JEE Main 2026: Want to know exactly when JEE Main 2026 happens? Confused about registration deadlines? Worried about what’s changed this year? You’re in the right place. This guide answers every question students and parents ask about JEE Main 2026, with easy tables, quick checkpoints, and practical next steps.
Quick Facts You Need Right Now
Let’s start with what matters most: when is the exam?
| Session | Exam Dates | Registration Deadline | Result Expected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | January 21-30, 2026 | November 27, 2025 (CLOSED) | February 12, 2026 |
| Session 2 | April 2-9, 2026 | January 31, 2026 | May 20, 2026 (approx) |
| JEE Advanced | May 17, 2026 | April 23 to May 2, 2026 | June 10, 2026 (approx) |
Already registered for Session 1? Your city intimation slip came out on January 8. Your admit card is coming 3-4 days before your exam date. Haven’t registered for Session 2? You still have time. Registration opens January 31, 2026.
Paper Schedule
Confused about Paper 1, Paper 2A, and Paper 2B? Here’s the breakdown:
Paper 1: B.E. and B.Tech (Engineering)
Exam Dates: January 21, 22, 23, 24, and 28, 2026 (for Session 1)
Shifts: Two shifts every day
- Shift 1: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Shift 2: 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
What’s Inside:
- 75 total questions
- 300 marks
- 3 hours duration
- Physics (25 questions) + Chemistry (25 questions) + Mathematics (25 questions)
- Online mode on computer
Paper 2A: B.Architecture
Exam Date: January 29, 2026 (Session 1)
Format: Hybrid (part online, part offline)
- Mathematics and Aptitude sections: Online on computer
- Drawing Test: Offline with pen and paper (2.5 hours)
Paper 2B: B.Planning
Exam Date: January 29, 2026 (Session 1)
Format: Fully online
- Mathematics + Aptitude + Planning Test
- 3.5 hours duration
- 400 marks total
Also read:- AIBE Exam Result 2025: Latest Update, Scorecard & Passing Status
Can You Still Apply?
Before anything else, confirm you can actually apply. You’re eligible if:
Must Have Requirements
- Passed Class 12 (or equivalent) in 2024, 2025, or appearing in 2026
- Have Physics and Mathematics in Class 12
- Have a third subject: Chemistry, Biotechnology, Biology, or Technical Vocational Subject
No Age Limit
- Any age is fine to apply for JEE Main
- However, for IIT/NIT admission, you need 75% in Class 12 (65% for SC/ST)
Who Can Apply
- Indian citizens
- Foreign nationals
- NRIs, PIOs, OCIs
- Students from abroad at Indian schools
Not Eligible If
- Haven’t passed Class 12 yet (unless appearing in 2026)
- Missing Physics or Mathematics in Class 12
- Appeared for JEE Main 3 times already (maximum 3 attempts in a year)
Need more details? Check NTA’s official eligibility page
How Much Will Registration Cost You?
Here’s the exact fee you’ll pay based on your category:
For Exam Centers in India
| Category | Single Paper | Both Papers (Paper 1 + Paper 2A/2B) |
|---|---|---|
| General Male | ₹1,000 | ₹2,000 |
| All Female Candidates | ₹800 | ₹1,600 |
| OBC/EWS Male | ₹800 | ₹1,600 |
| SC/ST/PwD | ₹500 | ₹1,000 |
For Exam Centers Outside India (International)
| Category | Single Paper | Both Papers |
|---|---|---|
| General Male | ₹5,000 | ₹10,000 |
| Female (General) | ₹4,000 | ₹8,000 |
| SC/ST/PwD | ₹2,500 | ₹5,000 |
Important: Fee is non-refundable. Pay only through official NTA portal using debit card, credit card, net banking, UPI, or PayTM.
Step-by-Step: How to Register for Session 2 (Starts Jan 31)
Planning to apply for Session 2? Here’s exactly what to do:
- Go to the official portal: nta.ac.in
- Click on “New Registration” and create your account
- Use valid email and mobile number
- Create a strong password
- Save your registration number
- Fill the application form accurately (you cannot change most details later)
- Personal details (name, DOB, parents’ names)
- Class 12 details including CBSE registration number
- Choose exam city preference
- Select Paper 1, Paper 2A, or Paper 2B
- Upload documents:
- Valid ID proof (Aadhaar, Passport, Driving License)
- Class 12 passing certificate
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Category certificate (if SC/ST/OBC/EWS)
- Pay the fee immediately after form submission
- Online payment only
- Save payment receipt
- Payment confirmation email will be sent
- Download acknowledgment slip as proof of registration
- Wait for city intimation slip (releases 10 days before exam)
- Download admit card (releases 3-4 days before exam)
Stuck during registration? Call NTA helpline: 011-4027-3091 (9 AM to 5 PM, Monday-Friday)
What’s NEW in JEE Main 2026? 5 Big Changes
1. No More Calculator (Biggest Change)
Old Rule: Virtual calculator available during exam New Rule: No calculator at all from 2026
What you need to do:
- Strengthen mental math skills
- Practice calculation-heavy problems without aid
- Improve speed in numeric calculations
- Solve previous year papers without calculator
2. Aadhaar Auto-Fill Feature
What changed:
- Your name, DOB, address now auto-populate from Aadhaar
- Reduces manual entry errors
- Saves registration time
What you need to do:
- Ensure Aadhaar information is current and correct before applying
- Update Aadhaar address if changed recently
3. CBSE Registration Number is Now Required
What changed:
- Must provide Class 11 CBSE registration number in form
- Helps prevent clash between board exams and JEE Main
What you need to do:
- Find your CBSE registration number from Class 11 scorecard
- Keep it handy while filling the form
4. Language Options Expanded (13 Languages Available)
Test in your preferred language:
- English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu
Choose wisely: You select language at registration. Cannot change later.
