JEE Main 2026 Session-2 Registration Drive Enters Mid-Phase Ahead of February 25 Deadlin

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has successfully crossed the midpoint of the JEE Main 2026 Session 2 registration drive, with the application window currently open on the official portal. As of February 14, 2026, engineering aspirants are rushing to finalize their submissions before the February 25 deadline. This report covers the mandatory Aadhaar-based eKYC, the live photograph capture protocols, and the essential steps for both fresh applicants and those who previously appeared in Session 1 to ensure a seamless entry for the April examination.

As of today, February 14, 2026, the National Testing Agency (NTA) is efficiently managing the mid-phase of the Joint Entrance Examination (Main) 2026 Session 2 registration cycle. Since the portal opened on February 1, there has been a steady influx of applications from candidates seeking admission to premier engineering institutes across India. To ensure the highest level of security and prevent impersonation, the NTA has strictly mandated the use of Aadhaar-based eKYC for all applicants. This Engineering admission phase is particularly critical for students aiming to improve their Session 1 scores or those appearing for the first time.

• Submission Timeline: The official JEE Main portal will continue to accept online applications until February 25, 2026, up to 9:00 PM.
• Biometric Verification: Fresh applicants must complete the Aadhaar-based authentication process, while Session 1 candidates can log in using their existing Credentials.
• Live Photograph Capture: A new mandatory requirement for the 2026 cycle is the live capture of the candidate's photograph during the application process to match with the database.
• Category Certificate Details: Candidates are required to provide the details of their category certificates (EWS/OBC-NCL/SC/ST) but are not required to upload the physical documents at this Phase.

Crucial Dates and Session-2 Examination Logistics

The April attempt of the JEE Main 2026 is scheduled to take place between April 2 and April 9, 2026. This second session offers a final opportunity for students to secure a competitive percentile for the JoSAA counselling process. As of mid-February, the NTA has emphasized that no extensions will be granted beyond the February 25 deadline, urging candidates to complete their fee payments by 11:50 PM on the same day. The Engineering fraternity is currently preparing for this massive computer-based test, which will be held in multiple shifts across national and international centers.

• Fee Structure: The application fee remains ₹1,000 for General male candidates and ₹800 for females, payable only through online Credentials.
• Session Choice: Candidates who did not apply for Session 1 can register as new users, while others simply need to select the course and pay the fee.
• Correction Window: A brief window for editing specific particulars is expected to open in the first week of March after the Phase concludes.
• Center Selection: Applicants can choose up to four cities for the examination, based on their current or permanent address proof.

Conclusion

The progression of the JEE Main 2026 Session 2 registration into its final ten days highlights the intense competitive pressure on the country's budding Engineering talent. As of February 14, the administrative focus is on maintaining a glitch-free experience as thousands of students log in to verify their Credentials. This Phase is not just about form-filling but represents the last operational hurdle before the April exams. For those who appeared in January, this attempt is a chance for redemption or score consolidation. For new applicants, it is the start of a journey toward the IITs, NITs, and IIITs. The NTA continues to iterate the importance of double-checking all entries—from subject choices to city preferences—before the February 25 cutoff. As the session approaches, the focus for aspirants now shifts from administrative compliance to rigorous academic revision for the final national-level assessment of the year.

For regular updates follow Only Education News. For more details on engineering entrance exams and courses, check here: Engineering Exams List.