JEE Main 2026 Exam – Dates, Registration, Syllabus, Pattern, Eligibility, Cutoff
JEE Main 2026 is one of India’s most awaited national-level engineering entrance examinations, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to NITs, IIITs, GFTIs, and also as a gateway to the IITs through JEE Advanced.
Every year, lakhs of students appear for JEE Main to pursue undergraduate programs like B.E., B.Tech, B.Arch, and B.Planning. For 2026, the NTA is expected to hold two sessions — Session 1 in January 2026 and Session 2 in April 2026 — giving aspirants two chances to improve their performance.
Official Update (as per NTA’s 2025-26 exam calendar):
JEE Main 2026 Session 1: Expected between January 21 – January 30, 2026
JEE Main 2026 Session 2: Expected between April 1 – April 10, 2026
- Application Forms: JEE Main 2026 registration has started for Session 1 here - jeemain.nta.nic.in, while Session 2 forms will open in February 2026.
- Mode of Exam: Computer-Based Test (CBT) only
The exam plays a decisive role for students aiming to study in India’s premier engineering institutions, and every year the NTA introduces slight procedural or technical updates, making it crucial to stay informed.
What is JEE Main 2026?
The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main is an online, computer-based exam conducted nationwide for admission to undergraduate engineering, architecture, and planning programs.
JEE Main acts as the first stage of the two-tier JEE system:
JEE Main: For admission to NITs, IIITs, GFTIs
JEE Advanced: For admission to IITs
Every year, more than 10–12 lakh students appear for the exam, making it one of the most competitive tests in India.
Key Highlights of JEE Main 2026
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Level | National-level (Undergraduate) |
| Exam Frequency | Twice a year (January & April) |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Courses Offered | B.E./B.Tech, B.Arch, B.Planning |
| Official Website | https://jeemain.nta.ac.in |
JEE Main 2026 Exam Dates (Tentative Schedule)
NTA typically releases the official JEE Main Information Bulletin in October 2025. Based on recent trends, here’s a tentative timeline:
| Event | Session 1 (January 2026) | Session 2 (April 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Application Form Release | October 2025 | February 2026 |
| Registration Last Date | November 2025 | March 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | January 2026 | March 2026 |
| Exam Dates | 21 – 30 January 2026 | 1 – 10 April 2026 |
| Answer Key Release | February 2026 | April 2026 |
| Result Declaration | February 2026 | April 2026 |
| JoSAA Counselling Begins | — | June 2026 |
Note: Candidates can appear in one or both sessions. The best of the two scores will be used for the final ranking.
JEE Main 2026 Registration Process
Registration for JEE Main 2026 is entirely online through the NTA portal. Applicants must ensure all details match official documents (especially Aadhaar and Class 10 marksheet).
Step-by-Step Process
Visit the official website: https://jeemain.nta.ac.in
Click “Apply for JEE (Main) 2026” and complete new registration.
Fill in personal & academic details – name, parent’s name, category, school details, etc.
Upload required documents – recent passport-size photograph, signature, category certificate (if applicable).
Select preferred session(s) – January and/or April.
Pay the examination fee online (Debit Card / UPI / Net Banking).
Submit and download the confirmation page for reference.
Required Documents
Scanned passport photo (as per size & background guidelines)
Scanned signature
Class 10 certificate (proof of birth)
Class 12 marksheet (if available)
Category certificate (OBC-NCL / EWS / SC / ST / PwD)
Valid photo ID proof (Aadhaar / PAN / Passport)
Common Registration Errors to Avoid
Uploading blurred photographs
Mistyped date of birth or name
Incomplete payment (not waiting for confirmation page)
Using incorrect category or session selection
JEE Main 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before filling the form, every student should check the official eligibility conditions set by NTA:
| Eligibility Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Age Limit | No age limit (students who passed Class 12 in 2024 / 2025 / appearing 2026) |
| Qualifying Examination | Class 12 / 10 2 / Equivalent |
| Compulsory Subjects | Physics, Mathematics, and one of Chemistry/Biology/Biotechnology/Technical Vocational |
| Attempt Limit | Two sessions per year; best score considered |
| Nationality | Indian / OCI / PIO / Foreign national |
| Institute-Specific Criteria | For NITs/IIITs – 75% in 12th (65% for SC/ST) or top 20 percentile |
Note: Admission to NITs/IIITs/GFTIs requires at least 75% marks in Class 12 (65% for reserved categories) or being in the top 20 percentile of their board.
