 certificate.
- Category Certificate: Must be valid and updated.
- UDID Card (for PwD candidates): Should be renewed and accurate.
JEE Main 2026 Exam Dates and Sessions
NTA will conduct the Joint Entrance Examination (Main) 2026 in two sessions to provide flexibility to candidates and reduce stress.
Session | Exam Month | Expected Registration Window |
Session one | January 2026 | October–November 2025 |
Session two | April 2026 | February–March 2026 |
Both sessions will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode across various cities in India and abroad.
JEE Main 2026 Paper Pattern and Subjects
The JEE Main 2026 exam will include Paper 1 for BE/BTech and Paper 2 for BArch and BPlanning programmes. A short overview of the exam structure is provided below:
Paper | Courses | Subjects Included | Mode of Exam |
Paper 1 | BE/BTech | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics | Computer-Based Test |
Paper 2A | BArch | Mathematics, Aptitude, Drawing Test | CBT + Drawing Paper |
Paper 2B | BPlanning | Mathematics, Aptitude, Planning | Computer-Based Test |
JEE Main 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must check the eligibility criteria before applying for the exam.
Criteria | Details |
Educational Qualification | Candidates must have passed or be appearing in Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. |
Age Limit | No upper age limit; candidates must satisfy the institute’s age criteria for admission. |
Attempts Allowed | A candidate can appear in both sessions; the best score will be considered. |
Admission Through JEE Main 2026
The JEE Main 2026 scores will be used for admission to NITs, IIITs, and Government-Funded Technical Institutes (GFTIs). It will also serve as the qualifying exam for JEE Advanced 2026 for admission to the IITs. Candidates are advised to stay alert on the official NTA portal for updates regarding the JEE Main 2026 registration link, information bulletin, and exam schedule.
