The National Testing Agency (NTA) projects JEE Main 2026 registration to open in the second or third week of October 2025. This expected shift follows a September 29 advisory from the NTA, urging candidates to update essential documents like Aadhar cards and category certificates before registration begins.
JEE Main Registration Dates: Past 5 Years
Analysis of previous years shows a consistent trend towards earlier registration dates. The table below outlines the starting dates for JEE Main registration over the last five cycles:
| Exam Year | Registration Start Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | October 28, 2024 |
| 2024 | November 1, 2023 |
| 2023 | December 15, 2022 |
| 2022 | March 1, 2022 |
| 2021 | December 16, 2020 |
This data reveals a clear acceleration in the registration timeline:
- For the 2023 exam, registration started in mid-December.
- By the 2024 exam, this date moved to early November.
- For the 2025 exam, registration began in late October.
This steady advancement suggests that JEE Main 2026 registration will likely commence in early October 2025, continuing the established pattern.
Tentative JEE Main 2026 Exam Schedule
Based on historical data and the projected registration timeline, the following is the tentative schedule for JEE Main 2026:
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| Registration window | Second or Third week of October 2025 |
| Application Correction | Second week of November 2025 |
| Admit card release date | December 2025 |
| JEE Main 2026 session 1 exam date | January 2026 |
Reasons for Earlier Registration Dates
The NTA’s gradual shift towards earlier JEE Main registration dates likely serves multiple strategic purposes:
- To ensure a timely admission and counselling process for the subsequent academic year.
- To prevent schedule conflicts with board examinations and other competitive entrance tests.
- To provide students with more preparation time and a sufficient gap between the two JEE Main sessions.
This proactive approach by authorities aims to stabilize the academic calendar, which experienced disruptions post-pandemic. It facilitates better planning for both students and institutions, especially considering the 75% board exam marks requirement for admission to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs.
Actions for JEE Main Aspirants
Following the NTA’s advisory, candidates planning to appear for JEE Main 2026 should take immediate action:
- Verify all personal details on documents, including Aadhar Card, UDID card, and category certificate.
- Initiate any necessary corrections or updates to these documents without delay.
- Stay informed by regularly checking official NTA announcements and reputable education news sources for timely updates.