NTA Opens JEE Main 2026 Registration Window for Session 1 Exam

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has opened registrations for JEE Main 2026 Session 1, the gateway to IITs, NITs, and IIITs. Aspirants must complete the online application process on the official website, jeemain.nta.nic.in, before the crucial deadline of November 27, 2025. The first session of the engineering entrance exam is scheduled from January 21 to 30, 2026. This article provides essential details on the registration steps, eligibility criteria (including the 75% rule), and the updated exam pattern. Secure your seat in the B.E./B.Tech, B.Arch, and B.Planning programs by applying now.

The journey to becoming an engineer at a premier institution like an IIT or NIT begins with the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially launched the application process for the JEE Main 2026 Session 1, setting the stage for one of the country's most significant engineering entrance exams. With the registration window already open and the deadline fast approaching, aspiring candidates must act swiftly.

​This news serves as a critical reminder for all Class 12 students and repeaters: the last date to apply and pay the application fee for the January session is November 27, 2025. Scheduled to be conducted from January 21 to 30, 2026, this session offers the first of two opportunities to achieve a high percentile score. Early registration is highly advisable to avoid last-minute glitches and to secure a preferred examination city, as the application process for this highly competitive exam is entirely online via jeemain.nta.nic.in.

​ Mandatory Registration Details and Deadlines

​Successfully completing the registration is the prerequisite for appearing in the JEE Main 2026 Session 1. Candidates must follow a meticulous, multi-step online process on the NTA's official portal.

• ​Crucial Dates to Remember:
  • ​Start of Online Application: October 31, 2025
  • ​Last Date for Application Submission (up to 9:00 PM): November 27, 2025
  • ​Last Date for Fee Payment (up to 11:50 PM): November 27, 2025
  • ​Examination City Intimation: First week of January 2026
  • ​JEE Main Session 1 Exam Dates: January 21 – 30, 2026
  • ​Session 1 Result Declaration (Tentative): By February 12, 2026
• ​Simplified Application Steps: 
  • ​Registration: Register on the official portal using a valid email ID and mobile number to generate a system-generated application number.
  • ​Form Filling: Complete the detailed application form with correct personal, academic, and examination center preference details (you can choose up to four cities).
  • ​Document Upload & Live Photo: Candidates must capture a live photograph using a webcam/mobile camera during the application process. You must also upload scanned copies of your photo, signature, and other required documents (like category certificates).
  • ​Fee Payment: Pay the application fee online via Credit/Debit Card, Net Banking, or UPI.
  • ​Confirmation: Download and print the Confirmation Page after successful fee payment for future reference.
• ​Document Checklist Advisory:
  • ​Aspirants are strongly advised to ensure their Aadhaar Card, UDID Card (for PwD candidates), and Category Certificates (EWS/SC/ST/OBC-NCL) are updated and valid before starting the application to prevent discrepancies or rejection during the later counselling stages.

​ Key Eligibility and Examination Pattern

​The NTA has established specific criteria for eligibility and the structure of the examination that every aspirant must be aware of.

• ​Eligibility Essentials: 
  • ​Qualifying Exam: Candidates must have passed the Class 12th or equivalent examination in 2024 or 2025, or be appearing in 2026.
  • ​Age Limit: There is no age limit to appear for the JEE Main 2026 examination.
  • ​12th Class Marks Requirement (for admission to NITs/IIITs/CFTIs): To be eligible for admission to the National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), and other Centrally Funded Technical Institutions (CFTIs), candidates must secure a minimum of 75% marks in their Class 12th examination (or be in the top 20 percentile). The minimum qualifying marks for SC/ST/PwD candidates is 65%.
  • ​Mandatory Subjects (B.E./B.Tech): Candidates must have passed the qualifying examination with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects, along with one of Chemistry/Biotechnology/Biology/Technical Vocational subject.
• ​Exam Pattern for B.E./B.Tech (Paper 1): 
  • ​Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
  • ​Duration: 3 hours
  • ​Total Questions: 75 Questions 
    • ​Physics: 25 Questions (20 MCQs + 5 Numerical Value Questions)
    • ​Chemistry: 25 Questions (20 MCQs + 5 Numerical Value Questions)
    • ​Mathematics: 25 Questions (20 MCQs + 5 Numerical Value Questions)
  • ​Marking Scheme: +4 marks for each correct answer and -1 mark for each incorrect answer (Negative marking applies to both MCQs and Numerical Value Questions).
  • ​Total Marks: 300
  • ​Crucial Update: Candidates are permitted to use an on-screen calculator for numerical computations.

​Strategic Planning for the January Session

​The January session is a unique opportunity that should be approached with a focused strategy.

• ​Early Advantage: Appearing in Session 1 allows candidates to set a benchmark score early on. If the score is satisfactory, it reduces the pressure for the April session. If the score needs improvement, the candidate will have a clear idea of their weak areas and an extended period for focused revision before the second attempt.
• ​Syllabus Concentration: The JEE Main 2026 syllabus is based on the NCERT curriculum for Classes 11 and 12. Given the short timeline, focus on high-weightage topics in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics and prioritize completing the revised, reduced syllabus announced by the NTA.
• ​Mock Tests are Key: Since the exam is a CBT with a negative marking scheme, rigorous practice with full-length mock tests is essential. This helps in improving time management, building speed, and minimizing negative scores. Treat every mock test as the actual exam day.

​Conclusion: Don't Miss the Window

​The JEE Main 2026 Session 1 is the first major milestone for thousands of future engineers. The registration deadline of November 27, 2025, is non-negotiable and must be prioritized. Utilize this early opportunity to secure a strong percentile, alleviate future pressure, and take the first confident step towards realizing your dream of studying at a premier engineering institute. Register today and commit to a focused preparation plan to ace the January exam.

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