JEE Main 2026 Syllabus
The syllabus is derived from NCERT Class 11 and 12. It tests conceptual understanding and application skills.
Physics
Mechanics, Laws of Motion, Work & Energy, Rotational Dynamics, Gravitation, Thermodynamics, Waves, Electromagnetism, Current Electricity, Optics, Modern Physics, Semiconductors.
Chemistry
Atomic Structure, Chemical Bonding, Equilibrium, Thermodynamics, Electrochemistry, Organic Chemistry (Named Reactions, Aromatic Compounds), Coordination Compounds, Polymers, Environmental Chemistry.
Mathematics
Sets & Relations, Complex Numbers, Quadratic Equations, Sequences & Series, Binomial Theorem, Limits & Derivatives, Differential Equations, Matrices & Determinants, Vector Algebra, Probability, 3D Geometry, Calculus.
Tip: Start early with NCERT and previous-year question analysis; high-weightage topics are often repeated yearly.
JEE Main 2026 Result, Percentile and Rank Calculation
After each session, NTA releases the result online. The percentile score normalizes difficulty across shifts.
Understanding NTA Percentile
Percentile indicates a candidate’s relative performance, not raw marks.
Tie-Breaking Rules:
Higher Mathematics percentile
Higher Physics percentile
Higher Chemistry percentile
Lesser negative responses
Age (older candidate preferred)
Result Components:
Subject-wise NTA score
Overall NTA percentile
Rank based on best session
Qualification status for JEE Advanced
JEE Main 2026 Cut-off and Qualifying Marks
The cut-off is the minimum percentile required to qualify for JEE Advanced or admission in NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs.
| Category | Expected Qualifying Percentile (2026) |
|---|---|
| General / UR | 90 – 91 |
| EWS | 78 – 82 |
| OBC-NCL | 75 – 80 |
| SC | 55 – 60 |
| ST | 40 – 45 |
| PwD | 40 |
Note: Actual cut-off varies depending on difficulty, number of candidates, and seat availability.
JEE Main 2026 Counselling Process (JoSAA)
After results, admission to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs is managed through JoSAA (Joint Seat Allocation Authority).
Counselling Steps
JoSAA Registration: Sign up using JEE Main credentials at https://josaa.nic.in
Choice Filling: Select preferred institutes and courses.
Seat Allotment: 6–7 rounds based on AIR rank & preferences.
Seat Acceptance Fee Payment: Confirm seat by paying the fee online.
Document Verification: Upload certificates & report to allotted institute.
Reporting & Upgradation: Candidates may choose Freeze, Float, or Slide options.
Required Documents
JEE Main 2026 Rank Card
Admit Card & Scorecard
Class 10 & 12 marksheets
Category certificate
Photo ID proof
Passport size photos
Preparation Tips for JEE Main 2026
Understand the syllabus thoroughly, focusing on high-weightage topics like Electrostatics, Organic Chemistry, and Calculus.
Follow a structured timetable with fixed hours for each subject.
Use reliable study material: NCERT first, then books like HC Verma, O.P. Tandon, RD Sharma, Arihant series.
Solve previous-year papers to understand patterns and difficulty.
Attempt mock tests under real CBT conditions.
Analyze performance to identify weak areas and revise regularly.
Maintain health and consistency: sleep well and balance study hours with breaks.
JEE Main 2026 Admit Card
The admit card will be available approximately 10 days before the exam.
Steps to Download
Visit jeemain.nta.ac.in
Click on “Download Admit Card 2026”
Log in using Application Number and Date of Birth
Check details and exam center location
Print multiple copies
Details Mentioned: Candidate Name, Application Number, Exam Date & Time, Exam Center, Paper Applied, Photo & Signature, and COVID/exam-day instructions.
