JEE Main 2026 Registration Live: Changes, Deadline & Dates

Registration for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026 is now open. Students can access the application form on the official National Testing Agency (NTA) website, jeemain.nta.nic.in . The deadline for submitting the JEE Main application is November 27, 2026 . This year introduces several key changes impacting applicants, including the mandatory submission of Class 11 registration numbers, a confirmed ban on virtual calculators, and an increase in available examination cities nationwide.

The NTA organizes JEE Main 2026. This national exam determines eligibility for undergraduate engineering (B.E./B.Tech) and architecture (B.Arch) programs. Candidates must apply online by the deadline.

Mandatory Class 11 Registration Numbers

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a directive. Schools must now provide Class 11 registration numbers for all students appearing in JEE Main 2026. This mandate follows complaints from students and parents regarding past clashes. Previous years saw JEE Main dates overlapping with Class 12 board examinations, causing stress and logistical challenges.

NTA will utilize these mandatory Class 11 registration numbers to streamline examination scheduling. This proactive measure aims to prevent date conflicts between JEE Main and board exams. It prevents last-minute exam revisions or postponements, ensuring a smoother experience for all registered students.

Virtual Calculator Use Denied

The National Testing Agency has clarified its stance on virtual calculators for JEE Main 2026. NTA explicitly denied permission for any virtual calculator during the computer-based test. An earlier mention of a virtual calculator in the JEE Main 2026 information bulletin was a "typographical error."

Candidates must perform all mathematical calculations manually. This decision reinforces the exam’s focus on problem-solving skills without electronic aids. Students should practice numerical problems using mental math and rough sheets provided at the examination center.

Expansion of Exam Cities and Session 2 Dates

NTA has significantly expanded the geographical reach of JEE Main 2026. A total of 39 additional cities have been designated as test locations this year. This expansion increases the total count of JEE Main exam cities from 283 to 323 across India. The increase enhances accessibility for students. It reduces travel distances and logistical burdens, especially for those in remote regions.

Furthermore, the examination schedule for JEE Main 2026 Session 2 has undergone revision. The NTA has now scheduled Session 2 to be held from April 2 to April 9, 2026 . Candidates planning to appear for the second session must adjust their preparation and study calendars according to these updated dates.

Temporary Application Form Issues Reported

During the initial phase of JEE Main 2026 registration, some applicants experienced technical difficulties. Students reported encountering errors specifically during the Aadhaar update process within the online application form. These system glitches caused temporary inconvenience. Students reported the issues across online platforms.

Important Dates and Information

Prospective candidates must carefully review all details before applying. The official JEE Main 2026 information bulletin, available on the NTA website, provides comprehensive guidelines. Timely application submission is crucial to avoid missing the deadline.