The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially released the Public Notice and Information Bulletin for the Joint Entrance Examination (Main) – 2026. JEE Main 2026 will be conducted in two sessions: Session 1 (January 2026) and Session 2 (April 2026). The application window for Session 1 has commenced.
Interested candidates can apply online from October 31, 2025, to November 27, 2025 (Up to 09:00 P.M.). JEE (Main) is the eligibility test for admission to Undergraduate Engineering Programs (B.E./B.Tech), B.Arch, and B.Planning courses at NITs, IIITs, other Centrally Funded Technical Institutions (CFTIs), and also acts as the prerequisite for JEE (Advanced) for admission to IITs. Applicants must strictly adhere to the instructions given in the Information Bulletin and ensure all eligibility criteria are met.
JEE Main 2026 Information Bulletin
The NTA has made the detailed JEE (Main) 2026 Information Bulletin accessible to all candidate. This essential PDF provides complete details about the examination scheme, eligibility criteria, application procedure, fee structure, and the tentative schedule for both Session 1 and Session 2. Aspirants are advised to refer to this document to ensure they understand the entire admission process, including the computer-based test (CBT) procedures.
Download JEE (Main) 2026 Information Bulletin PDF
JEE Main 2026: Overview
The Joint Entrance Examination Main – 2026 offers two opportunities for candidates to secure a strong NTA Score for admission to premier technical institutions. Below is a detailed overview with all key information for aspirants for Session 1.
| Parameter | Details |
| Organization | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Examination Name | Joint Entrance Examination (Main) – 2026 |
| Programs Offered | B.E./B.Tech, B. Arch, B. Planning |
| Number of Sessions | Two (Session 1: January, Session 2: April) |
| Registration Dates (Session 1) | 31 October 2025 to 27 November 2025 (Up to 09:00 P.M.) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment (Session 1) | 27 November 2025 (Up to 11:50 P.M.) |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Session 1 Examination Dates | Between 21 January 2026 to 30 January 2026 |
| Session 1 Result Date | By 12 February 2026 |
| Official Website | jeemain.nta.nic.in |
Check JEE(Main) 2026 Important Timeline Here
JEE Main 2026 Paper Structure
The examination consists of Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech), Paper 2A (B.Arch), and Paper 2B (B.Planning). The exam is conducted in 13 languages, including English, Hindi, and various regional languages. The mode and duration vary by paper:
| Paper | Subjects/Mode of Examination | Duration (Non-PwD/PwBD Candidates) |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (B.E./B. Tech) | Computer Based Test (CBT) | 3 Hours |
| Paper 2A (B. Arch) | CBT (Maths, Aptitude) + Drawing Test (Pen & Paper) | 3 Hours |
| Paper 2B (B. Planning) | Computer Based Test (CBT) | 3 Hours |
| Both 2A & 2B | Combined CBT and Pen & Paper components | 3 Hours 30 Minutes |
Also Read: JEE Main 2026: NTA Issues Crucial Document Advisory, Registration Starts in October
JEE Main Session 1 Apply Online Link
The online application process for JEE (Main) Session 1 is open. Candidates must submit only one application form; multiple applications will not be accepted and will lead to the cancellation of candidature. All communication, including information/Admit Card details, will be sent via email or SMS to the registered contact details.
Direct Link to Apply for JEE (Main) Recruitment 2026 (Session 1)
How to Apply for JEE (Main) 2026 Session 1?
Candidates must follow the three steps below to successfully complete their application online:
| Step | Procedure |
|---|---|
| 1: Registration Form | Register online to generate a system-generated Application Number. The candidate must create a PASSWORD and choose a Security Question. This Application Number is valid for both Session 1 and Session 2. |
| 2: Application Form | Log in with the generated Application Number. Fill in personal details, select the paper(s), choose up to four Examination Cities, and provide educational qualifications. Upload the live photograph, scanned Photograph, Signature, and Class X Certificate/Marks-sheet as per guidelines. |
| 3: Fee Payment | Pay the requisite examination fees through online mode only (Net Banking, Credit Card, Debit Card, or UPI). The Confirmation Page will only be generated after successful fee payment. |
JEE (Main) Session 1 Application Fee 2026
Candidates are required to pay a non-refundable application/examination fee per session. Processing charges and Goods & Service Taxes (GST) are also applicable and must be paid by the candidate.
| Type of Candidate | Gender | Centres in India (Fee in ₹) (For one paper) |
|---|---|---|
| General | Male | ₹1000 |
| General | Female | ₹800 |
| Gen-EWS/OBC (NCL) | Male | ₹900 |
| Gen-EWS/OBC (NCL) | Female | ₹800 |
| SC/ST/PwD/PwBD | Male/Female/Third Gender | ₹500 |
JEE Main 2026 Eligibility Criteria
The NTA has specified clear eligibility criteria regarding the year of passing the qualifying examination.
JEE (Main) Age Criteria
For appearing in JEE (Main) – 2026, there is no age limit for candidates. However, candidates should be aware that the institutions providing admission may have their own age criteria.
JEE Main 2026 Qualification
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational Requirement | Must have passed Class XII/Equivalent Examination |
| Eligible Passing Year | Passed in 2024 or 2025, or be appearing in the Class XII/Equivalent Examination in 2026 |
| Ineligible Candidates | Candidates who passed the Class XII/Equivalent Examination in 2023 or before are not eligible |
Also Read: JEE Main Syllabus 2026, Subject Wise Exam Pattern for B.E./B.Tech., B.Arch. & B.Planning
JEE (Main) Exam Pattern and Scoring 2026
The JEE (Main) examination is conducted in multiple shifts. For these multi-shift papers, the raw marks obtained by candidates are converted into NTA Scores using a normalization procedure. The NTA Score will be calculated for each subject (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry) and the total.
The key benefit for the candidate is that if they appear in both Session 1 and Session 2, the best of the JEE (Main) – 2026 NTA Scores will be considered for the preparation of the Merit List/Ranking.
JEE Main 2026: FAQs
Q1. What are the registration dates for JEE Main 2026 Session 1?
Ans: The online application process for JEE (Main) 2026 Session 1 started on October 31, 2025, and the last date to submit the application form and pay the fee is November 27, 2025 (Up to 09:00 P.M.).
Q2. How many sessions will JEE Main 2026 be conducted in?
Ans: The JEE (Main) 2026 will be conducted in two sessions: Session 1 in January 2026 and Session 2 in April 2026. The best of the NTA Scores from the two sessions will be used for the final rank list.
Q3. What is the eligibility criteria regarding the age limit for JEE Main 2026?
Ans: The NTA has set no age limit for candidates appearing in JEE (Main) 2026. However, candidates must check the specific age criteria of the institutions they are seeking admission to (like IITs, NITs, etc.).
Q4. Who is eligible to apply for JEE (Main) 2026 based on their qualifying exam?
Ans: Candidates must have passed their Class XII/Equivalent Examination in 2024 or 2025, or be appearing for the same in 2026. Candidates who passed in 2023 or before are ineligible.
Q5. What are the application fees for General category male candidates for one session?
Ans: The application/examination fee for General category male candidates applying for one paper in one session with centers in India is ₹1000 (plus applicable taxes and GST).