JEE Main 2026 registration: The National Testing Agency (NTA) is expected to open registration for JEE Main 2026 Session 1 very soon, following its official schedule. Prospective candidates can apply online through the official JEE Main website.
Session 1 exams are slated to take place from January 21 to 30, 2026. Following the announcement of Session 1 results, the registration window for Session 2 will open in late January 2026, with exams scheduled from April 1 to 10, 2026.
JEE Main 2026: Full schedule and registration process
JEE Main remains one of India’s most competitive national-level entrance examinations, offering admission to prestigious engineering institutes such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), and Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs).
To streamline the application process, the NTA has introduced several enhancements. These include Aadhaar-linked verification for secure and easy authentication, alongside an expansion of exam center locations to improve accessibility for students both within India and abroad.
During registration, candidates will be able to log in using their Aadhaar number, mobile number, and email ID. The agency strongly advises applicants to ensure that their personal details precisely match their Aadhaar information to prevent any verification issues.
Admit cards for each session are anticipated to be released three days prior to the examination dates.
For comprehensive information on eligibility criteria, the complete exam schedule, and the registration procedure, candidates should refer to the official notice published on the NTA website.
More exam centres and accessibility measures announced
In a significant move toward greater inclusivity, the NTA plans to increase the number of exam cities, both domestically and internationally. This initiative aims to accommodate the rising number of aspirants and alleviate travel-related challenges, especially for students residing in remote areas.
Furthermore, the NTA is bolstering its digital infrastructure by introducing new mock test portals and dedicated live registration helplines. These resources are designed to provide a smoother preparation and application experience for all candidates.
Exam pattern for Paper 1: B.E./B.Tech
Paper 1 is specifically designed for candidates aspiring to B.E./B.Tech programs at NITs, IIITs, and other participating institutions.
- Total questions: Out of 90 questions (30 each in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics), candidates must attempt 75.
- Question types: The paper will feature both Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and numerical questions.
- Marking scheme: Each correct answer will fetch +4 marks, while incorrect responses will incur a –1 mark deduction.
- Duration: The examination is 3 hours long.
- Eligibility: Candidates must have passed Class 12 in 2024 or be appearing in 2026, with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) as their core subjects.
Exam pattern for Paper 2: B.Arch and B.Planning
Paper 2 caters to students seeking admission to Architecture or Planning courses.
- Paper 2A (B.Arch) comprises sections on Mathematics, Aptitude, and Drawing. The Drawing test will be conducted in a traditional pen-and-paper format.
- Paper 2B (B.Planning) includes Mathematics, Aptitude, and Planning-based questions, administered as a computer-based test (CBT).
- Each paper is worth 400 marks, and candidates have the option to appear for either or both papers.
Students are strongly encouraged to regularly check the official NTA website for the most up-to-date announcements and information.