NTA is set to open the JEE Main 2026 Session 2 registration window on January 31. Learn about the application process for the April attempt, fee details for new candidates, and the mandatory Digi Locker/Aadhaar authentication for 2026 engineering aspirants.

As the first phase of the engineering entrance season approaches its peak with the January examinations, the National Testing Agency (NTA) is simultaneously gearing up for the second phase of the cycle. According to the official information bulletin and current administrative trends, the registration window for the JEE Main 2026 Session 2 is expected to go live on January 31, 2026. This second window provides a vital opportunity for candidates to either improve their previous scores or appear for the first time if they missed the winter session. While the January attempt concludes on January 29, the portal for the April attempt will remain active through the third week of February to accommodate a fresh wave of applicants.

Application Timeline and Important Deadlines

The NTA maintains a strictly staggered schedule for the two sessions to ensure smooth processing of millions of applications. For the Session 2 attempt, which is scheduled to take place between April 2 and April 9, 2026, the application timeline is designed to be brief but efficient.

• Registration Start Date: Tentatively scheduled for January 31, 2026.
• Last Date for Form Submission: Expected to be in the first week of March 2026 (up to 11:50 PM).
• Fee Payment Deadline: Must be completed by the final day of registration via digital payment modes only.
• Correction Window: A brief 48-hour period in the second week of March will allow for minor edits in the uploaded data.

New Requirements for the 2026 Registration Process

The NTA has introduced several security and verification layers for the current academic year to prevent impersonation and streamline seat allocation. For Session 2, these requirements apply to both new candidates and those who already appeared in January but wish to update their profile or category.

• Authentication Mandate: Every registration now requires mandatory Aadhaar or DigiLocker verification to sync candidate data with national databases.
• New Photo Rules: Uploads must feature a recent passport-size photograph with 80% face visibility against a white background; older photos may lead to rejection by the portal.
• Class 11 Details: As per new 2026 guidelines, students must provide their Class 11 registration number, which is cross-verified with their respective school boards.
• Existing Candidates: Those who applied for Session 1 do not need to re-register; they can simply log in to the portal, select the April attempt, and proceed to the fee payment.

Strategic Importance of the April Attempt

For many students, the Session 2 attempt is the primary goal, as it falls after the completion of board examinations, allowing for a more focused revision. The NTA uses the best of the two scores for the final All India Rank (AIR) compilation, making this second window a low-risk, high-reward opportunity for registration.

• Score Improvement: Statistically, many candidates see a 10–15 percentile jump in April after addressing the weaknesses identified in the January session.
• Final Chance: This is the definitive deadline for students wishing to qualify for JEE Advanced, which determines admission to the prestigious IITs.
• Fresh Applicants: Students who were ineligible or unprepared in January can utilize this Session 2 window to enter the national engineering pool.

Conclusion

The upcoming opening of the Session 2 registration link signifies the beginning of the final lap for 2026 engineering aspirants. With the NTA emphasizing digital authentication and strict document formats, candidates are advised to keep their certificates and DigiLocker accounts ready before the portal opens on January 31. As the focus shifts from the winter tests to the spring attempt, staying updated with the official notifications will be the key to a successful and stress-free application process.