The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially announced that the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 registration will begin in October 2025 at the official website – jeemain.nta.nic.in. With lakhs of aspirants appearing every year, NTA has also issued an important advisory regarding document preparation to avoid application rejections. This blog will guide you through the JEE Main 2026 registration process, exam schedule, eligibility, required documents, and key preparation tips.
What is JEE Main 2026?
The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE Main) is one of the most competitive engineering entrance exams in India. It serves as the qualifying exam for:
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Admission to NITs, IIITs, and other centrally funded technical institutions (CFTIs).
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Eligibility test for JEE Advanced, which is required for admission to the IITs.
In 2026, JEE Main will be conducted in two sessions:
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Session 1 – January 2026
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Session 2 – April 2026
This two-session format helps students improve their performance, as the best of the two scores will be considered for the final ranking.
JEE Main 2026 Registration Date
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Application start date: October 2025
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Mode of registration: Online only at jeemain.nta.nic.in
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Session 1 Exam Date: January 2026
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Session 2 Exam Date: April 2026
Students are advised to register early to avoid last-minute technical glitches.
NTA Advisory: Importance of Document Preparation
The NTA notice highlights that many students face application rejection due to errors in documents. To avoid this, candidates must update and verify the following documents before October 2025:
1. Aadhaar Card (Mandatory for All Candidates)
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Ensure your name, date of birth, and father’s name match your Class 10 certificate.
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Photograph should be clear and recent.
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Any discrepancy may lead to rejection of the application.
2. UDID Card (For PwD Candidates)
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Persons with Disabilities (PwD) must have a valid UDID card.
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Renew and update it if required.
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This document is necessary for claiming PwD reservation and exam relaxations.
3. Category Certificates (EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST)
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Must be issued by a competent authority.
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Should follow the latest government norms.
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Expired or incorrect certificates will not be accepted.
JEE Main 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, students must ensure they meet the eligibility requirements:
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Qualifying Exam | Passed Class 12 in 2024/2025 or appearing in 2026 |
| Subjects Required | Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry/Technical subject |
| Age Limit | No age limit |
| Attempts Allowed | 3 consecutive years |
Step-by-Step Registration Process for JEE Main 2026
Follow these steps to apply successfully:
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Visit the official website: jeemain.nta.nic.in.
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Click on “JEE Main 2026 Registration” link.
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Complete the one-time registration with personal details.
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Fill in the application form carefully.
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Upload required documents:
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Passport-size photograph
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Signature
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Aadhaar card details
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Category certificate (if applicable)
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Pay the registration fee online.
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Submit and take a printout of the confirmation page.
Why Document Verification is Crucial
Errors in Aadhaar or expired certificates can:
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Lead to rejection of the application.
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Cause issues in admit card generation.
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Result in problems during counselling and seat allotment.
Hence, updating documents before registration saves time and ensures a smooth process.
JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern
Understanding the exam structure helps in better preparation:
| Paper | Subjects | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech.) | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics | 90 (30 each) | 300 |
| Paper 2A (B.Arch.) | Maths, Aptitude, Drawing | 82 | 400 |
| Paper 2B (B.Planning) | Maths, Aptitude, Planning | 105 | 400 |
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Mode of Exam: Computer-Based Test (CBT) except Drawing Test (pen & paper).
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Marking Scheme: +4 for correct answer, -1 for incorrect.
Key Tips for Applicants
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Update Aadhaar and documents at least one month before October 2025.
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Keep scanned copies of photos and certificates ready.
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Check eligibility criteria before applying.
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Register early to avoid last-day rush.
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Attempt both sessions for a better score advantage.
Pre-Application Checklist (Summary Table)
| Document | Action Required |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar Card | Update DOB, name, photo, father’s name |
| Category Certificate | Ensure validity as per govt. norms |
| UDID Card (PwD) | Renew/update if required |
| Class 10/12 Certificates | Keep original + scanned copies |
| Passport Photos | Clear and recent |
The JEE Main 2026 registration will begin in October 2025, and NTA has stressed the importance of document readiness. Students must carefully verify their Aadhaar, UDID (for PwD), and category certificates before applying. Since JEE Main is the gateway to NITs, IIITs, and IITs, applicants cannot afford to make avoidable mistakes in documentation. Being prepared in advance will help ensure a smooth application process and keep the focus on exam preparation.
JEE Main 2026 Registration FAQs
Q1. When will JEE Main 2026 registration start?
Ans: The JEE Main 2026 Session 1 registration will start in October 2025 at jeemain.nta.nic.in.
Q2. How many sessions will JEE Main 2026 be held in?
Ans: The exam will be held in two sessions – January 2026 and April 2026.
Q3. What documents are required for JEE Main 2026 application?
Ans: Aadhaar card, category certificate (if applicable), UDID card (for PwD), Class 10/12 certificates, and passport-size photographs.
Q4. Can students appearing in Class 12 in 2026 apply for JEE Main 2026?
Ans: Yes, candidates appearing for Class 12 in 2026 are eligible.
Q5. Is Aadhaar card mandatory for JEE Main 2026?
Ans: Yes, Aadhaar is compulsory. The details must exactly match the Class 10 certificate.
