The wait is over. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially opened the online registration for JEE Main 2026 on its dedicated portal — jeemain.nta.nic.in. If you’re a Class 12 student, a recent board exam passer, or a dropper aiming for top engineering institutes like NITs, IIITs, and IITs (via JEE Advanced), this is your first and most critical step.
With the application window open throughout November 2025, and overlapping with the ongoing JoSAA counseling season, timing couldn’t be more strategic. Here’s everything you need to know — from eligibility and fees to deadlines and pro tips — to ensure your application is flawless.
Why JEE Main 2026 Is Your Engineering Launchpad
JEE Main remains India’s largest engineering entrance exam, with over 12 lakh candidates competing annually for seats in:
- 31 NITs
- 26 IIITs
- 30+ GFTIs (Government Funded Technical Institutes)
- Gateway to JEE Advanced for IIT admissions
This year, the exam will be conducted in two sessions:
- Session 1: January 2026
- Session 2: April 2026
You can appear in one or both — the best score counts.
Who Is Eligible? (Official NTA Criteria)
NTA has streamlined eligibility. Here’s what you must have:
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Qualifying Exam | Passed Class 12 (or equivalent) in 2024, 2025, or appearing in 2026 |
| Compulsory Subjects | Physics + Mathematics + one of: Chemistry / Biology / Biotechnology / Technical Vocational |
| Recognized Boards | Any board recognized by Association of Indian Universities (AIU) |
| Minimum Marks | No minimum to appear in JEE Main (But 75% in 12th or top 20 percentile needed for NIT/IIIT admission; 65% for SC/ST) |
| Age Limit | No upper age limit |
| Number of Attempts | 3 consecutive years from the year of passing Class 12 |
AIU-Recognized Equivalents Include:
- CBSE, ICSE, State Boards
- NIOS Senior Secondary
- Cambridge A-Levels
- International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
- 3-year Diploma recognized by AICTE or State Board
Unsure if your board is valid? Check the AIU Equivalence List.
Application Deadline & Key Dates (Tentative)
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Begins | October 31, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | November 30, 2025 (11:50 PM) |
| Fee Payment Deadline | November 30, 2025 (11:50 PM) |
| Correction Window | December 2–4, 2025 |
| Session 1 Exam | Last week of January 2026 |
| Session 2 Exam | First week of April 2026 |
Pro Tip: Apply in the first week of November. The portal slows down in the last 3 days.
Step-by-Step Registration Guide (With Screenshots in Mind)
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Go to jeemain.nta.nic.in → Click “JEE Main 2026 – Apply Online”
Step 2: New Registration
- Enter:
- Name (as in Class 10 certificate)
- Mobile number & email
- Date of birth
- Aadhaar / ID proof
- Create a strong password
- Note down your Application Number (sent via SMS/email)
Step 3: Fill the Form
- Personal & academic details
- Choose exam session(s) and 4 preferred cities
- Select question paper medium (13 languages available)
Step 4: Upload Documents
| Document | Size | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Passport Photo (white background) | 10–200 KB | JPG |
| Signature (black ink) | 4–30 KB | JPG |
| Class 10 Certificate | 50–300 KB | |
| Category Certificate (if applicable) | 50–300 KB |
Common Mistake: Uploading old or blurry photos → leads to application rejection.
Step 5: Pay the Fee
| Category | One Session (India) | Both Sessions (India) |
|---|---|---|
| Male (General/OBC/EWS) | ₹1000 | ₹2000 |
| Female (General/OBC/EWS) | ₹800 | ₹1600 |
| SC/ST/PwD/Transgender | ₹500 | ₹1000 |
- Payment via: UPI, Net Banking, Card
- Non-refundable
Step 6: Submit & Download
- Review all entries
- Submit → Download Confirmation Page (4 copies)
Why Register Early?
- Avoid Server Crash: Last-day traffic is brutal.
- Correction Window: Fix errors in December.
- Mental Peace: Focus on prep, not paperwork.
- Counseling Overlap: Learn from 2025 JoSAA trends while applying.
Quick Prep Kickstart (While Application Is Fresh)
- Download Syllabus from NTA site (NCERT-aligned).
- Start with NCERT — 80% questions are concept-based.
- Take NTA Mock Test (free on official app).
- Join a Test Series early for benchmarking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can NIOS students apply?
Yes, if recognized by AIU.
Q: Is Aadhaar mandatory?
No — use Passport, Voter ID, or any govt ID.
Q: Can I change exam city later?
Only during correction window (limited).
Q: What if I miss November deadline?
No extension. You’ll have to wait for 2027.
Final Checklist Before You Click “Submit”
- [ ] Photo & signature uploaded correctly
- [ ] Fee paid & receipt saved
- [ ] Application number noted
- [ ] Confirmation page printed
- [ ] Calendar reminder for correction window
Your Move: Register Now
Head to jeemain.nta.nic.in and secure your spot. This isn’t just an application — it’s the first brick in your engineering dream.
Bookmark this page. Share with friends. Start today.
Helpline: 011-40759000 | Email: jeemain@nta.ac.in
#JEEMain2026 #EngineeringAspirants #NTARegistration
JEE Main 2026 Registration Now Open: Step-by-Step Guide, Eligibility, and Deadlines added by AdminEdu on
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