Are you ready for the biggest engineering entrance exam in India? The National Testing Agency (NTA) just dropped a bombshell – JEE Main 2026 registration has officially begun! With over 12 lakh applicants last year, this year’s competition just got hotter with surprise changes in the application process.
JEE Main 2026 Key Details Every Student Must Know
The registration window opened on October 31, 2025 for both Session 1 (January) and Session 2 (April) exams. Here’s what you need to know:
- 🗓️ Exam Dates: January 1-30 and April 1-10, 2026
- 🌐 Official Website: jeemain.nta.nic.in
- 📝 Papers Offered: BE/BTech (Paper 1) & BArch/BPlanning (Paper 2)
Step-by-Step Registration Guide
Follow these simple steps to apply without mistakes:
- Visit jeemain.nta.nic.in
- Click “JEE Main 2026 Registration”
- Fill personal and academic details
- Upload documents (recent photo, signature, ID proof)
- Pay application fee (₹650-₹1300 based on category)
- Submit and download confirmation page
Critical Document Checklist
The NTA has made document verification stricter this year. Don’t get rejected – ensure you have:
| Document Type | Format | Size Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Passport Photo | JPG/JPEG | 10KB-200KB |
| Signature | JPG/JPEG | 4KB-30KB |
| Category Certificate | 50KB-500KB |
Pro Tip: Update your Aadhaar details immediately if there’s any mismatch with your academic certificates. Last year, over 8,000 applications got rejected due to document errors!
Major Changes in JEE Main 2026
The NTA has introduced three important updates:
- 🚨 Single Registration for Both Sessions: Apply once for January and April attempts
- 🔒 Stricter Photo Guidelines: No spectacles or head coverings allowed
- 📱 New Security Features: Live photo capture during exam entry
Previous Year’s Competition Statistics
| Session | Registered Candidates | Appeared Candidates |
|---|---|---|
| January 2025 | 13,11,544 | 12,58,136 |
| April 2025 | 10,61,840 | 9,92,350 |
Free Preparation Resources
Feeling overwhelmed? Top institutions are offering help:
- 🎓 IIT Kanpur’s Free Crash Course: 40-day intensive program (Details Here)
- 📚 Official Practice Papers: Available at Indian Express Education Portal
- ⏰ Live Webinars: Daily doubt-solving sessions on NTA’s YouTube channel
JEE Main 2026 aspirants! Remember to double-check your category certificates and photo specifications before submission. One small mistake can cost you a year! #JEEMain2026 #NTA
— NTA Helpdesk (@NTA_Helpline)
Beyond IITs: Other Top Colleges Accepting JEE Scores
Did you know over 150 institutes accept JEE Main scores? Some top options include:
- IIIT Hyderabad
- DTU Delhi
- BITS Pilani
- VIT Vellore
- Thapar University
For complete list, check BITSAT), they’ve started accepting JEE Main scores for:
- PhD program admissions
- Lateral entry to second year
- Special scholarship programs
Exam Pattern Deep Dive – What’s Changed?
The NTA has kept the core structure intact but added new security layers:
| Section | Questions | New Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | 20+5* | More numerical-based questions |
| Chemistry | 20+5* | Focus on NCERT examples |
| Maths | 20+5* | Reduced weightage to calculus |
*20 compulsory questions + 5 optional (attempt any 5)
Game-Changer: The “Live Photo Capture” system will take your picture when you enter the exam hall. If it doesn’t match your application photo, you won’t be allowed to write the exam!
90-Day Preparation Blueprint
Top coaches recommend this battle-tested strategy:
- Days 1-30: Complete NCERT textbooks line-by-line
- Days 31-60: Solve 10 years’ PYQs (Previous Year Questions)
- Days 61-90: Take daily mock tests (90 minutes timed)
Success Secret: “I solved 100 questions daily – 30 Physics, 30 Chemistry, 40 Maths. Consistency beats last-minute cramming!” – Rohan Gupta, AIR 17 (2025)
Application Fee Breakdown
Plan your budget with these updated fees:
| Category | India Exam Centers | Foreign Centers |
|---|---|---|
| General/EWS | ₹1000 | ₹5000 |
| OBC-NCL | ₹800 | ₹4000 |
| SC/ST/PwD | ₹500 | ₹2500 |
Important: Female candidates get ₹100 discount across all categories. Payment options include credit/debit cards, UPI, and Paytm.
Last-Minute Checklist Before Submission
Avoid these 5 common mistakes:
- 🚫 Using filters or edited photos
- 🚫 Signature in capital letters
- 🚫 Entering wrong graduation year
- 🚫 Selecting wrong exam centers
- 🚫 Forgetting to save payment receipt
Life-Saver Hack: Make 3 copies of your confirmation page – one for home, one in your wallet, and a digital copy in your email!
What Happens After Registration?
Mark these critical dates in your calendar:
- 📅 November 30, 2025: Last date for fee payment
- 📅 December 15, 2025: City intimation slip
- 📅 December 25, 2025: Admit card release
- 📅 February 15, 2026: Session 1 results
Final Words of Wisdom
As former IIT Delhi director puts it: “JEE isn’t about being the smartest – it’s about being the most persistent.” With 13 lakh competitors expected, remember:
“The top 10% of serious candidates create 90% of the competition. Focus on beating your own scores, not others’ ranks.”
Feeling stuck? The NTA helpdesk (011-40759000) operates daily from 10 AM to 5 PM. Now go crush that registration button at jeemain.nta.nic.in – your IIT journey starts here!