JEE Main 2026 registration begins in October for session 1, with exams scheduled from January 21-30, 2026 (session 1) and April 1-10, 2026 (session 2). The National Testing Agency conducts this national-level engineering entrance exam twice yearly, offering candidates two opportunities to secure admission into NITs, IIITs, CFTIs, and qualify for JEE Advanced.
Registration opens on jeemain.nta.nic.in for students who passed or are appearing in Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Over 12 lakh students attempt this computer-based test annually, making early preparation and strategic planning non-negotiable for success.
JEE Main 2026 Exam Dates: Session 1 and Session 2 Schedule
Session 1 exam dates fall between January 21 and January 30, 2026. Registration for this session started in October and continues until mid-November. Admit cards release 3-5 days before the exam date.
Session 2 exam dates span from April 1 to April 10, 2026. The registration window opens in late January or early February. Results for both sessions appear within 7-14 days after exam completion.
| Event | Session 1 Dates | Session 2 Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Start | October (3rd week) | Late January/Early February |
| Registration End | Mid-November | Late February |
| Admit Card Release | Mid-January | Late March |
| Exam Dates | January 21-30 | April 1-10 |
| Result Declaration | Early February | Late April/Early May |
| Answer Key Release | Within 7 days | Within 7 days |
Candidates can appear in both sessions. NTA considers the better score from the two attempts for final ranking and counseling purposes.
JEE Main 2026 Registration: How to Apply Online
Registration happens only through jeemain.nta.nic.in. No offline applications are accepted. Follow these steps carefully to avoid rejection.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Visit the official website jeemain.nta.nic.in and click on the registration link for your preferred session
- Create account credentials using your valid email ID and mobile number (yours or your parent’s/guardian’s)
- Fill personal details such as name, date of birth, address, parent/guardian information, and contact details
- Enter academic information including board name, passing year, roll number, subjects, and state code of eligibility
- Upload scanned documents like photograph (10-200 KB), signature (4-30 KB), and category certificate if applicable
- Select exam centers by choosing 4 cities in order of preference from the available options
- Pay application fee through credit card, debit card, net banking, or UPI payment methods
- Download confirmation page after successful submission and save it for future reference
Submit only one application per session. Multiple submissions lead to automatic cancellation. No changes are allowed after form submission, so verify all details before final submission.
Application Fee Structure
| Category | One Paper (India) | Two Papers (India) | Outside India |
|---|---|---|---|
| General/OBC Boys | ₹1,000 | ₹1,800 | ₹5,000 |
| General/OBC Girls | ₹800 | ₹1,600 | ₹5,000 |
| SC/ST/PwD/Transgender | ₹500 | ₹900 | ₹2,500 |
Processing charges and GST apply as per payment gateway terms. Fees are non-refundable under any circumstances.
JEE Main 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?
Students who passed Class 12 in 2024, 2025, or appearing in 2026 qualify for this exam. Educational qualifications and subject combinations determine eligibility more than age or attempt limits.
Educational Qualification Requirements
- Passed or appearing in 10+2 or equivalent examination from a recognized board
- Physics and Mathematics are mandatory subjects for Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech)
- Third subject can be Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, or any Technical Vocational subject
- NIOS and diploma holders are eligible if they meet subject requirements
- Open school students must select their state of eligibility while applying
Age Limit and Attempt Rules
No age limit exists for appearing in the exam. However, individual institutions like NITs, IIITs, or IITs may have specific age criteria for admission.
Candidates can attempt the exam for three consecutive years from the year of passing Class 12. Since the exam conducts twice yearly, students get six total attempts (2 per year for 3 years).
Nationality and State Code
Indian nationals, NRIs, PIOs, OCIs, and foreign nationals can apply. State code of eligibility depends on where you passed Class 12, not your birthplace or current residence.
Example: Students studying in Delhi but residing in Uttar Pradesh have Delhi as their state code of eligibility.
