JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Exam Registration Begins; Check Steps to Apply

JEE Main 2026 Session 1 registration is ending on November 27, 2025! Aspiring engineers must complete their application on the official website, jeemain.nta.nic.in, before the deadline. The NTA has simplified the process, but crucial steps like Aadhaar authentication and document upload must be completed carefully. Don't risk missing the first attempt—secure your chance for admission into top NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs. Register now and begin your preparation for the January 2026 exam.

The gateway to India's premier engineering institutions, the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026, has opened its application window for Session 1, and the deadline is fast approaching. This is a critical moment for lakhs of engineering aspirants aiming for admission into the prestigious National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), and other Centrally Funded Technical Institutions (CFTIs). The registration process, managed by the National Testing Agency (NTA), commenced on October 31, 2025, and is scheduled to close on November 27, 2025, at 9:00 PM for submission, with the fee payment deadline extending until 11:50 PM on the same day.

​The JEE Main is conducted twice a year—in January (Session 1) and April (Session 2)—to give candidates two opportunities to secure their best possible score, with the higher of the two being considered for final ranking and eligibility for JEE Advanced 2026. Given the significance of the first attempt, prompt and error-free registration is paramount. This comprehensive guide details the crucial steps, required documents, and eligibility criteria to ensure a smooth application process before the clock runs out.

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 Step-by-Step Guide to Online Registration

​The entire application process for JEE Main 2026 Session 1 is exclusively conducted online through the official NTA website, jeemain.nta.nic.in. Candidates must follow a three-stage procedure: Registration, Application Form Filling, and Fee Payment.

• ​New Candidate Registration:
  • ​Visit the official website and click on the 'JEE Main 2026 Registration' link.
  • ​Register using a valid email ID and mobile number to create a login and receive a system-generated Application Number.
• ​Filling the Application Form: 
  • ​Log in using the Application Number and the password created during registration.
  • ​Carefully enter all personal, academic, and contact details, ensuring they match the information on your official documents, especially the Class 10 certificate.
  • ​Select up to four preferred cities for the examination center from the state of your present or permanent address. The NTA has expanded the number of test cities for the 2026 cycle to enhance accessibility.
• ​Document Upload and Fee Payment:
  • ​Upload Scanned Documents: Candidates must upload scanned images of their recent passport-size photograph, signature, and other necessary certificates (category, PwD, etc.) in the specified format and size (details below).
  • ​Application Fee Payment: The fee is paid online via Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, or UPI. The application is considered complete only after successful fee payment.  
    • ​Fee Structure (for Paper 1 - B.E./B.Tech in India): 
      • ​General/OBC (NCL) Male: ₹1000
      • ​General/OBC (NCL) Female: ₹800
      • ​SC/ST/PwD/Third Gender: ₹500

​It is highly recommended that aspirants download and keep a printout of the Confirmation Page after the final submission for future reference.

​ Mandatory Document & Eligibility Checklist

​Failure to adhere to the document specifications or eligibility norms is the leading cause of application rejection. Candidates must ensure all requirements are met well before the November 27 deadline.

• ​Key Documents Required for Upload:
  • ​Recent Passport-size Photograph: JPG/JPEG format, size between 10 KB and 200 KB. Must be taken against a plain white background, with 80% face (including ears) visible.
  • ​Candidate’s Signature: Scanned copy of the signature on white paper in JPG/JPEG format, size between 4 KB and 30 KB.
  • ​Category/PwD Certificate (If Applicable): PDF format, size between 50 KB and 300 KB. Must be updated and in the prescribed format.
  • ​Class 10 Marksheet/Certificate: For date of birth and name verification.
• ​Crucial Eligibility Highlights:
  • ​Qualifying Examination: Candidates must have passed Class 12th or an equivalent exam in 2024 or 2025, or be appearing in 2026.
  • ​Subject Combination (for B.E./B.Tech): Must have passed the qualifying exam with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects, along with one of Chemistry, Biotechnology, Biology, or a Technical Vocational Subject.
  • ​Minimum Marks for Admission (NITs/IIITs/CFTIs): While there is no minimum mark requirement to appear for JEE Main, candidates must secure at least 75% marks in their Class 12 board examination (or be in the top 20 percentile of their board). For SC/ST candidates, the minimum mark is 65%.
  • ​Age Limit: There is no upper age limit to appear for JEE Main 2026.

​ Important NTA Updates and What's New

​The NTA has implemented certain changes for JEE Main 2026 to streamline the process and enhance security. Aspirants must be aware of these new provisions.

• ​On-Screen Standard Calculator: For the first time, NTA will provide an on-screen standard calculator during the computer-based test (CBT). This basic calculator includes functions for addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, square root, and percentage, which will be accessible to candidates.
• ​Aadhaar-Based Authentication: The NTA will increasingly rely on Aadhaar-based authentication for identity verification. Candidates are strongly advised to ensure that the Name, Date of Birth, and Photograph on their Aadhaar card perfectly match their Class 10 Certificate to avoid any discrepancies later.
• ​Multiple Attempts & Best Score Policy: JEE Main 2026 continues with the popular two-session format. Candidates appearing in both Session 1 (January 2026) and Session 2 (April 2026) will have their best score considered for their final rank and JEE Advanced eligibility.

​Dateline Reminder: With the application process closing on November 27, 2025, and the exam scheduled from January 21 to January 30, 2026, candidates have a defined window to finalize their application and focus solely on preparation. Do not wait for the last day to apply to avoid website congestion and technical issues.

​Conclusion

​JEE Main 2026 Session 1 is the crucial first step on the path to becoming an engineer from a premier institution. The application window is open for a limited time, demanding immediate action from all aspirants. By diligently following the registration steps, ensuring all documents meet the NTA's specifications, and understanding the eligibility criteria, candidates can successfully complete their application by the November 27 deadline. Secure your seat at the examination and dedicate the remaining time to focused preparation to achieve your engineering dreams.

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