JEE Main 2026 Session-2 Registration Continues As Feb Deadline Nears

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is currently accepting online applications for the JEE Main 2026 Session 2 examination. As of February 19, 2026, the registration window remains open for both existing Session 1 candidates and fresh applicants. This report details the essential February 25 deadline, the specific Aadhaar-based authentication requirements, and the April exam schedule. Aspirants are urged to complete their fee payments and form submissions on the official NTA portal to avoid the expected last-minute server congestion.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has reported a steady influx of applications as the JEE Main 2026 Session 2 registration enters its final week. With the February deadline of February 25 fast approaching, the application process has intensified, especially following the recent declaration of the Session 1 results on February 16. As of today, February 19, millions of engineering aspirants are finalizing their choices for the April attempt, which remains the final opportunity for students to improve their NTA scores before the JEE Advanced stage. The agency has maintained that the Session-2 registration portal will close strictly at 9:00 PM on the 25th, leaving candidates with less than seven days to complete their submissions.

Navigating the Application Process and Deadlines

The application process for the second session is divided into two distinct categories to accommodate both returning and new candidates. The NTA has streamlined the interface on the official JEE Main portal to ensure high-speed processing during this peak period.

• For Session 1 Candidates: Students who appeared in the January session do not need to register from scratch. They are required to log in with their existing application number and password to select their paper medium, exam cities, and pay the Session-2 registration fee.
• For Fresh Applicants: Candidates appearing for the first time in 2026 must complete a full registration, including the upload of a Class 10 certificate and a recent photograph.

Mandatory Aadhaar Authentication and Guidelines

A key feature of the JEE Main 2026 cycle is the enhanced security protocol involving real-time identity verification. To maintain the integrity of the application process, the NTA has mandated Aadhaar-based authentication for all registrants.

• Identity Verification: The application portal retrieves the candidate's name, date of birth, and gender directly from the UIDAI database. In cases of a name mismatch between the Aadhaar card and the Class 10 certificate, candidates are provided with a specific "mismatch" option to proceed.
• One Application Rule: The NTA has strictly prohibited the submission of multiple application forms. Any candidate found with more than one application number will be flagged under "Unfair Means" (UFM).
• Correction Window: Following the February deadline, a brief correction window is expected to open in the first week of March, though primary details like mobile numbers and email addresses will remain non-editable.

Fee Structure for the April Attempt

The Session-2 registration drive requires successful fee payment to generate the confirmation page. The following table highlights the category-wise fee structure for centers located within India:

Conclusion

The ongoing Session-2 registration phase represents a pivotal moment for over 13 lakh students aiming for a seat in India’s premier engineering institutes like the NITs and IIITs. As the February deadline approaches on the 25th, the NTA’s application process continues to function as a high-stakes gatekeeper for the 2026-27 academic session. Today’s status as of February 19 indicates that while the majority of Session 1 aspirants have already opted for the second attempt, a significant number of fresh applicants are still in the process of document verification. Candidates are strongly advised to complete their JEE Main 2026 formalities immediately to avoid the inevitable server slow-downs associated with the final 48 hours. By securing their registration now, students can shift their entire focus back to their academic preparation, ensuring they are fully equipped for the April challenge that will ultimately shape their professional future.

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