Apply Now: NTA Starts JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Application Process Online

The JEE Main 2026 Session 1 online application window, open since October 31, is set to close strictly on November 27, 2025. Engineering aspirants targeting admission to NITs, IIITs, CFTIs, and qualifying for JEE Advanced must register immediately on the official NTA website, jeemain.nta.nic.in. This guide details the essential registration steps, the staggered deadlines for form submission and fee payment, and the crucial exam dates from January 21–30, 2026. Do not wait for the final day to avoid submission failures and secure your shot at top engineering colleges.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has reiterated the critical deadline for the Joint Entrance Examination (Main) 2026 Session 1. The online application process, which began on October 31, 2025, will officially conclude at 11:50 PM on November 27, 2025. JEE Main remains the largest and most pivotal engineering entrance examination in India, serving as the sole gateway for admissions to the prestigious National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), and other Centrally Funded Technical Institutions (CFTIs). Furthermore, a high score in JEE Main is mandatory to qualify for the JEE Advanced examination for IIT admissions.

​Candidates are strongly advised to complete the multi-step application process well ahead of the final date, as the NTA portal, jeemain.nta.nic.in, is prone to heavy traffic and potential technical glitches in the final hours. The examination for Session 1 is scheduled to be held between January 21 and January 30, 2026. Securing the January attempt is strategically important as it provides a crucial first score and allows aspirants to focus their subsequent preparation on the April session and JEE Advanced.

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 JEE Main 2026 Session 1: Critical Dates and Application Deadlines

​The NTA has specified separate deadlines for the submission of the online application form and the payment of the examination fee, requiring candidates to manage their time efficiently.

• ​Non-Negotiable Deadlines for Session 1:
  • ​Online Submission of Application Form:November 27, 2025 (Up to 09:00 PM). All fields in the application form, including personal details, academic information, and city preferences, must be filled and the form locked before this time.
  • ​Last Date for Successful Fee Transaction: November 27, 2025 (Up to 11:50 PM). Candidates have a slight extension for payment, but the form submission must precede the fee payment.
  • ​Application Fee Structure (for Centres in India, single paper): 
    • ​General/OBC-NCL/EWS Male: ₹1,000
    • ​General/OBC-NCL/EWS Female: ₹800
    • ​SC/ST/PwD/Transgender: ₹500
  • ​Examination Window: January 21 to January 30, 2026. The exact date and shift (morning/afternoon) will be detailed on the admit card.
• ​Eligibility Snapshot: 
  • ​Qualifying Exam: Candidates must have passed the Class 12 or equivalent examination in 2024, 2025, or be appearing in 2026.
  • ​Required Subjects: Must have studied Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects in Class 12, along with any one subject from Chemistry/Biotechnology/Biology/Technical Vocational Subject.
  • ​No Age Limit: The NTA has removed the upper age limit for appearing in JEE Main.

​Step-by-Step Guide to the Online Application Process

​The application process is conducted entirely online and requires careful attention to detail, especially during document uploads and data entry, as any error can cause issues during counselling.

• ​Phase 1: Registration and Credentials:
  • ​Visit the official NTA website: jeemain.nta.nic.in.
  • ​Click on 'New Candidate Registration' and complete the initial registration using a valid email ID and mobile number. A system-generated Application Number will be issued.
  • ​Pro Tip: Use a personal email/mobile number that will remain active throughout the counselling process (2026-27).
• ​Phase 2: Form Filling and Document Upload:
  • ​Log in using the Application Number and Password.
  • ​Fill in personal details, educational qualifications (especially Class 10/12 details), and select the preferred 4 Exam Cities.
  • ​Upload a scanned photograph (must be recent and clear, preferably taken within the last 6 months) and a scanned signature in the specified format (size and dimension are strict). A live photograph capture feature may also be implemented.
• ​Phase 3: Fee Payment and Confirmation:
  • ​Review the entire form for any errors before proceeding to payment.
  • ​Pay the non-refundable application fee online using a Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI.
  • ​Upon successful payment, the Confirmation Page will be generated. Download and print this page, as it signifies the final, successful submission of the application.

​Preparing for the January 2026 Examination: Exam Pattern & Focus

​The JEE Main 2026 exam pattern requires aspirants to optimize both speed and accuracy, particularly in the three core subjects.

• ​Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) Pattern:
  • ​Total Duration: 3 hours (180 minutes).
  • ​Total Marks: 300 Marks.
  • ​Structure: The paper consists of three sections: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
  • ​Questions: Each subject has 25 questions divided into two parts: 
    • ​Section A: 20 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with single correct answer.
    • ​Section B: 10 Numerical Value Questions (NVQs), out of which candidates must attempt any 5.
• ​Marking Scheme: 
  • ​MCQs (Section A): +4 for every correct answer; -1 for every incorrect answer.
  • ​NVQs (Section B): +4 for every correct answer; -1 for every incorrect answer.
  • ​Strategy: Since negative marking applies to both sections, candidates must be judicious in attempting questions, focusing on the ones where they have high confidence.
• ​Last 6-Week Strategy: 
  • ​Mock Tests: Increase the frequency of full-syllabus mock tests. Analyse performance to identify high-yield topics and time-consuming question types.
  • ​NCERT Focus: Reinforce fundamental concepts, especially in Chemistry, by thoroughly reviewing NCERT textbooks.
  • ​Previous Years' Questions (PYQs): Practice PYQs from the last three years of JEE Main to understand the NTA's question-framing style and recurring concepts.

​Conclusion

​The opportunity to register for JEE Main 2026 Session 1 closes definitively on November 27, 2025. This is not just an administrative formality but a crucial tactical step toward securing a seat in India's premier engineering institutions. Aspirants must prioritize the application process now, adhering to the strict deadlines and accurately completing all sections. With the exam scheduled for late January, a focused strategy combining intensive mock practice and rigorous revision of core concepts is the key to maximizing your score and qualifying for the highly competitive JEE Advanced.

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