The National Testing Agency (NTA) expects to release the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026 Session 1 notification in October 2025 . This announcement will detail the complete schedule for application, correction windows, and exam dates.
JEE Main 2026 will take place in two sessions. Session 1 is scheduled for January 2026 , with Session 2 following in April 2026 . Candidates seeking admission to undergraduate engineering programs should regularly monitor the official website, jeemain.nta.nic.in , for all official updates and precise timelines.
Key Dates and Schedule
According to advisories issued by the NTA, the official notification for JEE Main 2026 Session 1 is anticipated in October 2025. This comprehensive notification will provide specific details on the online registration process, application deadlines, fee submission, application correction window, exam city slip release, admit card availability, and the complete examination timeline.
Based on previous years’ application patterns, the registration process for JEE Main 2026 Session 1 will likely commence by mid or late October 2025 . Session 1 examinations are expected to occur between January 22 and January 31, 2026 , aligning with the schedule observed in 2025. Exact dates for both sessions will be confirmed upon the official notification release.
JEE Main 2026 Overview
JEE Main serves as the primary eligibility test for JEE Advanced, which governs admissions to the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). The examination also provides a gateway for entry to National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), and other Centrally Funded Technical Institutions (CFTIs) across India, as well as institutions/universities funded or recognized by State Governments.
| Overview Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event Name | JEE Main 2026 Exam |
| Exam Name | Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Academic Year | 2026-27 |
| Official Website | jeemain.nta.nic.in |
| Stream | Engineering Programmes (B.E., B.Tech.) |
| Papers | Paper 1: B.E. and B.Tech. Paper 2: B.Arch and B.Planning |
| Level | Undergraduate (UG) |
| Exam Shifts | 1st Shift: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM 2nd Shift: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM |
| Participating Institutions | NITs, IIITs, CFTIs, State Govt. Institutions/Universities |
NTA Document Advisory
The NTA issued an important advisory urging all JEE Main 2026 aspirants to prepare and update their essential documents well before the registration process begins. Accurate and valid documents are mandatory for a successful and smooth application submission.
Candidates must ensure the following documents are current and correctly reflect all necessary details:
- Aadhaar Card: Verify that the candidate’s name, date of birth (matching Class 10th certificate), latest photograph, current address, and father’s name are all correct and updated in the Aadhaar database.
- UDID Card (for Persons with Disabilities): The Unique Disability ID (UDID) Card must be valid, fully updated, and renewed if its expiry date is approaching.
- Category Certificate: Ensure that category certificates for EWS (Economically Weaker Sections), SC (Scheduled Castes), ST (Scheduled Tribes), and OBC-NCL (Other Backward Classes – Non-Creamy Layer) are updated and remain valid throughout the application and admission process.
Failure to provide updated and valid documents may lead to complications or rejection during the application process. Candidates should begin reviewing these requirements and updating any outdated information immediately to avoid last-minute issues.