JEE Main 2026 Application Form Out for Session 1 – Register at the Official NTA Website

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially opened the JEE Main 2026 application window for Session 1 at jeemain.nta.nic.in. This comprehensive article details the step-by-step registration process, crucial deadlines, and the essential documents required for a smooth submission. Aspirants must complete the application by November 27, 2025. Get ready for the Session 1 exams scheduled from January 21 to 30, 2026. Avoid common mistakes and secure your best score for eligibility to NITs, IIITs, and the prestigious JEE Advanced exam.

The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026 is the gateway to India's premier undergraduate engineering and architecture programs, including the coveted seats in the National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), and Government Funded Technical Institutes (GFTIs). The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially commenced the registration process for Session 1 on its website, jeemain.nta.nic.in. This is a pivotal moment for all engineering aspirants, as the application window is time-bound.

​The JEE Main 2026 will be conducted in two sessions—January and April—to provide candidates with multiple opportunities to improve their scores, with the best score being considered for admission and eligibility for JEE Advanced. With the Session 1 exam scheduled from January 21 to 30, 2026, time is of the essence. Aspirants must complete their application process with precision and care before the deadline of November 27, 2025. This guide breaks down the process into actionable steps to ensure a flawless registration.

​ Crucial Dates and Exam Structure for JEE Main 2026

​Understanding the timeline and the structure of the examination is the first step toward a strategic preparation plan. The NTA has streamlined the process, but adherence to deadlines is non-negotiable.

• ​Key Deadlines for JEE Main 2026 Session 1:
  • ​Online Submission of Application Form Starts: October 31, 2025
  • ​Last Date to Apply (Form Submission): November 27, 2025 (up to 9:00 PM)
  • ​Last Date for Fee Payment: November 27, 2025 (up to 11:50 PM)
• ​JEE Main 2026 Exam Schedule:
  • ​Session 1 Exam Dates: January 21 to 30, 2026
  • ​Announcement of Exam City: By the First Week of January 2026
  • ​Session 2 Exam Dates: April 1 to 10, 2026
• ​Examination Papers and Eligibility:
  • ​Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech): For admission to Engineering courses in NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs. Qualifies for JEE Advanced.
  • ​Paper 2A (B.Arch) and Paper 2B (B.Planning): For Architecture and Planning courses.
  • ​Candidates who have passed Class 12 or are appearing for it in 2026 are eligible to apply.

​ Step-by-Step Application Process on jeemain.nta.nic.in

​The application for JEE Main 2026 is a three-stage online process—Registration, Form Filling, and Fee Payment. Pay close attention to the new Aadhaar-based auto-verification features implemented by the NTA.

• ​Stage 1: Online Registration
  • ​Visit the official website: jeemain.nta.nic.in.
  • ​Click on the 'JEE Main 2026 Registration' link for Session 1.
  • ​Register as a new user by providing essential details: Name, Date of Birth, Gender, Email ID, and Mobile Number. A valid Aadhaar number is crucial as NTA will now directly fetch several personal details from UIDAI via Aadhaar authentication.
  • ​Choose a password and security question. A system-generated Application Number will be provided—save this immediately.
• ​Stage 2: Filling the Detailed Application Form 
  • ​Log in using the generated Application Number and password.
  • ​Fill in the detailed application form, including: 
    • ​Personal and Academic Details: Parents' names, educational background (Class 10 and 12 details).
    • ​Examination Details: Choose the paper you wish to appear for (Paper 1, 2A, or 2B) and select up to four cities for your exam centre preference. NTA has increased the number of test cities to 323 this year.
  • ​Live Photo Upload: A new feature this year requires applicants to capture a real-time photograph (live photo capture) and upload it, enhancing security.
  • ​Document Upload: Upload the scanned images of your Signature and other required documents as specified in the next section.
• ​Stage 3: Fee Payment and Final Submission
  • ​Review all details on the application form for accuracy, as there is generally no correction window for uploaded documents and limited correction options for other fields later.
  • ​Pay the application fee online using a Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, or UPI. The fee is non-refundable and must be paid by November 27.
  • ​Once payment is successful, the Confirmation Page will be generated. Download and print a hard copy of this page for future reference.

​ Essential Documents and New NTA Guidelines

​A prepared candidate ensures all required documents meet the NTA's specifications and guidelines, especially concerning the mandatory use of Aadhaar for verification.

• ​Mandatory Documents for Upload:
  • ​Passport-size Photograph: Recent, color photo (JPG/JPEG, 10-200 KB) with 80% face visibility (no mask) and a white background.
  • ​Signature: Scanned image (JPG/JPEG, 4-30 KB) of a clear signature on white paper.
  • ​Class 10 Certificate/Marksheet: For proof of date of birth and basic qualification (PDF, 10-300 KB).
• ​Pre-Registration Document Check (Advisory): 
  • ​Aadhaar Card: Ensure your Name, Date of Birth, Gender, and Address in your Aadhaar card exactly match your Class 10 Certificate to facilitate the auto-verification process and prevent discrepancies.
  • ​Category Certificate: Candidates applying under EWS/SC/ST/OBC-NCL categories must ensure their certificate is updated, valid, and issued by the competent authority in the prescribed format.
  • ​PwD Certificate: Persons with Disabilities must have a valid UDID Card or Disability Certificate, which will be auto-verified from the UDID portal.

​Conclusion

​The opening of the JEE Main 2026 application for Session 1 marks the true beginning of the admission cycle. Aspirants are strongly advised to complete their registration well before the November 27, 2025 deadline to avoid last-minute technical difficulties. A successful, error-free application is the first critical step toward securing a seat in a top engineering institution and making yourself eligible for the ultimate challenge: JEE Advanced. Prepare diligently and apply smartly.

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