The JEE Main 2026 application form has officially been released by NTA, marking the first milestone for every engineering aspirant. This national-level entrance test opens the door to top institutes like NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs. In this blog, you’ll find everything about application dates, eligibility, fees, and exam pattern — along with a step-by-step guide to help you apply without errors or last-minute stress.
1. About JEE Main 2026
JEE Main 2026, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), is the qualifying exam for admission to NITs, IIITs, and other centrally funded institutions. It also serves as the eligibility test for JEE Advanced 2026 for admission to IITs. The exam will be held in two sessions — January and April 2026 — to give students two attempts for better performance.
2. Key Dates for JEE Main 2026 Application and Exam
| Event | Tentative Dates (as per NTA info) |
|---|---|
| Session 1 Registration | November 2025 |
| Session 1 Exam Dates | 21 – 30 January 2026 |
| Session 2 Registration | February 2026 |
| Session 2 Exam Dates | 1 – 10 April 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | One week before each session |
| Result Announcement | February 2026 (Session 1), April 2026 (Session 2) |
(Source: NTA official schedule)
3. Eligibility Criteria for JEE Main 2026
Before filling out the application, make sure you fulfill these NTA-specified criteria:
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Academic Qualification: Candidates who passed Class 12 in 2024 or 2025, or are appearing in 2026, are eligible.
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Subject Requirement: Must have studied Physics, Mathematics, and one of Chemistry / Biology / Technical / Vocational subjects.
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Age Limit: There is no age restriction for appearing in JEE Main, but you must satisfy the age criteria of your target institution (like IITs, NITs).
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Number of Attempts: You can appear in both sessions (January & April) — the best of the two scores will be considered.
4. JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern
The JEE Main 2026 exam pattern latest details:
| Paper | Mode of Exam | Total Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (B.E/B.Tech) | Computer-Based (Online) | 90 (75 to attempt) | 300 |
| Paper 2A (B.Arch) | Online + Drawing Section Offline | 82 | 400 |
| Paper 2B (B.Planning) | Computer-Based (Online) | 105 | 400 |
5. Application Fee Structure (as per 2025–26 guidelines)
| Category | One Session | Two Sessions |
|---|---|---|
| General (Boys) | ₹1000 | ₹2000 |
| General (Girls) | ₹800 | ₹1600 |
| SC/ST/PwD | ₹500 | ₹1000 |
| Foreign Nationals | $90 | $180 |
Fees are payable via debit/credit card, UPI, or net banking through NTA’s secure portal.
6. Step-by-Step Guide to Fill the JEE Main 2026 Application Form
Follow this verified sequence for error-free registration:
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Visit the official site — jeemain.nta.ac.in.
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Click on “New Candidate Registration” and create your login credentials.
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Fill the online application with personal, academic, and exam centre preferences.
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Upload scanned documents (photo, signature, category certificate, etc.) as per specifications.
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Pay application fees and submit your form.
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Download and save a copy of the confirmation page for future reference.
7. Documents Required for Upload
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Scanned passport-size photograph (10 KB–200 KB)
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Signature (4 KB–30 KB)
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Class 10 & 12 certificates
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Valid ID proof (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport)
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Category or PwD certificate (if applicable)
8. Common Mistakes to Avoid During Registration
Some critical mistakes that lead to disqualification or rejection:
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Entering incorrect Aadhaar details or spelling mismatch
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Uploading blurry or incorrect-size photos/signatures
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Selecting wrong paper type (e.g., B.Tech instead of B.Arch)
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Missing the payment confirmation step
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Filling the form at the last minute, leading to technical glitches
9. What After Application Submission?
After you’ve applied successfully:
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Wait for the correction window (if needed)
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Download your admit card around one week before the exam
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Follow NTA instructions carefully for the exam day
10. FAQs and Help Desks
Refer to official notifications for helpline numbers and enquiry email addresses. Maintain a copy of your application confirmation, and regularly check your registered email for updates.
Conclusion
Completing the JEE Main 2026 application correctly is as important as preparing for the exam itself. By knowing the official dates, eligibility, and documentation requirements in advance, you can avoid common errors. Stay consistent, monitor the NTA website for updates, and focus on your preparation for both sessions to achieve your desired rank.