JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Registration: Key Dates & Guidelines

As the first session of the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026 concludes, engineering aspirants are preparing for the next phase of the admission cycle. The National Testing Agency is expected to open the registration window for Session 2 in early February 2026, allowing students a second opportunity to improve their performance. Candidates who previously registered for the January attempt will find a simplified application process, while new applicants must complete the full registration. This article provides essential details on the anticipated timelines and documentation required for the April 2026 examination window.

Following the completion of the January exams, the National Testing Agency (NTA) is set to initiate the second phase of the 2026 admission cycle. The Registration window for Session 2 is anticipated to open in the first week of February, providing a crucial opportunity for candidates to either improve their Session 1 scores or appear for the first time. This Registration process is exclusively online and will be hosted on the official NTA portal.

• The Session 2 Registration period is expected to remain active for approximately three to four weeks.
• Candidates who have already appeared for Session 1 can log in using their existing credentials to add the second session.
• New aspirants will be required to create a fresh profile by providing personal, academic, and contact details.
• The NTA has streamlined the process to ensure that repetitive data entry is minimized for those already in the system.

            Important Timelines for the April 2026 Attempt

While the official notification is awaited, historical trends and initial advisories suggest that the Session 2 exams will take place in early April. The Session-2 registration deadline usually falls in early March, followed by a brief correction window. Students must stay vigilant regarding these dates to avoid late fees or the closure of the application portal, as the Session-2 window is the final chance to qualify for JEE Advanced 2026.

• The Session-2 exams are scheduled to avoid overlaps with major board examinations in various states.
• It is important to note that the better of the two NTA scores (from January and April) will be considered for the final All India Rank.
• Candidates can choose to apply for Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) or Paper 2 (B.Arch/B.Plan) during this session as well.
• The city intimation slips and admit cards for the April attempt will be released sequentially following the close of the registration.

          Application Fee and Document Requirements

For those opting to join the April session, the payment of the Application fee is a mandatory step to finalize the submission. The fee structure remains consistent with the previous session, with variations based on category and gender. Additionally, the Application process for new candidates involves uploading specific documents, such as a recent photograph and signature, which must adhere to the NTA's technical specifications.

• The Application fee for General category male candidates is typically ₹1,000, while reserved and female candidates have subsidized rates.
• For existing students, the Application fee payment is the primary requirement to confirm their participation in Session 2.
• Mandatory documents include a scanned passport-size photograph (80% face visible) and a signature on a white background.
• Aadhaar or DigiLocker authentication remains a vital part of the identity verification process during the submission.

Conclusion

The upcoming February window for JEE Main Session 2 represents a significant turning point for engineering aspirants across the country. As the focus shifts from the January attempt, the registration process serves as the formal entry into the final stage of the preliminary admission cycle. Whether students are looking to rectify mistakes from their first attempt or are starting their journey now, timely completion of the application is essential. With the exam results for the first session expected in mid-February, the second attempt provides a necessary cushion for those aiming for the highest possible percentile. The ability to leverage two attempts ensures that students can perform at their best, ultimately determining their eligibility for the prestigious JEE Advanced examination later in May.