JEE Main 2026 Exam Date Live Updates: Application Form, Dates, Process, and New Changes Announced by NTA ( Official Website )

JEE Main Exam Date 2026 Overview

What is JEE Main 2026?

JEE Main 2026 is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to undergraduate engineering and architecture courses. It is the first step for students aiming to get into top institutions like NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs.

It also serves as a qualifying exam for JEE Advanced, which is required for IIT admissions. The exam tests knowledge in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics and is held in two sessions—January and April—every year.

JEE Main Exam Dates 2026

The first step in your journey is to be aware of and adhere to the crucial JEE Main exam date 2026. These dates determine everything from when you can register and download your admit card to the day you receive your results and engage in the counseling and admission process. Keep a vigilant eye on the official JEE Main website and notifications from the National Testing Agency (NTA) for any updates or changes to these dates.

One of the first things to do as a JEE 2026 aspirant is to keep a close watch on the important dates related to JEE Main 2026. JEE Main dates 2026 will be released by the NTA soon.

JEE Main 2026 Exam Dates: Session 1 & 2

Important Study Materials Links for JEE Exams

JEE Main Exam Eligibility Criteria 2026

The first thing you need to do as a JEE 2026 aspirant is to make sure that you fulfill all the eligibility criteria for JEE Main 2026. In this, you need to take care of aspects such as academic qualifications, nationality, and age. There are also many relaxations available for certain categories, so you should check if you fall under those categories as well.

Aspiring candidates should meet specific academic and age-related prerequisites, with slight variations based on their chosen courses—B.E./B.Tech, B.Arch, or B.Planning. These criteria are designed to ensure that every candidate possesses the essential knowledge and skills required to thrive in the competitive world of engineering and architecture. It's vital to grasp these criteria to confirm your eligibility and take that crucial first step toward a future brimming with academic excellence and endless possibilities.

Here is an overview of the main eligibility criteria for appearing in JEE Main 2026:

Candidates must have qualified Class 12 board exams in the year 2022, and 2023, or appearing in 2024 will be eligible to apply for JEE Main exam 2026.

• Should be in the final year of the examination of 10+2. Candidate in intermediate or two-year Pre-University examination conducted by a recognized Board/ University.
• The Joint Service Wing of the National Defence Academy is eligible provided they have a two-year course.
• Passed 10+2 conducted by the National Institute of Open Schooling with a minimum of five subjects.
• A 3-year diploma holder will also be eligible for JEE Main.
• Students from the (NIOS) appearing for 10+2 should select the State for eligibility.

You need to get a qualifying aggregate in your qualifying exam. The qualifying aggregate for different categories is given below:

JEE Main Nationality Criteria

• The candidate should be a citizen of India.

JEE Main Age Criteria

• There is no limit on the upper age for appearing in JEE Main 2026.

JEE Main Application Form 2026

The candidates can visit NTA’s official website—nta.ac.in or jeemain.nta.nic.in—to check and fill out the JEE Main application form. The candidates need to fill and submit the application form online. There is no provision for offline submission of the JEE Main application form. NTA will not accept any forms that are not submitted online. You will be able to see an ‘Apply Online’ link on the official website which will lead you to the application form. Fill it out and submit the fee. 

Completing the JEE Main application form requires providing accurate personal and academic details, selecting the preferred examination mode and centers, and uploading essential documents.

However, Before filling out the JEE Main Application Form, it is vital to familiarize yourself with the eligibility criteria, required documents, and application deadlines. Ensuring that all information is precise and up to date is of paramount importance, as any discrepancies could affect your candidacy.

How To Fill JEE Main 2026 Online Application Form?

Here are the steps you need to follow to fill out the JEE Main application form:

• Visit the official website - jeemain.nta.nic.in - for applying for the JEE Main.
• Click on ‘Apply Online’.
• An application form page will open up.
• Fill up this application form.
• When prompted, select New Registration. You may be asked some basic details such as your name, phone number, email address, date of birth, category, nationality, academic details, and your exam centre preference.
• Once registered, you will be asked to upload a scanned copy of your documents in a specific format and size. Make sure you stick to the document specifications to avoid rejection of your application.
• Pay the application fee through online or offline mode.
• Check all the information you have entered in the application form. You may not be able to change some of these details later.
• Submit your application form.
• Once submitted, you will see a confirmation page. Take a print of this page for reference purposes.
• Upon the completion of this process, you will receive a provisional registration number on your registered mobile number and email address.

List of Documents Required for JEE Main Application Form 2026

To ensure a smooth and error-free application process, it's essential to have all the necessary documents at your fingertips. Here is a comprehensive list of documents you'll need when filling out the JEE Main application form:

• Age Proof: Birth certificate
• Class 12 mark sheet with 75% or above aggregate marks
• Identity proof
• Citizenship certificate
• Passport size photograph
• Candidate’s signature

Having these documents readily available will streamline the application process and ensure that all the information you provide is accurate and consistent. It's essential to verify the specific document requirements in the JEE Main Information Bulletin for the year of your examination, as they may be subject to updates and changes. There is a very specific format you need to follow while uploading these documents. Make sure you follow the instructions so that your application is not rejected.

