JEE Main 2026: Session 1 Registration; Candidates Can Apply and Select Preferred Exam Cities

The countdown is on for engineering aspirants The National Testing Agency (NTA) will be closing the registration window for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026, Session 1, on November 27, 2025. This is a critical final reminder for all students aiming for admission to prestigious institutions like NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs. The application process, which began on October 31, 2025, requires swift action as the deadline is absolute, with no expected extensions. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you complete your application seamlessly, detailing key dates, eligibility, and the steps to secure your attempt at one of India's most sought-after engineering entrance exams. Don't miss this final opportunity—your engineering journey begins now.

The application window for JEE Main 2026 Session 1 is about to close. Aspiring engineers must complete the process immediately to avoid last-minute technical glitches or delays, as the NTA has clearly stated that the registration deadline will not be extended.

• ​Registration Deadline: The last date to submit the application form and successfully pay the examination fee is November 27, 2025, until 11:50 PM.
• ​Correction Window: For candidates who need to make specific edits to their submitted forms, the application correction window is scheduled to open briefly on December 1 and close on December 2, 2025. Note that crucial details like the mobile number, email address, permanent/present address, and photograph cannot be changed.
• ​Exam Dates: The JEE Main 2026 Session 1 examination will be held from January 21 to January 30, 2026.
• ​Session 2: The second session of JEE Main 2026 is tentatively scheduled for April 2 to April 9, 2026, offering a crucial second chance for improvement.

​Step-by-Step Application Guide

• ​Step 1: Visit the Official Website: Navigate to the official NTA JEE Main website, jeemain.nta.nic.in.
• ​Step 2: New Registration: Click on the 'New Registration' link for Session 1. Provide essential personal and contact details to generate a unique Application Number and password.
• ​Step 3: Fill the Application Form: Log in using your credentials and fill out the detailed application form, including academic records (Class 10 details are essential), paper choice (Paper 1 for B.E./B.Tech, Paper 2A for B.Arch, or Paper 2B for B.Planning), and preferred exam cities.
• ​Step 4: Document Upload: Upload scanned images of your passport-size photograph and signature in the prescribed format and size. Have your Class 10 mark sheet and category/PwD certificate (if applicable) ready.
• ​Step 5: Fee Payment: Pay the application fee online using the available payment gateways (Debit Card/Credit Card/Net Banking/UPI). The fee varies based on the candidate's category (e.g., ₹1000 for General/EWS/OBC-NCL, ₹800 for Female/SC/ST/PwD/Third Gender).
• ​Step 6: Confirmation Page: After successful fee payment, download and print the Confirmation Page. This is proof of your successful application.

​ Eligibility Criteria and Attempts

​Aspirants must meet the NTA's eligibility criteria to successfully register for the examination. Understanding these rules is vital to ensure your application is not rejected.

• ​Academic Qualification to Appear: Candidates must have passed or be appearing in the Class 12 (or equivalent) examination in the years 2024, 2025, or 2026.
• ​No Age Limit: The NTA has not set an upper age limit for appearing in JEE Main 2026.
• ​Minimum Marks to Appear: Importantly, there is no minimum percentage requirement in Class 12 to appear for the JEE Main examination itself.
• ​Admission Criteria (for NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs): To be eligible for admission to the premier centrally funded technical institutions (NITs, IIITs, GFTIs) through JEE Main, candidates must satisfy one of the following two conditions: 
  • ​Secure at least 75% marks in the Class 12 examination (or equivalent) for General/OBC/EWS category candidates, OR
  • ​Be in the top 20 percentile of the respective qualifying board's successful candidates.
  • ​For SC/ST candidates, the minimum aggregate mark is 65% in the Class 12 examination.
• ​Number of Attempts: A candidate is permitted to appear in JEE Main for a maximum of three consecutive years from the year they pass their Class 12 examination, meaning a total of up to six attempts across the two sessions each year.

​ The Strategic Advantage of Session 1

​Appearing in the January (Session 1) examination offers significant strategic benefits that can drastically enhance your chances of securing a high rank. Treat this session as an early-bird opportunity, not just a trial run.

• ​Early Assessment and Real-Time Feedback: Taking the exam in January provides a true-to-life analysis of your current preparation level. You get to experience the actual exam environment, difficulty level, and time pressure before the final board exams.
• ​Focus on JEE Advanced: Securing a good percentile in Session 1 allows you to shift your complete focus to the more challenging JEE Advanced exam preparation, without the constant pressure of having to qualify through the second session.
• ​Best Score Counts: Since the NTA considers the best score achieved across both Session 1 and Session 2 for the final merit list, attempting the first session is a risk-free shot at an early high score.
• ​Identifying Weakness and Improvement: A less-than-ideal performance in Session 1 clearly highlights your weak subject areas and concepts, giving you ample time (almost three months) to strategically improve before the April session and your board examinations. This experience is invaluable for targeted study.
• ​Minimising Drop Year Risk: A strong first attempt significantly reduces the anxiety and potential need for a "drop year" after Class 12, putting you ahead of the competition and securing your future academic path earlier.

​Conclusion: Time is Running Out

​With the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 registration window slamming shut on November 27, 2025, the time for contemplation is over. This is a crucial moment for every engineering aspirant to act decisively. A successful and timely registration is the first, non-negotiable step toward your dream of joining a premier technical institution. Ensure all documents are ready, fill the form accurately, complete the fee payment, and download your confirmation page immediately. Do not wait for the final hours, as website traffic can lead to frustrating technical difficulties. Secure your slot and focus completely on your preparation for the January examination.

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