Document Verification Requirements
- Aadhaar card must be updated with correct details before registration
- Category certificate (EWS/SC/ST/OBC-NCL) should be valid and in prescribed format
- UDID card for PwD/PwBD candidates must be current
- Class 10 and 11 mark sheets for verification during counseling
- Valid photo ID proof like Aadhaar, PAN card, or passport
JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern: Papers, Sections & Marking Scheme
Three papers exist for different courses: Paper 1 for B.E./B.Tech, Paper 2A for B.Arch, and Paper 2B for B.Planning. Each paper has unique structure, duration, and marking rules.
Paper 1: B.E./B.Tech Exam Pattern
Duration: 3 hours for general candidates, 4 hours for PwD candidates eligible for scribe assistance.
Mode: Computer Based Test conducted in 13 languages including English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu.
| Section | Subject | Total Questions | Attempt | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section A | Physics | 20 MCQs | 20 | 80 |
| Section B | Physics | 5 Numerical | Any 5 | 20 |
| Section A | Chemistry | 20 MCQs | 20 | 80 |
| Section B | Chemistry | 5 Numerical | Any 5 | 20 |
| Section A | Mathematics | 20 MCQs | 20 | 80 |
| Section B | Mathematics | 5 Numerical | Any 5 | 20 |
| Total | 75 | 300 | ||
Marking Scheme Details
For MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions):
- +4 marks for each correct answer
- -1 mark for each incorrect answer
- 0 marks for unanswered questions
For Numerical Value Questions:
- +4 marks for correct answer
- 0 marks for incorrect or unanswered (no negative marking)
Paper 2A: B.Arch Pattern
Consists of three parts: Mathematics (online), Aptitude Test (online), and Drawing Test (offline pen-paper mode).
- Mathematics: 20 MCQs + 5 numerical value questions (80 marks)
- Aptitude Test: 50 MCQs (200 marks)
- Drawing Test: 2 questions (120 marks)
- Total: 77 questions, 400 marks, 3 hours duration
Paper 2B: B.Planning Pattern
Three sections in online mode: Mathematics, Aptitude Test, and Planning.
- Mathematics: 20 MCQs + 5 numerical (80 marks)
- Aptitude Test: 50 MCQs (200 marks)
- Planning: 25 MCQs (100 marks)
- Total: 100 questions, 380 marks, 3 hours
JEE Main 2026 Syllabus: Subject-Wise Topics & Weightage
The syllabus covers Class 11 and 12 NCERT topics for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Understanding chapter-wise weightage helps prioritize preparation efforts.
Physics Syllabus: High-Weightage Topics
Section A: Theory (80% weightage)
- Mechanics: Laws of Motion, Work Energy Power, Rotational Motion, Gravitation (15-17% questions)
- Electrodynamics: Electrostatics, Current Electricity, Magnetic Effects, Electromagnetic Induction (18-20% questions)
- Modern Physics: Dual Nature, Atoms, Nuclei, Semiconductor Electronics (12-14% questions)
- Thermodynamics: Heat, Kinetic Theory, Thermodynamics Laws (8-10% questions)
- Optics: Ray Optics, Wave Optics (8-10% questions)
- Waves & Oscillations: SHM, Waves, Sound (7-9% questions)
Section B: Practical Skills (20% weightage)
Chemistry Syllabus: Must-Focus Areas
Physical Chemistry (30-35% questions):
- Atomic Structure, Chemical Bonding, States of Matter
- Chemical Thermodynamics, Equilibrium, Redox Reactions
- Electrochemistry, Chemical Kinetics, Surface Chemistry
- Solutions, Solid State
Organic Chemistry (35-40% questions):
- Basic Principles, Hydrocarbons, Haloalkanes
- Alcohols, Phenols, Ethers, Aldehydes, Ketones
- Carboxylic Acids, Amines, Biomolecules
- Polymers, Chemistry in Everyday Life
Inorganic Chemistry (25-30% questions):
- Classification of Elements, Periodic Properties
- S-Block, P-Block, D-Block, F-Block Elements
- Coordination Compounds, Environmental Chemistry
Mathematics Syllabus: Chapter Distribution
Algebra (25-30% weightage):
- Sets, Relations, Functions, Complex Numbers
- Quadratic Equations, Sequences and Series
- Permutations and Combinations, Binomial Theorem
- Matrices and Determinants
Calculus (30-35% weightage):
- Limits, Continuity, Differentiability
- Applications of Derivatives, Indefinite Integration
- Definite Integrals, Differential Equations
Coordinate Geometry (20-25% weightage):
- Straight Lines, Circles, Parabola, Ellipse, Hyperbola
- 3D Geometry: Direction Cosines, Lines, Planes
Other Topics (15-20% weightage):
- Trigonometry, Vectors, Statistics, Probability
- Mathematical Reasoning, Mathematical Induction
JEE Main 2026 Preparation Strategy: What Actually Works
Strategic preparation beats random studying every single time. Most students waste months on low-impact activities while ignoring high-yield strategies proven by top rankers.
