JEE Main 2026 Registration Live for Session 1 Exam at jeemain.nta.nic.in
The crucial application window for JEE Main 2026 Session 1 is officially live on the NTA website, jeemain.nta.nic.in. Aspiring engineers and architects must act fast, as registration began on October 31, 2025, and concludes on November 27, 2025. This article provides a comprehensive guide on the application process, key dates, essential eligibility criteria, and crucial document requirements to ensure a smooth submission. Prepare now to secure your spot for the January 2026 exam.
The journey to becoming an engineer or architect in India’s premier institutions, including the National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), and Government Funded Technical Institutes (GFTIs), begins now. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially opened the application window for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026 Session 1. This is a critical step for all aspirants, and with the deadline fast approaching, timely action is paramount. The Session 1 examination is scheduled to take place between January 21 and January 30, 2026. Prospective candidates are strongly advised to complete their registration well before the last date of November 27, 2025, to avoid last-minute technical glitches. A successful application ensures you are one step closer to your dream of cracking one of the most competitive engineering entrance exams globally.
Key Dates and Examination Overview for JEE Main 2026
Understanding the timeline is vital for all candidates to plan their preparation and submission strategy effectively. Missing a single deadline can jeopardize your opportunity to appear for the exam.
- Online Application Window:
- Start Date: October 31, 2025
- End Date: November 27, 2025 (Candidates must complete the payment of the registration fee by this date).
- JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Examination:
- Exam Dates: January 21 to January 30, 2026
- Announcement of City of Examination: First week of January 2026 (Tentative)
- Admit Card Release: Expected three days before the exam date.
- Result Declaration: Expected on February 12, 2026 (Tentative)
- Crucial Exam Details:
- The JEE Main is conducted in two sessions (January and April), allowing candidates two opportunities to score their best. The better of the two scores will be considered for final admission ranking.
- The exam is a Computer-Based Test (CBT), except for the Drawing Test (Part III) of B.Arch.
- Candidates must note that the use of a calculator (physical or virtual on-screen) is strictly prohibited during the JEE Main examination.
Step-by-Step Application Process: Your Guide to Registration
The application for JEE Main 2026 is entirely online. Aspirants must carefully follow the multi-step process on the official NTA website: jeemain.nta.nic.in. Do not wait for the final day to complete your submission.
- Step 1: New Registration:
- Visit the official website and click on the "New Registration" link for JEE Main 2026 Session 1.
- Fill in all mandatory personal details, including your name, mother's name, father's name, mobile number, and email ID. This information must precisely match your Class 10/12 certificate.
- A system-generated Application Number will be provided. Note it down safely for all future logins.
- Step 2: Fill the Application Form:
- Log in using the generated Application Number and the password you created.
- Complete the detailed application form, which includes your academic qualifications, choice of examination city, and selection of Paper (Paper 1 for B.E./B.Tech, Paper 2A for B.Arch, and Paper 2B for B.Planning).
- Step 3: Upload Documents:
- Upload scanned copies of the required documents, adhering strictly to the NTA's specified format and size guidelines.
- Essential Documents to Upload:
- Recent Photograph (80% face visible, without mask, against a white background).
- Signature (clear and not in capital letters).
- Class 10 Mark Sheet/Certificate (Mandatory).
- Category Certificate (OBC-NCL/SC/ST/EWS, if applicable).
- PwD Certificate (if applicable).
- Step 4: Pay Examination Fee:
- Pay the requisite application fee through Net Banking, Credit Card, Debit Card, or UPI. The fee varies based on the candidate's category and the paper/session opted for.
- Ensure the transaction is successful and save the payment receipt.
- Step 5: Download Confirmation Page:
- After successful payment, the system will generate a Confirmation Page. Download and take a printout of this page. It is proof of your successful registration and is crucial for future reference.
Eligibility and Admission Criteria: Know Your Requirements
While the application is open to a large pool of students, meeting the eligibility criteria is non-negotiable for appearing in the exam and, more importantly, for gaining admission to top institutions.
- Eligibility to Appear for JEE Main 2026:
- Candidates must have passed their Class 12th or equivalent examination in 2024, 2025, or be appearing in 2026.
- There is no upper age limit for candidates.
- There is no minimum percentage requirement in Class 12 to appear for the JEE Main exam.
- Admission Eligibility for NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs:
- For admission to these top colleges, candidates must satisfy one of the following criteria in their Class 12th board examination:
- A minimum of 75% aggregate marks (General/OBC/EWS candidates).
- A minimum of 65% aggregate marks (SC/ST candidates).
- Be in the top 20 percentile of the respective qualifying examination/Board.
- Candidates must have Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects, along with one of Chemistry/Biotechnology/Biology/Technical Vocational Subject.
- For admission to these top colleges, candidates must satisfy one of the following criteria in their Class 12th board examination:
- Maximum Attempts:
- A candidate can appear for the JEE Main examination for three consecutive years after passing Class 12. Since the exam is held twice a year, this effectively allows a total of up to six attempts over the three-year eligibility period.
Conclusion
The opening of the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 registration marks the official start of the engineering admission cycle. With the application window closing on November 27, 2025, aspirants have a limited time to complete their registration. We urge all candidates to use the next few weeks judiciously to ensure their forms are submitted accurately and on time. Focus on the upcoming January 2026 exam, utilize the comprehensive details provided by NTA, and step confidently towards your engineering aspirations.
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