The National Testing Agency (NTA) will commence registration for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026 in October 2025 . The application window will open on the official NTA website, jeemain.nta.nic.in . Exact registration dates and the full exam schedule are pending.
Students planning to appear for the engineering and architecture entrance exam should prioritize updating all necessary documents. This preparation aims to prevent discrepancies during the application and submission process.
Key Registration Information
Before the application period begins, candidates must ensure their documents are accurate and current. Required updates include:
- Aadhaar Card: Ensure name, date of birth (matching Class 10 certificate), father’s name, latest photograph, and address details are correct.
- UDID Card: Persons with disabilities must have an updated UDID Card.
- Category Certificates: Latest EWS/SC/ST/OBC-NCL certificates should be ready.
The application process mandates a valid email and mobile number, Class 10 and 12 certificates, Aadhaar details, scanned photographs (80% face visible, 10kb-300kb JPEG/JPG), scanned signatures (10kb-300kb JPEG/JPG), and PwD/PwBD certificates if applicable. Fees must be paid exclusively through online payment gateways.
Exam Structure and Sessions
JEE Main 2026 consists of two papers. Paper 1 is for admission to Undergraduate Engineering Programs (B.E. / B. Tech.). Paper 2 caters to B. Arch and B. Planning courses.
The examination will be conducted in two distinct sessions: the first in January 2026 and the second in April 2026 . Candidates can apply for each session separately. The exam typically runs in two shifts daily: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Candidates are permitted to attempt JEE Main for three consecutive years, totaling six attempts.
Eligibility Criteria
NTA has not set an age limit for JEE Main. However, candidates must meet any age criteria specified by their desired institutions.
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Year of Passing Class 12 | 2024, 2025, or appearing in 2026 |
| Minimum Marks to Appear | No minimum marks required for JEE Main participation |
| Eligibility for NITs/IIITs/CFTIs | 75% in Class 12 (General/OBC/EWS) or 65% (SC/ST) OR Top 20 percentile in board exam |
| Subjects for B.E./B.Tech | Physics + Mathematics + (Chemistry / Biology / Biotechnology / Technical Vocational Subject) |
| Subjects for B.Arch | Mathematics + Physics + Chemistry |
| Subjects for B.Planning | Mathematics only |
Indian nationals, NRIs, OCIs, PIOs, and foreign nationals are eligible. There are no domicile restrictions for appearing in JEE Main. Domicile certificates may be necessary for claiming State Quota seats.
Diploma holders can apply for JEE Main 2026. However, they are eligible for IIT admissions only after clearing both JEE Main and JEE Advanced. Diploma holders cannot gain admission to NITs, IIITs, or CFTIs solely through JEE Main.
Candidates who scored below 75% in their Class 12 exam can take an improvement exam to meet the 75% eligibility criteria (or top 20 percentile rule) for admission to IITs, NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs.
Application Steps
The JEE Main 2026 application process involves four distinct stages:
- Registration: Candidates must register through the link on the official website, generating login credentials.
- Application Form Filling: Complete the application form with educational, personal, and address details.
- Document Uploading: Upload all required documents in the prescribed format and size.
- Payment of Fees: Pay the application fees online based on category and gender.
Exam Pattern and Marking
Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) is an online Computer Based Test (CBT) with 75 questions distributed across Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry (25 questions per subject). It is available in 13 languages including English, Hindi, and regional languages.
Paper 2 (B.Arch and B.Planning) includes Mathematics, an Aptitude Test, and either a Drawing Test (B.Arch, conducted in pen and paper mode) or a Planning Test (B.Planning, MCQs). The NTA discontinued optional questions in Section B of all subjects last year.
The marking scheme awards +4 marks for each correct MCQ and numerical value answer. -1 mark is deducted for each incorrect answer. The Drawing Test questions are evaluated out of 100 marks.
Statistics and Outlook
Approximately 13-14 lakh candidates are projected to register for JEE Main 2026. The NTA will conduct the examination in over 300 cities across India and several international locations. A list of exam centres will be published on the official website.
The Centre Government has reportedly asked a panel, led by Higher Education Secretary Vineet Joshi, to review the exam’s difficulty level. This review aims to reduce student dependency on private coaching institutes.
Top Institutions
According to the NIRF Ranking 2025, the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, holds the top position among engineering colleges. Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, and Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, rank second and third, respectively.