If you are planning to appear for JEE Main 2026, this guide will help you understand everything — from eligibility and important dates to application process, fees, and exam pattern.

JEE Main is one of the most popular entrance exams in India, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It is the gateway to top engineering institutes such as IITs, NITs, IIITs, and other centrally funded institutions. Being well-informed is the first step toward success.

JEE Main 2026 Important Dates

The NTA usually conducts JEE Main in two sessions every year. Below is the expected schedule for 2026:

Session 1

• Application Form Release: Last week of November 2025

• Last Date to Apply: Third week of December 2025

• Admit Card Download: First week of January 2026

• Examination Dates: Last week of January 2026

• Result Declaration: Second week of February 2026

Session 2

• Application Form Release: First week of February 2026

• Last Date to Apply: First week of March 2026

• Admit Card Download: Second week of April 2026

• Examination Dates: Last week of April 2026

• Result Declaration: First week of May 2026

JEE Main 2026 Paper Pattern

JEE Main is conducted in three formats depending on the course applied for.

Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech)

• Total Questions: 90 (30 each from Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics)

• Type: MCQs + Numerical Value Type

• Total Marks: 300

• Negative Marking: -1 for wrong MCQs, no negative marking for numerical answers

• Duration: 3 hours (4 hours for PwD candidates)

Paper 2A (B.Arch)

• Mathematics: 30 questions

• Aptitude Test: 50 questions

• Drawing Test: 2 questions

• Total Marks: 400

• Duration: 3 hours (4 hours for PwD candidates)

Paper 2B (B.Planning)

• Mathematics: 30 questions

• Aptitude Test: 50 questions

• Planning-Based Questions: 25 questions

• Total Marks: 400

• Duration: 3 hours

JEE Main 2026 Eligibility Criteria

• Age Limit: No upper age limit (as per NTA rules).

• DOB Rule: Candidates born on or after October 1, 2001 (for general category). SC/ST/PwD candidates get 5-year relaxation.

• Educational Qualification: Passed Class 12 or equivalent in 2024, 2025, or appearing in 2026.

• Minimum Marks: 75% in Class 12 (65% for SC/ST) OR top 20 percentile in respective boards.

• Number of Attempts: Three consecutive years (2024, 2025, 2026). Each session counts as one attempt.

• Subject Requirements:

  • For B.E./B.Tech: Physics, Mathematics + one of Chemistry/Biology/Biotechnology.

  • For B.Arch: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry.

  • For B.Planning: Mathematics compulsory.

JEE Main 2026 Application Fees

For Exam Centers in India

For Exam Centers Outside India

Payment Options: Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, UPI (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm), and E-wallets.

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JEE Main 2026 Application Process

Step 1: Registration

• Visit jeemain.nta.nic.in

• Register with name, email, and mobile number

• Create a password & security question

• Receive your unique application number

Step 2: Fill Personal Details

• DOB, parent’s name, gender, nationality

• Category (General/OBC/SC/ST) & PwD status (if applicable)

Step 3: Academic Information

• Class 10 & 12 details

• Status: Passed / Appearing

• Preferred exam medium

Step 4: Choose Papers & Exam Centers

• Select Paper 1, 2A, or 2B

• Choose 4 exam cities in order of preference

Step 5: Upload Documents

• Passport-size photo (3.5 × 4.5 cm, 10KB–200KB)

• Signature (1.5 × 3.5 cm, 4KB–30KB)

• Category / PwD certificate (if applicable)

Step 6: Pay Fee

• Complete the payment online

• Save the payment confirmation

Step 7: Confirmation

• Download & print the confirmation page

• Keep multiple copies for future reference

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. When will the JEE Main 2026 application form be released?
The application form for Session 1 will likely be available in the last week of November 2025.

Q2. Can I apply for both sessions at once?
No, you must apply separately for each session.

Q3. How many attempts can I give for JEE Main 2026?
Candidates can attempt JEE Main for three consecutive years. Each session counts as one attempt.

Q4. What is the application fee for girls (General/OBC/EWS)?
₹800 for one paper, ₹1600 for both papers.

Q5. Which subjects are compulsory for JEE Main (B.Tech)?
Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics are compulsory for B.E./B.Tech aspirants.

With this guide, you now have complete clarity about JEE Main 2026 exam dates, eligibility, fees, and process. Start your preparation early and target both sessions to maximize your chances of getting into your dream engineering college.