JEE Main Application Fee Mode of Payment

Paying the JEE Main application fee is an essential step in the application process. To ensure a smooth experience, it's crucial to understand the modes of payment available and follow the prescribed guidelines. You can pay the fee for the JEE Main application form either through offline mode or online mode. The modes are mentioned below:

JEE Main Registration & Form Correction

The registration process for JEE Main 2026 will be conducted online through the official NTA website—jeemain.nta.ac.in. Students must fill out a detailed application form, upload documents like a recent photograph and signature, and pay the examination fee. There will be separate registration windows for each session (January and April).

After the application window closes, NTA will provide a form correction facility for a limited time. During this period, candidates can make changes to specific details such as name, exam center, category, and educational information. However, changes to all fields may not be allowed. It’s important to fill the form carefully and use the correction window only if necessary.

JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme

JEE Main 2026 will be conducted in computer-based mode and will consist of three papers:

• Paper 1: B.E./B.Tech (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics)
• Paper 2A: B.Arch (Mathematics, Aptitude Test, Drawing Test)
• Paper 2B: B.Planning (Mathematics, Aptitude Test, Planning Based Questions)

Paper 1 Pattern:

*Only 5 numerical questions need to be attempted out of 10.

• Marking Scheme: +4 for every correct answer, -1 for incorrect MCQs, and no negative marking for numerical-type questions.
• The total exam duration is 3 hours.
• The syllabus follows the NCERT curriculum of Classes 11 and 12.

JEE Main 2026 Syllabus (Physics, Chemistry, Maths)

The syllabus for JEE Main 2026 includes important topics of Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics of NCERT classes 11 and 12. The JEE Main syllabus 2026 will be made public by the National Testing Agency (NTA) soon. Meanwhile, students can check last year's syllabus to prepare for the upcoming JEE Main exam.

High-weightage JEE Main Physics Topics

• Laws of Motion- Under this unit, important topics to keep in mind are Force and Inertia, Newton’s First Law of Motion; Momentum, Newton’s Second Law of Motion; and Impulse, Newton’s Third Law of Motion. The weightage of these topics is 4%.
• Gravitation- The universal law of gravitation. Acceleration due to gravity and its variation with altitude and depth. The topic has a weightage of 2%.
• Properties of Solids and Liquids- Elastic behaviour, Stress-strain relationship, Hooke’s Law, Young’s Modulus, Modulus of rigidity.

High-weightage JEE Main Chemistry Topics

• States of Matter- Classification of matter into solid, Liquid and Gaseous states.
• Atomic Structure- Thomson and Rutherford atomic models and their limitations; Nature of electromagnetic radiation, Photoelectric effect; Spectrum of the hydrogen atom.
• Equilibrium- Equilibrium involving chemical processes, Ionic equilibrium, Equilibria involving physical processes.

High-weightage JEE Main Mathematics Topics

• Sets, Relations and Functions- Sets and their representation: Union, intersection and complement of sets and their algebraic properties; Power set; Relation, Type of relations, equivalence relations, functions; one-one, into and onto functions, the composition of functions.
• Matrices and Determinants- Matrices, algebra of matrices, type of matrices, determinants and matrices of order two and three, properties of determinants, evaluation of determinants.
• Mathematical Inductions- Principle of Mathematical Induction and its simple applications.

JEE Main Admit Card 2026

JEE Main admit cards will be released by the authorities anytime soon. Candidates can visit the official website - jeemain.nta.nic.in to download the hall tickets. Candidates are first issued a provisional JEE Main admit card. It will only be considered valid if all the eligibility criteria are met. Some of the important details that will be mentioned on the admit card are:

• Candidate’s name
• Father’s name
• Roll number
• Category
• Date of examination
• Exam Centre venue
• Reporting time
• Exam Duration
• Photograph

As soon as you download JEE Main admit cards, you should make sure that all these details are correct. In case of any discrepancy, you should contact JEE Main’s helpline immediately.

On the day of the exam, you need to present your JEE Main admit card to the exam coordinators and invigilators, failing which you will not be allowed to appear in the exam. You should keep the admit card safe even after the exam, as you will need to carry it to the counselling rounds as well. Experts suggest that you should keep your admit card safe until you finally get admission to an institute.

Here are a few points to note regarding JEE Main admit cards:

• You can download admit cards online mode only.
• NTA does not issue duplicate admit cards at the exam centre.
• Pay attention to the guidelines to affix a postcard size photograph on the admit card.
• In case of any discrepancy, you can contact the official authorities at NTA.

As there are multiple security checks involved on the day of the exam, be sure to reach the venue well ahead of the entry time. Also, note that only candidates with valid admit cards are allowed to enter the examination center.

JEE Main 2026 Mock Test

Mock tests are an essential part of JEE Main preparation. NTA provides official mock tests on its website and at practice centers across India. These mock tests are based on the latest exam pattern and help students understand the type of questions, exam interface, and time management. Students are advised to take mock tests regularly to build confidence and reduce exam anxiety. They can also analyze their performance, identify weak areas, and improve accuracy and speed over time.

