Hey there, future engineers! The moment you’ve been waiting for has finally arrived. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has just opened the doors for JEE Main 2026 registrations. This is your first official step towards grabbing a seat in top-tier engineering colleges like the IITs, NITs, and IIITs.
Ready to begin? Let’s break down everything you need to know to get your application right, without the stress.
Mark Your Calendars: Key Dates for JEE Main 2026
Knowing the timeline is half the battle won. Here are the all-important dates for Session 1:
- Registration Started: October 31, 2025 (from 11:00 PM)
- Last Date to Apply: November 27, 2025 (up to 9:00 PM) – Don’t wait until the last day!
- Fee Payment Deadline: Aligns with the application closing date.
- Need to Fix a Mistake? A correction window will open in December 2025.
- Tentative Exam Dates: Session 1 is expected to be held from January 21 to 30, 2026.
*Psst! Session 2 is tentatively scheduled for April 1-10, 2026, with registration likely in February. But for now, focus on Session 1!*
Your Stress-Free, Step-by-Step Guide to Applying
Applying for JEE Main might seem daunting, but if you follow these steps, it’s a breeze:
- Head to the Hub: Go to the official website: jeemain.nta.nic.in.
- Start Your Journey: Click on the sparkling new “JEE Main 2026 Registration” link and sign up as a new candidate. You’ll get an application number and password – keep these safe!
- Fill in the Blanks: Carefully enter all your personal and academic details. Double-check everything, especially your name and date of birth, to ensure they match your Aadhaar card.
- Upload Your Files: Have your scanned documents ready:
- A recent passport-size photo with a white background.
- Your signature on a white paper.
- Your Class 10 and 12 documents.
- Seal the Deal with Payment: Pay the application fee online using your preferred method (credit/debit card, net banking, or UPI).
- Download & Celebrate! Don’t just close the tab! Download and save the confirmation page. This is your proof of application.
Let’s Talk Money: The Application Fee
The fee depends on your category and whether your exam center is in India or abroad. Here’s a quick look for a single paper (B.E./B.Tech or B.Arch/B.Planning):
- General/Unreserved (Men): ₹1,000 (India)
- General/Unreserved (Women): ₹800 (India)
- OBC-NCL/EWS (Men): ₹900 (India)
- SC/ST/PwD/Transgender: ₹500 (India)
Note: The fee is slightly higher if you are applying for both Paper 1 and Paper 2 together. Payment is online only!
Are You Eligible? Let’s Check!
- Age Limit: Good news! There’s no upper age limit to appear for JEE Main.
- Academic Qualification: You should have passed your Class 12 (or equivalent) in 2024 or 2025, or be appearing for it in 2026.
- Subjects: You must have taken Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) in your Class 12.
- For NITs/IIITs: To be eligible for admission, you need a minimum of 75% in your Class 12 board exams if you’re in the General/OBC/EWS category, and 65% for SC/ST candidates.
- Attempts: You can attempt JEE Main for three consecutive years.
What’s the Exam Like? (The Exam Pattern)
Knowing the pattern helps you prepare smarter.
- Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech):
- Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, & Mathematics
- Total Questions: 75 (25 from each subject)
- Marking: +4 for each correct answer, -1 for each wrong MCQ. No negative marking for numerical value questions.
- Paper 2A (B.Arch) & 2B (B.Planning) have a mix of online and offline sections, including a drawing test for B.Arch.
A Quick Pep Talk: Common Mistakes to Avoid
We all make mistakes, but let’s avoid the ones that can cost you:
- Rushing the Form: Typos in your name or date of birth are a big headache.
- Blurry Uploads: Make sure your photo and signature are clear and meet the size requirements.
- Ignoring the Aadhaar Match: Your name and DOB must perfectly match your Aadhaar card.
- Forgetting the Confirmation Page: This is your receipt! Download it and save a copy.
What Happens After You Apply?
A few days before the exam, your Admit Card will be available for download on the official website. Remember to:
- Print a clear copy.
- Carry a valid photo ID (Aadhaar, Passport, etc.).
- Avoid carrying any electronic gadgets or smartwatches to the center.
Your Go-To Resource List
- Official Website: jeemain.nta.nic.in – This is your single source of truth.
- Information Bulletin: Download it from the website. It has every tiny detail you could ever need.
- NTA Helpline: If you get stuck, check the website for their contact details.
You’ve Got This!
So, what are you waiting for? Take a deep breath, gather your documents, and complete your registration well before the November 27th deadline. Getting it done early gives you peace of mind and more time to focus on what truly matters—your preparation.
Good luck! We’re all rooting for you. Stay tuned to the official portal for more updates as your exam day approaches.