NCERT: The Foundation Nobody Respects Enough
40-45% of Chemistry questions come directly from NCERT. Students skip this, rush to coaching materials, then wonder why their scores stagnate.
Finish NCERT textbooks completely before touching reference books. Memorize reactions, name reactions, exceptions, and NCERT examples. Most coaching institutes teach the same concepts, just in fancier language.
Mock Tests: The Reality Check You Need
Taking 50+ full-length mocks before the actual exam separates toppers from average performers. Mock tests expose weaknesses, improve time management, and build exam temperament.
- Start mocks 6 months before the exam date, not 2 weeks before
- Analyze every mock thoroughly, spending 2-3 hours reviewing mistakes
- Track accuracy rates separately for Section A (MCQs) and Section B (Numericals)
- Maintain error logs documenting why each mistake happened
Previous Year Papers: Your Best Prediction Tool
Solve papers from last 10-15 years to identify recurring patterns, important topics, and question framing styles. Questions repeat concepts, even if the wording changes.
Physics numerical from mechanics, organic reactions from Chemistry, and coordinate geometry from Mathematics appear consistently across years.
Subject-Wise Time Allocation
| Subject | Daily Hours | Weekly Focus | Priority Chapters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | 3-4 hours | 40+ numericals | Mechanics, Electrodynamics, Modern Physics |
| Chemistry | 2-3 hours | NCERT revision | Organic reactions, Physical Chemistry numericals |
| Mathematics | 4-5 hours | 50+ problems | Calculus, Coordinate Geometry, Algebra |
Revision Cycles That Actually Stick
Revise completed chapters within 24 hours, then again at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months. This spaced repetition ensures concepts move to long-term memory.
Create concise notes (1-2 pages per chapter) containing only formulas, shortcuts, exceptions, and common mistakes. Avoid lengthy theory notes that you will never revisit.
Common Preparation Mistakes Destroying Your Score
- Ignoring numerical practice: Reading theory without solving problems creates false confidence
- Skipping weak topics: Avoiding difficult chapters costs 15-20 marks in the actual exam
- Not managing negative marking: Attempting doubtful questions reduces overall score by 10-15 marks
- Studying 12+ hours daily: Burnout kills consistency; 8-10 focused hours work better
- Comparing with peers constantly: Focus on personal improvement, not relative performance
JEE Main 2026 Admit Card: Download Process & Guidelines
Admit cards release 3-5 days before the exam on jeemain.nta.nic.in. No physical copies are mailed to candidates.
How to Download Your Hall Ticket
- Visit jeemain.nta.nic.in and click on the admit card download link
- Enter application number and date of birth in the login portal
- Download the PDF file and take at least 2-3 printouts
- Verify all details including name spelling, photograph, exam date, shift, and center
Admit Card Information
Your hall ticket contains:
- Candidate name, photograph, and signature
- Application number and roll number
- Exam date, shift timing, and reporting time
- Exam center name, address, and venue code
- Important instructions and COVID guidelines
Carry one printout of admit card and valid photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, passport, driving license) to the exam center. Entry is denied without these documents.
