The National Testing Agency (NTA) will release the official notification for the Joint Entrance Examination (Main) 2026 Session 1 in October 2025 . Registrations for the engineering entrance examination are set to begin in the last week of October 2025. Students planning to pursue undergraduate engineering and architecture courses should closely monitor the official website,jeemain.nta.nic.in, for all essential updates.
The JEE Main serves as a gateway for admissions to premier institutions like the National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), and Government Funded Technical Institutes (GFTIs) across India. The examination will be conducted in two sessions during January 2026 and April 2026 . This dual-session format provides candidates with two opportunities to achieve their best possible scores for college admissions.
Official Notification and Important Dates
According to previous announcements from the NTA, the comprehensive official notification for JEE Main 2026 Session 1 will be issued in October 2025. This notification is critical as it will detail the exact eligibility criteria, the syllabus, the examination pattern, precise application deadlines, and the updated category-wise registration fee structure for the 2026 cycle. Candidates must review this document thoroughly upon its release.
The online registration and application process for Session 1 is anticipated to open towards the end of October. The NTA will issue a specific confirmation regarding the exact registration start date and associated timelines in the coming days. Aspiring applicants must complete all registration formalities, including the submission of required documents and payment of fees, strictly within the specified period.
Preparing for Registration
Before the registration link becomes active, candidates should prepare all necessary information and documents. A valid personal email ID and an active mobile number are mandatory for the registration process, as all official communications will be sent to these contacts. Students should also have scanned copies of their photograph, signature, and any relevant category certificates ready to upload, ensuring they meet NTA’s specified dimensions and file sizes. Accurate and complete documentation is crucial for a successful application.
Step-by-Step Registration Process
Once the registration window opens, the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 application link will be live on the official website. The application process involves several critical steps:
- Navigate to the official JEE Main website:jeemain.nta.nic.in.
- Click on the dedicated link for ‘JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Registration’.
- Register as a new user by providing basic details or log in if already registered.
- Accurately fill out the comprehensive online application form with personal, academic, and contact information.
- Upload scanned copies of required documents, including a recent passport-sized photograph and signature, adhering to the specified format and size.
- Proceed to pay the application fee through the available online payment modes.
- Carefully review all entered information and uploaded documents before final submission.
- Save and print the confirmation page for your records. This serves as proof of successful application.
Submitting an accurate application form is vital. Any discrepancies or errors could lead to issues during verification or admission.
JEE Main 2026 Registration Fee
The official notification from the NTA will detail the precise category-wise registration fees for JEE Main 2026. For reference, the fee structure from the previous examination cycle is presented below. Candidates should note that these amounts are subject to change for the upcoming year.
| Category | Male Candidates (Previous Year) | Female Candidates (Previous Year) |
|---|---|---|
| General | Rs 1,000 | Rs 800 |
| EWS/OBC | Rs 900 | Rs 800 |
| SC/ST/PwD | Rs 500 | Rs 500 |
| Third Gender | Rs 500 | Rs 500 |
Applicants are advised to consult the 2026 official notification for the definitive fee amounts applicable to their specific category.
Next Steps for Applicants
Following the successful submission of applications, the NTA will release admit cards for eligible candidates a few weeks before the January 2026 examination. The JEE Main is primarily conducted as a computer-based test (CBT), with the exception of the Drawing Test for B.Arch candidates. Maintaining vigilance onjeemain.nta.nic.inis essential for updates on admit card release, examination city intimation, and any further guidelines or instructions issued by the National Testing Agency. Timely application and meticulous preparation are key to participating in the JEE Main 2026.