JEE Main 2026: Session 1 Registration Begins at jeemain.nta.nic.in

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has activated the registration link for JEE Main 2026 Session 1, marking the start of the admission cycle for top engineering colleges (NITs, IIITs, CFTIs). Aspirants must apply online at jeemain.nta.nic.in before the November 27, 2025, deadline. The exam is scheduled for January 21-30, 2026. Get full details on the new eligibility criteria, the latest changes to the syllabus, the removal of the virtual calculator, and essential documents required to complete your application process seamlessly. This is a critical first step towards your engineering future.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially kick-started the highly anticipated 2026 admission cycle for India’s premier undergraduate engineering, architecture, and planning programs. The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026 Session 1 registration link is now live on the official website, jeemain.nta.nic.in. This is the critical first step for millions of engineering aspirants targeting admission to the prestigious National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), and other Centrally Funded Technical Institutions (CFTIs).

​With the application window opening on October 31, 2025, and a strict deadline approaching, candidates must act swiftly and meticulously. The NTA has outlined a detailed schedule and introduced several key updates, including changes to the syllabus and examination pattern, which aspirants must be aware of. Given the limited application period, securing a successful registration is paramount. This comprehensive guide provides all the necessary details—from key dates and eligibility to the recent crucial changes—ensuring you are fully prepared to take the first step towards your dream engineering career.

​ Crucial Dates and Application Procedure for JEE Main 2026

​The NTA has confirmed the dates for both the application process and the exam for Session 1, urging candidates to adhere strictly to the schedule to avoid last-minute complications. The entire process, including the application form submission and fee payment, is exclusively online.

• ​Key Dates for JEE Main 2026 Session 1:
  • ​Start of Online Application: October 31, 2025
  • ​Last Date for Application Submission: November 27, 2025 (Up to 9:00 PM)
  • ​Last Date for Fee Payment: November 27, 2025 (Up to 11:50 PM)
  • ​Announcement of Exam City: First week of January 2026
  • ​Release of Admit Card: January 2026 (3-4 days before the exam)
  • ​JEE Main Session 1 Exam Dates: January 21 – January 30, 2026
  • ​Declaration of Session 1 Result: February 12, 2026 (Tentative)
• ​Step-by-Step Application Guide: 
  • ​Visit the official NTA JEE Main website: jeemain.nta.nic.in.
  • ​Click on the "JEE Main 2026 Registration" or "New Candidate Registration" link.
  • ​Complete the Registration Form using a valid email ID and mobile number to generate your Application Number.
  • ​Log in and proceed to fill the detailed Application Form, providing personal, academic, and examination details (selecting up to four preferred exam cities).
  • ​Upload Scanned Documents, including a recent passport-size photograph (without cap/sunglasses) and a clear signature, adhering strictly to the NTA's specified dimensions and file formats.
  • ​Pay the application fee online using a Credit/Debit Card, Net Banking, or UPI. The fee varies based on category and gender.
  • ​Download and Print the Confirmation Page—this is proof of your successful registration.

​Candidates are strongly advised to utilize the time before the deadline, as the official website often experiences high traffic in the final days, leading to potential delays and transaction failures.

​ Important Eligibility and Examination Pattern Updates

​The NTA has provided clarity on the eligibility criteria and the structure of the Computer-Based Test (CBT), which is crucial for all aspirants planning their preparation strategy.

• ​Eligibility Criteria for JEE Main 2026:
  • ​Academic Qualification: Candidates must have passed the Class 12th or equivalent examination in 2024, 2025, or be appearing for the examination in 2026. Those who passed in 2023 or earlier are not eligible to appear.
  • ​Subjects Required (B.E./B.Tech.): Physics, Mathematics, and one of Chemistry/Biology/Biotechnology/Technical Vocational Subject must be included in the qualifying examination.
  • ​Age Limit: There is no upper age limit for candidates appearing for JEE Main 2026.
  • ​Admission to NITs/IIITs/CFTIs: While the JEE Main score is used for ranking, admission requires a minimum of 75% aggregate marks in the Class 12th Board examination (or being in the top 20 percentile of the respective board). This criterion is reduced to 65% for SC/ST/PwD candidates.
• ​Key Examination Pattern Details (Paper 1: B.E./B.Tech.): 
  • ​Mode: Fully Computer Based Test (CBT).
  • ​Duration: 3 Hours (3 hours and 30 minutes for PwD candidates).
  • ​Questions: The paper has three sections (Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics), with each section having two parts: 
    • ​Section A: 20 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with negative marking.
    • ​Section B: 10 Numerical Value Type Questions (NVQs), out of which candidates must attempt any 5. Crucial Update: Negative marking will now apply to these NVQs as well, emphasizing precision in calculations.
  • ​Scoring: +4 marks for a correct answer and -1 for an incorrect answer (in both Section A and Section B).

​ New Changes and Strategic Preparation Insights

​The 2026 examination introduces a few significant operational and content changes that will directly impact the way students prepare and attempt the exam. Staying informed about these updates is a key element of an effective JEE preparation strategy.

• ​Syllabus Revision and Subject Weightage:
  • ​The NTA has made minor modifications to the syllabus, rationalizing certain chapters across Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Aspirants must download the official JEE Main 2026 syllabus PDF from the NTA website and align their study plan accordingly, focusing on the core concepts retained.
  • ​Self-Correction Tip: Do not rely on old material; compare the official 2026 syllabus with the previous year's version immediately.
• ​Removal of Virtual Calculator:
  • ​The official brochure confirms that the Virtual Calculator has been removed for the computer-based exam. This change emphasizes the need for quick, manual calculations, improving mental math and problem-solving speed.
  • ​Preparation Impact: Candidates should integrate more time-bound, calculation-heavy practice into their daily routine without the aid of a calculator.
• ​Aadhaar Integration and Data Integrity:
  • ​The NTA is leveraging Aadhaar authentication to auto-fill candidates' basic details (Name, Date of Birth, Gender) from the UIDAI database, aiming to prevent data entry errors.
  • ​Mandatory Check: Ensure your details on the Aadhaar card perfectly match your Class 10 certificate before starting the application. Options will be provided for addressing minor name mismatches, but proactive correction is always best.

​Conclusion: Seize the Opportunity!

​The opening of the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 registration window marks the decisive moment for every serious engineering aspirant. With the deadline set for November 27, 2025, time is a critical factor. The dual-session format is a valuable advantage, allowing two chances to improve your score, with the best one counting. Given the competitive nature of admission to India's top engineering institutes, ensuring an error-free, timely registration at jeemain.nta.nic.in is the first and most crucial step in a successful campaign. Don't wait until the last day; register now, download the official information bulletin, and intensify your preparation to conquer the exam scheduled for January 2026.

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