Preparing for the JEE Main 2026 exam requires understanding crucial details like registration procedures, eligibility criteria, syllabus, important dates, and the fee structure. This comprehensive guide provides all the necessary information for aspiring candidates to navigate the JEE Main 2026 process confidently and efficiently.
Overview of JEE Main 2026
The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main is one of the most significant engineering entrance exams in India, enabling students to gain admission into prestigious institutions such as NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs. The 2026 edition introduces two sessions: the first in January and the second in April, providing students with multiple attempts to secure a desirable score.
Important Dates for JEE Main 2026
| Event | Session 1 (January 2026) | Session 2 (April 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Online Application Start Date | 31 October 2025 | Last week of January 2026 onwards |
| Application Last Date | 27 November 2025 (up to 09:00 P.M.) | To be notified later |
| Correction in Application Form | Will be displayed on NTA website | Will be displayed on NTA website |
| City Intimation Slip | First Week of January 2026 (tentative) | Second Week of March 2026 (tentative) |
| Admit Card Download | 03-04 days before exam dates | 03-04 days before exam dates |
| Examination Dates | 21 to 30 January 2026 | 02 to 09 April 2026 |
| Answer Key and Question Paper Display | On NTA website | On NTA website |
| Result Declaration | By 12 February 2026 | By 20 April 2026 |
Registration and Application Process
The registration process for JEE Main 2026 is straightforward if followed step-by-step. Ensure that all documents and requisite details are ready before beginning the registration to avoid any last-minute issues.
Step-by-Step Registration Process
Step 1: Access the Official Website
Visit the official JEE Main portal: jeemain.nta.nic.in.
Step 2: Register as a New Candidate
Click on “JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Registration / Apply Online”. Choose “New Candidate Registration” and carefully read the instructions. Enter your basic details such as name, date of birth, mobile number, email ID, and security question. Generate an Application Number and create a password.
Step 3: Fill the Application Form
Log in using your Application Number and password. Fill in personal details, educational background, choice of exam cities, preferred papers (B.E./B.Tech, B.Arch, B.Planning), and other relevant data as per your Class 10/12 records.
Step 4: Upload Required Documents
- Passport-size photograph (as per NTA guidelines)
- Scanned signature of the candidate
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- PwD/disability certificate (if applicable)
- Class 10 marksheet or certificate
- Valid photo ID proof (Aadhaar, Passport, PAN, etc.)
Step 5: Pay Application Fee
Proceed to fee payment via available modes — UPI, Debit Card, Credit Card, or Net Banking. Ensure you receive a success confirmation, and do not refresh or navigate away until the payment is confirmed.
Step 6: Finalize and Download Confirmation
Review all submitted details. Click on “Final Submit” if everything is accurate. Download and keep a copy of the confirmation page for future reference, as this will be needed for admit card download and further processes.
JEE Main 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Understanding eligibility requirements is vital before applying for the exam. Here is a breakdown of the eligibility parameters:
Educational Qualifications
- Candidates must have passed or appeared for Class 12 (or equivalent) in 2024, 2025, or appearing in 2026.
- The minimum subjects include Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
- The candidate should have secured at least 75% marks (65% for SC/ST) in the qualifying examination.
Age Limit and Attempts
- There is no age limit for appearing in JEE Main 2026.
- A maximum of six attempts are permitted over three consecutive years.
- Students can attempt both January and April sessions each year.
Subject Combination
- Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics are mandatory subjects.
Additional Criteria
- Candidates must meet individual institute-specific criteria if they seek admission into specific colleges beyond the basic eligibility.
JEE Main 2026 Valid Documents for Application
Ensure all your documents are valid and in the correct format as per NTA guidelines. These are crucial for successful registration:
- Recent passport-sized photograph (JPG/JPEG)
- Scanned signature (JPG/JPEG)
- Class 10 marksheet or certificate as proof of date of birth
- Identity proof — Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Voter ID, etc.
- Disability certificate (if applicable)
- Category certificate for reserved category candidates
JEE Main 2026 Exam Syllabus
The syllabus aligns with the NCERT curriculum for Classes 11 and 12, covering Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. For a detailed breakdown, refer to the official syllabus document. Highlights include:
Physics
- Units & Measurements
- Kinematics
- Laws of Motion
- Work, Energy, Power
- Rotational Motion
- Gravitation
- Properties of Solids & Liquids
- Thermodynamics & Kinetic Theory of Gases
- Oscillations & Waves
- Electrostatics & Current Electricity
- Magnetism & Electromagnetic Induction
- Alternating Currents
- Optics
- Dual Nature of Matter
- Atoms, Nuclei & Electronic Devices
Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry: Atomic Structure, Thermodynamics, Solutions, Equilibrium, Redox Reactions, Electrochemistry, Kinetics
- Inorganic Chemistry: Periodic Table, p/d/f-block elements, Coordination Compounds
- Organic Chemistry: Hydrocarbons, Organic Compounds with Halogens, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Biomolecules
Mathematics
- Sets, Relations, Functions
- Algebra
- Calculus
- Trigonometry
- Coordinate Geometry
- Vectors & 3D Geometry
- Statistics & Probability
- Matrices & Determinants
- Differential Equations
For the complete syllabus, candidates can download the [official PDF](https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s3f8e59f4b2fe7c5705bf878bbd494ccdf/uploads/2025/11/202511021649722475.pdf) in a new tab.
JEE Main 2026 Fee Structure
| Category | Gender | Exam in India | Exam Outside India |
|---|---|---|---|
| General / OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | Male | ₹1,000 | $50 USD |
| General / OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | Female | ₹800 | $50 USD |
| SC/ST/PwD/Third Gender | Male/Female | ₹500 | $50 USD |
Payment can be made via UPI, Debit Card, Credit Card, or Net Banking. Please note that the application fee is non-refundable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is there an age limit to appear for JEE Main 2026?
No, there is no age limit for appearing in JEE Main 2026.
2. How many attempts are allowed in JEE Main 2026?
Candidates are allowed up to six attempts over three consecutive years, attempting both sessions each year if desired.
3. Can I apply for JEE Main outside India?
Yes, candidates residing outside India can apply and pay in US Dollars.
4. What documents are necessary for registration?
Passport-sized photograph, signature, class 10 certificate, valid ID proof, category certificates (if applicable), and disability certificates (if applicable).
5. Where can I get official updates and the latest information?
All official updates, notifications, and detailed PDF documents are available on the [official JEE Main website](https://jeemain.nta.nic.in/).
Additional Resources
For detailed guidelines, eligibility criteria, and official notifications, candidates should refer to the official documents linked throughout this article. For comprehensive practice materials and mock tests, visiting the official NTA portal will be beneficial.
Preparing effectively with a clear understanding of the process, syllabus, and dates will enhance your chances of success in JEE Main 2026. Good luck!