JEE Main 2026 Result & Percentile Calculation
Results appear 7-14 days after exam completion. NTA declares percentile scores, not raw marks, for ranking candidates.
Percentile vs Marks: Understanding the Difference
Percentile indicates the percentage of candidates who scored equal to or below you. A 99 percentile means you performed better than 99% of test takers.
Percentile calculation considers normalization across multiple shifts, making direct mark-to-percentile conversion impossible without knowing the difficulty level of your specific shift.
Qualifying Percentiles for Top Institutions
| Category | JEE Advanced Eligibility | NIT Admission Range | IIIT Admission Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| General | 87+ percentile | 95-99.5 percentile | 97-99.8 percentile |
| OBC-NCL | 68+ percentile | 90-98 percentile | 93-99 percentile |
| SC | 44+ percentile | 75-92 percentile | 80-95 percentile |
| ST | 44+ percentile | 65-88 percentile | 70-90 percentile |
| PwD | 44+ percentile | 50-80 percentile | 55-85 percentile |
All India Rank Declaration
AIR (All India Rank) releases after session 2 completion, typically in May. This rank determines eligibility for JoSAA counseling and seat allocation.
For candidates appearing in both sessions, NTA considers the better NTA score for rank compilation. The all-India merit list includes candidates from both sessions.
JEE Main 2026 Counseling & Seat Allocation Process
JoSAA conducts counseling for admissions to IITs, NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs. CSAB handles special rounds for remaining seats in CFTIs.
JoSAA Counseling Rounds
- Registration: Log in using JEE Main roll number and password
- Choice filling: Select up to 150 college-branch combinations in preference order
- Choice locking: Finalize preferences before the deadline
- Seat allotment: Based on rank, choices, category, and seat availability
- Payment: Pay seat acceptance fee to block the allotted seat
- Reporting: Visit the allotted institute with original documents for verification
Typically, 5-6 counseling rounds happen. Candidates can participate in multiple rounds, but withdrawing from final rounds may forfeit the admission security deposit.
Documents Required for Counseling
- Class 10 and 12 mark sheets and certificates
- JEE Main 2026 scorecard and rank letter
- Category certificate (if claiming reservation)
- Aadhaar card and passport-sized photographs
- Medical fitness certificate and character certificate
Frequently Asked Questions About JEE Main 2026
Registration for session 1 begins in October (third week) and continues until mid-November. Session 2 registration opens in late January or early February.
No minimum percentage is required to appear in the exam. However, 75% marks in Class 12 (65% for SC/ST) are necessary for admission to NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs based on JEE Main scores.
Yes, candidates can register and appear for both sessions. The better score from the two attempts counts for ranking and counseling purposes.
Yes, negative marking applies to MCQs. Each incorrect answer deducts 1 mark. Numerical value questions have no negative marking.
The score remains valid only for the current admission cycle. Students must reappear in subsequent years if they wish to apply again.
No, exam center changes are not permitted after form submission. Choose carefully during registration, as NTA assigns centers based on availability and preference order.
Candidates can attempt JEE Main for three consecutive years starting from the year of passing Class 12. With two sessions per year, this provides six total attempts.
NTA automatically considers your better score from the two sessions for final ranking. No separate application is needed to select which score to use.
Self-study with proper resources works for many successful candidates. Coaching provides structure, but consistent effort, mock tests, and previous year papers matter more than classroom attendance.
NITs (31 institutes), IIITs (25+ institutes), CFTIs such as BIT Mesra, IIIT Delhi, state government institutions, and thousands of private engineering colleges accept JEE Main scores for admission.
For free mock tests, previous year papers, and exam notifications, visit Sarkari Exam.
