Apply Now: NTA Starts JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Application Process Online

The JEE Main 2026 application form for Session 1 is officially released by the National Testing Agency (NTA)! Engineering aspirants must complete their registration online by November 27, 2025. This is your critical first step towards securing admission to prestigious NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs. We break down the latest important dates, the mandatory documents required, the application fee structure, and the new changes for the 2026 examination, including the availability of an on-screen calculator. Do not wait for the final date to apply at jeemain.nta.nic.in ensure a smooth process by preparing your documents now.

The path to India's top engineering colleges, including the National Institutes of Technology (NITs) and Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), has officially opened. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the application form for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE Main 2026) Session 1, marking the commencement of the biggest entrance test cycle for engineering aspirants. This is a critical time for students aiming for B.E./B.Tech and B.Arch/B.Planning programs.

​As per the official notification, the application window for Session 1 (January 2026) opened on October 31, 2025, and candidates have a strict deadline to complete their registration. The last date to apply online is November 27, 2025 (up to 9:00 PM), with the fee payment deadline extending slightly later on the same date (11:50 PM). All aspirants are strongly advised to visit the official website, jeemain.nta.nic.in, immediately to start the process. Given the sheer volume of applications, waiting until the last few days can lead to technical glitches and unnecessary stress. Secure your spot now to focus entirely on your preparation for the exam scheduled in January 2026. This comprehensive guide covers all essential details, from dates to documents, ensuring your application is flawless.

​ JEE Main 2026 Key Dates, Eligibility, and Examination Structure

​Understanding the timeline and the rules is paramount for a successful JEE Main attempt. The NTA continues the flexible approach of two sessions in 2026 to allow candidates to improve their scores.

• ​Critical Dates for Session 1 (January) & Session 2 (April): 
  • ​Online Application Window: October 31, 2025 – November 27, 2025 (Last Date to Apply: 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
  • ​Session 1 Exam Dates: January 21–30, 2026
  • ​Session 2 Exam Dates: April 1–10, 2026
  • ​Session 1 Result (Tentative): February 12, 2026
• ​Eligibility Criteria and Attempts:
  • ​Qualifying Exam: Candidates must have passed Class 12th/equivalent in 2024, 2025, or be appearing in 2026.
  • ​Age Limit: There is no upper age limit for appearing in JEE Main 2026.
  • ​NIT/IIIT Admission Criteria (Minimum Marks): To be eligible for admission to NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs, candidates must secure either a minimum of 75% marks in their Class 12th board exams (65% for SC/ST candidates) OR be in the top 20 percentile of their respective board.
• ​Examination Pattern and New Changes:
  • ​The exam will be a Computer Based Test (CBT), conducted in two papers: Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) and Paper 2 (B.Arch/B.Planning).
  • ​A significant update for 2026 is the provision of an on-screen standard calculator during the CBT, a new addition aimed at simplifying complex arithmetic during the Mathematics and Physics sections.
  • ​The paper structure remains consistent: 20 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and 10 Numerical Value questions (attempt any 5) in each of the three subjects (Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics).

​ Mandatory Documents and Flawless Application Process

​A discrepancy-free application is crucial. Aspirants must strictly adhere to the NTA guidelines, especially regarding document format and size. The NTA has also stressed on advanced preparation of updated category certificates and Aadhaar/UDID card details.

• ​Essential Documents to Prepare:
  • ​Recent Passport Size Photograph: Scanned image in JPG/JPEG format (10 KB to 200 KB). Must have at least 80% face visibility (without mask) against a white background.
  • ​Candidate Signature: Scanned image in JPG/JPEG format (4 KB to 30 KB). Signature must be on white paper using black/blue ink.
  • ​Class 10th Certificate/Marksheet: Mandatory for Date of Birth verification. Save as a PDF (50 KB to 300 KB).
  • ​Category Certificate (if applicable): For candidates applying under SC, ST, OBC-NCL, or EWS categories. Must be updated and valid. Save as a PDF.
  • ​PwD Certificate (if applicable): For Persons with Disability candidates. Save as a PDF.
  • ​ID Proof: For candidates not using Aadhaar or DigiLocker for identity verification.
• ​Step-by-Step Application Guide: 

1. ​Registration: Go to jeemain.nta.nic.in and click on 'JEE Main 2026 Registration'. Fill in your basic details (Name, valid Email ID, Mobile Number) to generate your application number and password.
2. ​Application Form Filling: Log in and fill in personal, academic (Class 10th and 12th details), and exam centre preferences (select up to four cities).
3. ​Document Upload: Upload the prepared scanned images of the photograph, signature, and other mandatory documents as per the size and format specifications.
4. ​Fee Payment: Pay the non-refundable application fee online using Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI. The fee varies based on the category (General/EWS/OBC vs. SC/ST/PwD) and gender.
5. ​Confirmation Page: Upon successful payment, download and save the final Confirmation Page. This is proof of your successful registration.

• ​Important: Aadhaar/DigiLocker Verification: The NTA has made it mandatory to verify identity through either Aadhaar or DigiLocker during the registration process this year, emphasizing the need for updated credentials.

​ Strategy for Success: Maximizing Your JEE Main Attempt

​With the dates announced and the form released, the focus must shift entirely to preparation. Since the best of two scores is considered, planning both attempts strategically is key.

• ​Leverage the Two-Session Benefit: Treat the January session as a high-stakes mock test. A good score here secures your eligibility early, allowing you to focus on JEE Advanced preparation for IITs, or simply to improve your score in the April session.
• ​Focus on the Revised Syllabus: The NTA has streamlined the syllabus, removing certain topics. Aspirants must strictly follow the official 2026 syllabus to ensure their study time is maximized on relevant topics.
• ​Practice with CBT and On-Screen Calculator: Familiarize yourself with the Computer Based Test environment. Crucially, practice using the on-screen calculator provided by NTA to avoid wasting time learning it during the actual exam. Use official NTA mock tests for this purpose.

​CONCLUSION 

The JEE Main 2026 is the gateway to a bright engineering future. The time to act is now. Complete your application on jeemain.nta.nic.in well before the November 27 deadline, meticulously verify all details, and dedicate the next two months to focused, smart preparation. Your future at an NIT or IIIT starts with this successful application.

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