Exam Day Essentials
Admit Card and Photo ID (Aadhaar preferred)
One passport photo
Simple ball pen and transparent water bottle
PwD certificate (if applicable)
Reservation Policy in JEE Main 2026
| Category | Reservation Percentage |
|---|---|
| SC | 15% |
| ST | 7.5% |
| OBC-NCL | 27% |
| EWS | 10% |
| PwD | 5% (horizontal) |
Note: Home State Quota and Other State Quota apply for NITs & GFTIs.
Important Documents Checklist
Class 10 & 12 mark sheets
Category certificate (OBC/SC/ST/EWS/PwD)
Domicile certificate (if required)
Aadhaar / Passport / PAN Card
Recent passport-size photographs
Scanned signature in black ink
JEE Main 2026 Answer Key and Response Sheet
NTA releases a provisional answer key shortly after the exam. Candidates can challenge any answer by paying a small fee (usually ₹200 per question). After reviewing challenges, NTA publishes the final answer key and results.
Tip: Download your response sheet to cross-check answers and estimate raw marks.
Expected Statistics for JEE Main 2026
| Metric | Expected Figure |
|---|---|
| Total Registered Candidates | 12–13 lakh |
| Average Attendance Rate | 90–92% |
| Number of Exam Centers | 400 across India |
| Foreign Exam Cities | 10 countries |
| No. of Shifts per Session | 10–12 (CBT mode) |
| Total Institutes Participating via JoSAA | 100 (NITs, IIITs, GFTIs) |
JEE Main FAQs
Any student who has passed Class 12 in 2024 or 2025, or is appearing in 2026, with Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry or equivalent subjects can appear for JEE Main 2026. There is no age limit, but candidates must have studied relevant subjects in Class 12 to qualify for admission to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs.
The official number of JEE Main 2026 applicants will be announced by NTA after registration closes. In 2025, around 12.5 lakh students registered, so a similar or slightly higher number is expected in 2026 across both sessions combined.
As of now, registration for JEE Main 2026 has not opened. Based on previous year trends, around 10–12 lakh students are expected to register across both sessions. Exact data will be released by the National Testing Agency (NTA) once applications are complete.
JEE Main 2026 will be held in multiple shifts each day across both sessions. Typically, there are two shifts — a morning session and an afternoon session — to accommodate all candidates. The number of total shifts depends on the number of applicants registered for each session.
In JEE Main 2026 Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech), there are 90 questions — 30 each in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Students must attempt 75 questions (25 from each subject). Each question carries 4 marks, making the total 300 marks. Paper 2 for B.Arch and B.Planning has a different pattern.
As per the NTA’s annual calendar, JEE Main 2026 Session 1 is expected to be held between January 21 and 30, 2026, and Session 2 between April 1 and 10, 2026. Final dates will be officially confirmed on the NTA website closer to the registration window.
The first attempt of JEE Main 2026 will take place in January 2026, most likely between January 21 and January 30, 2026. This will be Session 1, while Session 2 will be conducted in April 2026. Students can choose to appear in one or both sessions.
The JEE Main 2026 application form for Session 1 has already been released by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on the official website jeemain.nta.ac.in Candidates can now fill out the form online by registering, uploading documents, and paying the examination fee. The registration window will remain open for about three to four weeks before closing.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) is responsible for preparing, conducting, and managing JEE Main 2026. Expert academic panels and professors from reputed institutes contribute to designing and moderating the question papers to maintain balance and fairness across sessions.
The JEE Main 2026 question paper will be set by subject experts under the supervision of the National Testing Agency (NTA). Each subject’s paper is prepared by experienced professors following NCERT-based syllabus and standardized difficulty levels across sessions.
It’s difficult to predict exact difficulty levels, but based on previous years, JEE Main 2026 will test students’ conceptual depth and speed. Since the syllabus remains largely NCERT-based, consistent preparation and understanding of fundamentals will make it easier to tackle.
The difficulty level of JEE Main 2026 will depend on the paper set by NTA. Usually, the exam maintains a moderate to tough difficulty range, testing conceptual understanding rather than direct memorization. Students who prepare consistently using NCERT and mock tests will find it manageable.