JEE Main Previous Year Papers (PDF)

Solving previous year papers is one of the best ways to prepare for JEE Main 2026. These papers help students understand the real exam difficulty level, commonly asked topics, and question formats. PDF versions of JEE Main papers from 2023, 2024, and 2025 are available for free download on various educational websites. It is recommended to practice at least the last 5 years' papers and solve them in a timed manner to simulate the actual exam experience.

JEE Main 2026 Result

The results for JEE Main 2026 will be declared separately for each session by the NTA. The result includes the candidate’s raw score, percentile, and All India Rank (AIR). For candidates who appear in both January and April sessions, the best score will be considered for the final merit list. Results can be checked on the official website using the application number and date of birth. Along with the scorecard, the NTA will also release the final answer key and qualifying cutoff for JEE Advanced.

The JEE Main marks vs rank data helps students estimate their possible rank based on their scores. Since percentile scores are used, even small differences in marks can lead to large changes in rank. Here’s a general trend:

Note: Actual ranks may vary depending on the difficulty level and total number of candidates.

JEE Main Cutoff 2025 (Expected & Previous Years)

The JEE Main cutoff is the minimum percentile required to qualify for JEE Advanced or for admission to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs. There are two types of cutoffs:

Expected Cutoff for 2025 (General Category):

Previous Year (2024) Cutoff:

These cutoffs are only for qualifying JEE Advanced. Admission cutoffs are usually higher.

JEE Main Admission Cutoff 2025 (IITs, NITs, IIITs)

Admission cutoffs are the closing ranks at which a seat is allotted in different institutes and branches. These vary each year depending on the category, seat intake, and student preferences.

Sample Admission Cutoffs (General - Open Category, Round 1 - 2024):

IITs admit students through JEE Advanced, not JEE Main. However, NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs consider JEE Main rank during JoSAA counselling. Admission cutoffs for 2025 will be released after each JoSAA counselling round.

JEE Main 2025 Toppers List by Aakash

Here are the JEE Main toppers from Aakash Institute’s latest published results:

🎓 JEE Main 2025 Toppers (as per Aakash Institute):

• Shreyas Lohiya (Uttar Pradesh) – Achieved a perfect 100 percentile in JEE Main 2025, Session 1.
• Harsh Jha (Delhi NCR) – Also scored 100 percentile in Session 1  aakash.ac.in
• Amogh Bansal – Named among the top performers in Session 1 aakash.ac.in

Session 2 also saw exceptional performances:

• Shreyas Lōhiya once again emerged at the top with a 100 percentile.

Additionally regional and category toppers include:

• Svarali Chaudhari – Topped in the first session from Goa with a 99.89 percentile.

JoSAA JEE Main Counselling 2026

JoSAA JEE Main Counselling 2026 will be conducted by the Joint Seat Allocation Authority for admission to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs based on JEE Main 2026 ranks. The process includes registration, choice filling, mock allotment, seat allotment rounds, and final admission.

Students must register online, select preferred colleges and branches, and lock their choices. Seats are allotted based on merit, category, rank, and availability.

After allotment, candidates must choose Freeze, Float, or Slide options and complete document verification and fee payment. JoSAA counselling is expected to begin in June 2026, after JEE Main Session 2 results are announced.

Preparation Tips for JEE Main 2026

To effectively prepare for the JEE Main 2026 Exam, students can follow these comprehensive tips:

• Create a Roadmap: Start by developing a structured study plan tailored to your needs and goals.
• Study the Syllabus and Exam Pattern: Familiarize yourself with the previous years' syllabus and exam patterns to understand the structure and type of questions.
• Prioritize Subjects: Decide which subject to focus on first and make detailed notes on key topics.
• Build a Strong Foundation: Concentrate on strengthening your fundamentals in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
• Practice with NCERT Textbooks: Solve problems from NCERT textbooks and practice additional questions to enhance your understanding.
• Identify and Correct Mistakes: Continuously assess your performance, identify mistakes, and practice until you achieve accuracy.
• Stay Motivated: Keep your goals in mind and maintain motivation throughout your preparation.
• Minimize Distractions: Allocate quiet study time and avoid external distractions to improve focus.
• Refer to Recommended Books: Use the following highly recommended books for JEE preparation, as endorsed by top scorers.

List of Top IITs in India

Here is a list of top IITs in India in bullet points:

• IIT Madras – Known for strong research and academic excellence
• IIT Delhi – Offers top engineering, management, and research programs
• IIT Bombay – Famous for placements and global recognition
• IIT Kanpur – Strong in core engineering and computer science
• IIT Kharagpur – Oldest IIT with vast campus and diverse programs
• IIT Roorkee – Known for civil engineering and innovation
• IIT Guwahati – Fast-growing with modern infrastructure
• IIT Hyderabad – Emerging hub for tech and AI research
• IIT Varanasi (BHU) – Offers a mix of tradition and modern education
• IIT Indore – Gaining popularity for research and academics.