The National Testing Agency (NTA) has launched the JEE Main 2026 online application process for session 1, which will run until November 27, 2025. Candidates can apply through the official website jeemain.nta.nic.in, with the exam scheduled between January 21-30, 2026. This year's registration introduces several new features, including mandatory Aadhaar-based verification and live photo capture during the application process.
JEE Main 2026: Key Registration Details and Eligibility
Students who have passed or are appearing in their class 12 board exams in 2024, 2025, or 2026 can apply for JEE Main 2026. There is no age restriction for appearing in the exam. Candidates must have Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects, along with either Chemistry, Biotechnology, Biology, or Technical Vocational subjects. The exam will be conducted in computer-based test (CBT) mode across 323 cities in India, an increase from 284 cities in the previous year. Candidates can choose a maximum of four exam city preferences based on their present and permanent addresses.
Step-by-Step JEE Main 2026 Application Process
The application process involves multiple stages. First, candidates must visit jeemain.nta.nic.in and complete online registration by providing basic details and creating a login password. During form-filling, students will need to select exam centers, capture a live photograph using a webcam or mobile camera, and upload scanned documents like photograph, signature, and identity proof. An important new feature this year is the mandatory Aadhaar-based e-KYC verification. Candidates must pay the application fee online through credit/debit card, net banking, or UPI. The fee varies by category: general male candidates will pay ₹1,000, while SC/ST/PwD candidates will pay ₹500 for centers in India.
Exam Pattern and Important Guidelines for JEE Main 2026
The JEE Main 2026 exam will consist of 75 total questions, with 25 questions each from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. The exam will be divided into two sections: Section A with 20 multiple-choice questions and Section B with 5 numerical answer-type questions. Candidates will receive +4 marks for correct answers and -1 mark for incorrect responses. The exam will be conducted in two shifts – morning (9 AM to 12 PM) and afternoon (3 PM to 6 PM). Candidates are advised to carefully review all entered details before final submission, as there will be limited correction opportunities during the form editing window.
Document Upload and Photo Guidelines for Application
NTA has specified strict guidelines for document uploads. Photographs must be recent, passport-sized with 80% face visibility, taken against a white background, and without sunglasses or filters. The accepted file formats are JPG/JPEG, with specific size restrictions: 10-200 KB for photographs and 10-100 KB for signatures. Candidates must upload clear scans of their class 10 certificate, identity proof, and category certificate (if applicable). For candidates with disabilities, a valid UDID card or disability certificate is required. Students are recommended to keep digital copies of all necessary documents ready before starting the application process.
Exam Sessions and Multiple Attempt Opportunities
JEE Main 2026 will be conducted in two sessions to provide students with multiple opportunities to improve their scores. Session 1 is scheduled from January 21-30, 2026, while Session 2 will be held from April 2-9, 2026. Candidates can appear in either or both sessions, with their best score being considered for ranking. This bi-annual format allows students who miss the first attempt or wish to enhance their performance another chance without waiting an entire year. The exam will be conducted in 13 languages, including English, Hindi, and various regional languages, to ensure wider accessibility.
Examination Centers and Accessibility Improvements
NTA has expanded the number of examination centers from 284 to 323 for JEE Main 2026, making the exam more accessible across different regions of India. New cities have been added in states like Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, and others. The exam will now feature a 'dark-mode' accessibility option, enhancing user experience for candidates. Additionally, the exam will continue to be conducted in computer-based test (CBT) mode, ensuring standardized testing conditions across all centers.
Special Provisions for Reserved Category and PwD Candidates
JEE Main 2026 maintains inclusive provisions for reserved category and Persons with Disabilities (PwD) candidates. Those belonging to SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS categories will benefit from reduced application fees. PwD candidates must upload their UDID card or disability certificate, which will be verified through the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities portal. The application form allows for category certificate uploads, ensuring fair representation and support for candidates from diverse backgrounds.
Exam Preparation and Important Considerations
Candidates preparing for JEE Main 2026 should focus on comprehensive preparation covering CBSE class 11 and 12 syllabi. High-weightage topics in Physics include Heat & Thermodynamics, Ray Optics, Electromagnetic Waves, and Oscillations. While NCERT books provide a strong foundation, students are advised to supplement their preparation with additional problem-solving resources. Candidates must carefully review the exam pattern, which includes multiple-choice and numerical answer-type questions. Mock tests and previous year question papers can help familiarize students with the exam's structure and difficulty level.
Source: Link