5. Section-Wise Question Pattern Remains Same
Paper 1 Structure:
- Section A: 20 MCQs (multiple choice) = 80 marks
- Section B: 10 numerical value questions = 40 marks per section
- Total across 3 subjects (Physics, Chemistry, Maths): 300 marks
Marking:
- Correct answer: +4 marks
- Wrong answer: -1 mark
- Not attempted: 0 marks
Also read:- No Fees, No Loans: Fully Funded Scholarships You Can Apply for Now in 2025–2026
Document Checklist
Print this and tick off as you prepare:
Must Have Documents
- [ ] Aadhaar card (scanned copy)
- [ ] Class 12 passing certificate
- [ ] Class 12 scorecard
- [ ] Class 11 CBSE registration number
- [ ] Recent passport-size photo (white background, 40×50 mm)
- [ ] Valid photo ID (Driving License, Passport, PAN, Voter ID)
If You Have Reservation
- [ ] SC certificate (if applicable)
- [ ] ST certificate (if applicable)
- [ ] OBC-NCL certificate (if applicable, issued after April 8, 2021)
- [ ] EWS certificate (if applicable)
- [ ] PwD certificate (if applicable)
Other Important Papers
- [ ] Gap year certificate (if there’s a gap after Class 12)
- [ ] Medical certificate (if PwD candidate)
Pro Tip: Scan all documents in JPG/PNG format (less than 500 KB each) before you start registration. Upload will be faster.
City Intimation Slip vs Admit Card
Students get confused between these two. Here’s the clarity:
| Feature | City Intimation Slip | Admit Card |
|---|---|---|
| When Released | 10 days before exam | 3-4 days before exam |
| Contains | Exam city name + tentative date | Exam center address, shift timing, roll no |
| Carry to Exam? | NO, not required | YES, must carry |
| Download From | jeemain.nta.ac.in | jeemain.nta.ac.in |
| Purpose | Inform you where to appear | Prove your identity, show exact details |
Important: City slip = heads up. Admit card = your official exam proof.
Your Exam Day Timeline
For Session 1 (Already Happening)
| Date | What Happens | What You Do |
|---|---|---|
| January 8, 2026 | City intimation slip released | Download and check your exam city |
| January 17-18, 2026 | Admit card releases | Download immediately, check all details |
| January 21-30, 2026 | EXAM DAYS | Report 30 mins before your shift timing |
| February 5-6, 2026 | Provisional answer key released | Review answers, submit objections if needed |
| February 12, 2026 | Results declared | Check your score and NTA score |
For Session 2 (Register from Jan 31)
| Date | What Happens |
|---|---|
| January 31, 2026 | Registration opens |
| February 28, 2026 (approx) | Registration closes |
| March 10-12, 2026 (approx) | City intimation slip released |
| March 28-30, 2026 (approx) | Admit card released |
| April 2-9, 2026 | EXAM DAYS |
| May 20, 2026 (approx) | Results declared |
How Many Marks Do You Need? Score Breakdown
For Engineering College Admission
What JEE Main score do you need?
Unfortunately, there’s no fixed cutoff before results. It changes every year based on:
- Total candidates appeared
- Difficulty of the paper
- Number of engineering seats available
But here’s what we know:
| Institute Type | Class 12 Requirement | JEE Main Rank Needed (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| IIT | 75% (65% for SC/ST) | Top 2,50,000 only |
| NIT | 75% (65% for SC/ST) | Varies by NIT (5,000-50,000) |
| IIIT | 75% (65% for SC/ST) | Varies by IIIT (10,000-100,000) |
| Government Colleges | 65% | 1,00,000 to 5,00,000+ |
| Private Engineering | 40% onwards | May require only passing score |
Real talk: Focus on getting 90+ percentile minimum for good colleges. 95+ percentile opens doors to top NITs.
After Results
If You’re in Top 2,50,000
You’re eligible for JEE Advanced (pathway to IITs).
JEE Advanced 2026 Timeline:
- Registration opens: April 23, 2026
- Registration closes: May 2, 2026
- Exam date: May 17, 2026
- Results: June 10, 2026 (approx)
Next Step: Register on jeeadv.ac.in when registration opens.
