

The JEE Main 2026 application process is the first and most important step for students aiming to secure admission into undergraduate engineering, architecture, and planning programs at NITs, IIITs, GFTIs, and other participating institutes across India. The entire process is conducted online by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and must be completed within the prescribed timeline to be eligible for the examination.
Table of Contents
- JEE Main 2026 Application Timeline (Session 1)
- Who Can Apply for JEE Main 2026?
- Documents Required for JEE Main 2026 Application
- Step-by-Step JEE Main 2026 Application Process
- JEE Main 2026 Application Correction Window
- Common Mistakes to Avoid During Application
- After Completing the Application Process
- Session 2 Application Process (April 2026)
- Why the Application Process Is Important
JEE Main 2026 Application Timeline (Session 1)
The application process for JEE Main 2026 Session 1 has already been initiated by NTA. Below is a general timeline structure students should be aware of:
| Event | Status / Expected Timeline |
|---|---|
| Release of Application Form (Session 1) | Already Released |
| Last Date to Apply | Open for limited duration |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | Same day or shortly after form closure |
| Application Correction Window | Opened after form closure |
| Session 2 Application Window | Expected in early 2026 |
Candidates appearing for both sessions must apply separately for each session.
Who Can Apply for JEE Main 2026?
Before filling the application form, candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility conditions.
Educational Qualification
Candidates who fulfill any of the following conditions can apply:
Passed Class 12 in 2024 or 2025
Appearing for Class 12 examination in 2026
Required Subjects in Class 12
Physics
Mathematics
Chemistry / Biotechnology / Biology / Technical Vocational Subject
Age Limit
There is no age limit for appearing in JEE Main 2026.
Admission eligibility depends on institute-specific criteria.
Documents Required for JEE Main 2026 Application
Candidates must keep the following documents ready before starting the application process to avoid errors or delays.
Mandatory Documents
Recent passport-size photograph (as per prescribed format)
Scanned signature
Class 10 certificate (for date of birth verification)
Class 12 mark sheet or appearing certificate
Government-issued identity proof
Aadhaar number or alternative identification details
Category-Specific Documents (If Applicable)
Category certificate (SC / ST / OBC-NCL / EWS)
PwD or disability certificate
Important Tip:
The name, date of birth, and parent’s name must exactly match the details on official academic certificates.
Step-by-Step JEE Main 2026 Application Process
Step 1: Online Registration
Candidates must first register as a new user on the application portal.
Registration requires the following details:
Candidate’s full name
Date of birth
Gender
Parent’s name
Valid mobile number and email ID
Security verification through OTP
After successful registration:
A unique application number is generated
Login credentials are sent to the registered email and mobile number
This application number must be saved carefully for future use.
Step 2: Filling the JEE Main 2026 Application Form
After logging in, candidates must complete the detailed application form.
Personal Details Section
Candidate’s name
Parent’s name
Nationality
Category and sub-category
PwD status (if applicable)
Academic Details Section
Class 10 board details
Class 12 board details
Year of passing or appearing
School name and location
Exam Details Section
Choice of session (January / April)
Choice of paper:
Paper 1 – B.E./B.Tech
Paper 2A – B.Arch
Paper 2B – B.Planning
Medium of question paper
Preferred exam cities (multiple choices allowed)
Candidates must carefully verify all details before proceeding to the next step.
Step 3: Uploading Scanned Images
Candidates must upload scanned copies of required documents in the prescribed format.
| Document | Format | General Guidelines |
|---|---|---|
| Photograph | JPG/JPEG | Clear, recent, white background |
| Signature | JPG/JPEG | Black or blue ink on white paper |
| Category Certificate | PDF/JPG | Valid and clearly readable |
Uploading incorrect or unclear images can lead to application rejection.
Step 4: Application Fee Payment
After uploading documents, candidates must pay the application fee online.
Payment Modes Available
Debit card
Credit card
Net banking
UPI
JEE Main 2026 Application Fee Structure
| Category | One Session | Both Sessions |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC-NCL | Higher Fee | Double Session Fee |
| Female Candidates | Reduced Fee | Reduced Combined Fee |
| SC / ST / PwD | Lowest Fee | Lowest Combined Fee |
| Foreign Exam Centres | Higher Fee | Higher Combined Fee |
Important:
The application fee is non-refundable under any circumstances.
Step 5: Final Submission and Confirmation
Once the fee payment is successful:
A confirmation page is generated
Candidates should download and save the confirmation PDF
A copy of the form should be kept for future reference
Without the confirmation page, the application is considered incomplete.
JEE Main 2026 Application Correction Window
NTA provides a limited correction window after the application process ends.
Editable Fields Usually Include
Personal details (selected fields)
Academic information
Exam city preferences
Uploaded images (if permitted)
Non-Editable Fields
Mobile number
Email ID
Application number
Candidates should use this window carefully, as no changes are allowed afterward.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Application
Many applications face issues due to avoidable errors. Candidates should ensure:
No spelling errors in name or parent’s name
Correct category selection
Proper image dimensions and clarity
Only one application per session
Accurate academic details
Even minor mistakes can cause complications during admit card issuance or counselling.
After Completing the Application Process
Once the application is successfully submitted, candidates should:
Monitor official notifications regularly
Prepare for admit card release
Start focused exam preparation
Keep login credentials safe
Track exam city and shift updates
Session 2 Application Process (April 2026)
Candidates wishing to appear for Session 2 must:
Submit a separate application
Use the same login credentials
Pay the additional application fee
Update exam city preferences if needed
Session 2 provides an opportunity to improve scores, and the best of two attempts is considered for ranking.
Why the Application Process Is Important
The JEE Main 2026 application form determines:
Candidate identity
Category eligibility
Exam centre allocation
Counselling and seat allocation eligibility
Any incorrect information may lead to disqualification at later stages, even after qualifying the exam.