Everyone Else: Counseling for NIT, IIIT, Government Colleges
JoSAA Counseling (Joint Seat Allocation):
- Register on official counseling portal
- Fill preferences (select colleges and courses in order)
- Seat allocation based on your rank
- Document verification
- Report to college for admission
Timeline: Usually starts 15-20 days after results are declared.
Also read:- Most Difficult Exam in India: Which Test Truly Tops the List?
Common Mistakes Students Make (And How to Avoid Them)
Mistake 1: Filling Form in Hurry
Why it’s bad: Form errors can disqualify you Avoid this: Fill once, review 5 times before submitting. Take 2 hours if needed.
Mistake 2: Uploading Wrong Documents
Why it’s bad: Application gets rejected or delayed Avoid this: Check photo size (40×50 mm), file size (under 500 KB), format (JPG/PNG)
Mistake 3: Confusing City Slip with Admit Card
Why it’s bad: You might not know your exact exam center or shift Avoid this: Download both when they release. City slip tells location, admit card tells exact center and timing.
Mistake 4: Not Checking Exam Portal Updates
Why it’s bad: You miss announcements about new rules or date changes Avoid this: Visit jeemain.nta.ac.in weekly. Turn on notifications.
Mistake 5: Practicing With Calculator When It’s Banned This Year
Why it’s bad: You lose 30% of your speed on exam day Avoid this: All practice should be calculator-free from now on.
Mistake 6: Forgetting Aadhaar is Updated
Why it’s bad: Form won’t auto-fill correctly, causing delays Avoid this: Check Aadhaar details 1 week before registration opens.
Quick Prep Tips for Your Exam (Especially Without Calculator)
Right Now (Before Your Exam)
- [ ] Solve 5 previous year papers in full 3-hour format
- [ ] Practice 20 numerical calculation questions daily without calculator
- [ ] Time yourself on each section: you need 1 hour per subject
- [ ] Learn multiplication tables up to 30×30 by heart
- [ ] Master percentage and ratio calculations mentally
1 Week Before Exam
- [ ] Do mock tests on official NTA website (free)
- [ ] Sleep 7-8 hours every night
- [ ] Reduce new topics; only revise now
- [ ] Solve 2 full-length papers to build stamina
- [ ] Eat light, healthy meals
Night Before Exam
- [ ] Sleep by 10 PM
- [ ] Keep admit card, photo ID ready
- [ ] Pack pens (black and blue ballpoint)
- [ ] Check exam center location on Google Maps
- [ ] Don’t study; just relax and sleep well
On Exam Day
- [ ] Wake up 2 hours before exam
- [ ] Eat light breakfast
- [ ] Reach center 30 minutes early
- [ ] Keep phone switched off
- [ ] Carry admit card + valid photo ID + blank papers (if allowed)
FAQs:
1. Can I give both Session 1 and Session 2?
Yes. Your best score from either session is considered.
2. What if I miss Session 1? Can I still apply for Session 2?
Absolutely. Session 2 registration opens January 31. Anyone can apply.
3. Can I change my exam center after registration?
Limited changes possible during correction window (only 2 days). After that, no changes allowed.
4. What if there’s an error in my admit card?
Contact NTA immediately at nta.ac.in or call helpline.
5. Will my Class 12 marks affect JEE Main score?
No. JEE Main is independent. But 75% Class 12 is required for NIT/IIT admission (after you qualify JEE Main).
6. How long does result processing take?
About 10-15 days after exam ends. Final answer key released within 3 days.
7. Can I challenge answer key questions?
Yes. Pay ₹200 per question. Submit within 2 days of answer key release.
8. What if my registration is rejected?
Check rejection reason in your dashboard. Contact NTA to reapply if eligible.
Your Action Plan: Do This Now
Next 7 Days
- Confirm eligibility using checklist above
- Gather all documents and scan them
- Visit jeemain.nta.ac.in and understand portal navigation
- Start practicing without calculator right away
When Registration Opens (Jan 31 for Session 2)
- Create account on NTA portal
- Fill form carefully (no rushing)
- Upload documents in correct format
- Make payment immediately
- Download acknowledgment slip
After Registration Closes
- Wait for city intimation slip
- Check your exam city on slip
- Start full exam preparation
- Download admit card when released
- Arrive at center 30 mins early
You’ve Got This
JEE Main might feel overwhelming with all these dates, rules, and procedures. But thousands of students crack it every year. The difference between who succeeds and who doesn’t isn’t always intelligence. It’s:
- Clear understanding of rules (which you now have)
- Organized preparation (use the checklist above)
- Consistent practice without shortcuts (no calculator from now)
- Staying calm and focused (easier when you know what to expect)
Bookmark this page. Come back whenever you have a question. Share it with friends who are confused too. And remember: every expert was once confused about JEE Main just like you.
You can do this. All the best!
Need More Help?
- Official JEE Main Portal: nta.ac.in
- NTA Helpline: 011-4027-3091
- Email: jeemain@nta.ac.in
- Official Twitter: @DG_NTA
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