This comprehensive guide provides everything students need to know about JEE Main 2026 Exam from exam schedules to preparation tips – to gain an edge in one of India’s most prestigious engineering entrance examinations.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the JEE Main 2026 exam dates. Discover registration details, session schedule, eligibility, syllabus, and expert preparation tips for aspiring engineering candidates.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially released the exam schedule for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026, one of India’s most competitive entrance tests for engineering aspirants. The announcement has brought clarity to students preparing for admission to top engineering institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), and other centrally funded technical institutions.
JEE Main 2026 Exam Schedule Overview
According to the official notification by NTA, JEE Main 2026 will continue to be conducted in two sessions to offer flexibility and reduce exam-related stress among students. The tentative schedule is as follows:
• Session 1 – January 2026
• Session 2 – April 2026
The online registration process for Session 1 is expected to open in November 2025, while the registration for Session 2 will begin in February 2026. The examination will be conducted in computer-based mode across multiple centers in India and various international locations.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially announced the JEE Main 2026 exam dates. Session 1 will be held from January 21 to January 30, 2026, and Session 2 from April 1 to April 10, 2026.testbook+1
Registration for Session 1 is expected to begin in October 2025 on the official NTA website (jeemain.nta.ac.in). The registration schedule for Session 2 will be announced after the completion of Session 1.
Yes, candidates can apply for either one or both sessions. If you appear in both, the best NTA score from the two sessions will be considered for the final merit list and admission purposes.
JEE Main 2026 will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode across India and abroad. Only the Drawing section of the B.Arch paper will be offline and pen-based
Read the Official Notification Here: PDF
Eligibility Criteria and Application Process
- Students who have completed or are appearing for their Class 12 board examinations in 2024 or 2025 are eligible to apply.
- The subjects required include Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
- The application process involves completing an online form at the official website of NTA (https://jeemain.nta.ac.in/), uploading the necessary documents, and paying the prescribed application fee.
JEE MAIN Exam 2026 Pattern and Syllabus
The JEE Main 2026 exam pattern remains consistent with previous years. The test is divided into two papers:
• Paper 1 – For B.E./B.Tech admissions
• Paper 2 – For B.Arch and B.Planning programs
- Paper 1 consists of 90 questions, out of which candidates need to attempt 75.
- Each correct answer carries four marks, while one mark is deducted for an incorrect response.
- The examination covers topics from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics based on the NCERT syllabus of classes 11 and 12.
- Students can access the detailed syllabus at the official NTA portal and through trusted educational sources like the National Council of Educational Research and Training.
Check the Previous year Question Papers with Solutions Here: JEE Main Question Paper 2025
Important Dates to Remember
• Registration Start (Session 1): November 2025
• Admit Card Release: December 2025
• Exam Dates (Session 1): January 2026
• Result Declaration (Session 1): February 2026
• Registration Start (Session 2): February 2026
• Exam Dates (Session 2): April 2026
• Final Result Declaration: May 2026
Key Changes and Announcements
The NTA continues to emphasize transparency and fairness through improved infrastructure and live monitoring systems during examinations. In addition, multilingual exam papers will be made available in English, Hindi, and multiple regional languages to ensure inclusivity and equality for students nationwide.
The exam will consist of 75 questions out of 90 (25 each from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics). Each subject includes 20 MCQs and 5 numerical value questions (NVQs). The paper carries a total of 300 marks and has a 3-hour duration.
The detailed JEE Main 2026 syllabus will be released soon by NTA. Candidates can follow the 2025 syllabus for now as there are no major changes expected. It will cover NCERT-level topics from Classes 11 and 12.
The exam will be available in 13 languages, including English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu.
Candidates who have passed Class 12 in 2024 or are appearing in 2026 are eligible. There is no age limit, but candidates can attempt JEE Main for three consecutive years starting from their passing year.
Preparation Strategies for JEE Main 2026
With limited time and high competition, strategic preparation is essential. Here are some expert recommendations for aspirants:
1. Understand the syllabus thoroughly and identify strong and weak areas early.
2. Prioritize conceptual clarity over rote learning.
3. Regularly practice mock tests and previous year papers to build speed and accuracy.
4. Follow a structured schedule and take periodic breaks to maintain mental well-being.
5. Utilize digital learning platforms and question banks provided by reputable sources such as the National Digital Library of India.
Top Engineering Colleges Accepting JEE Main Scores
Apart from NITs and Centrally Funded Technical Institutions, several top private universities accept JEE Main scores for admission. Some of these include:
• Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT)
• Birla Institute of Technology (BIT Mesra)
• SRM Institute of Science and Technology
• Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham
Candidates should review the individual institution’s admission criteria and cutoffs before applying.
Common Questions About JEE Main 2026
There is no specific age limit. However, candidates must meet the eligibility criteria based on the year of passing Class 12.
Yes, students can appear in either or both sessions. The best score out of the two sessions will be considered for ranking.
JoSAA counseling typically commences in June following the declaration of the final results.
You can attempt JEE Main twice in a year (January and April sessions) and up to six times over three consecutive years, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria.
The admit cards for JEE Main 2026 will be released three days before the exam date on the official NTA website (jeemain.nta.ac.in).
Results for Session 1 are expected by February 2026, and Session 2 results will likely be announced by April or early May 2026, soon after the release of the final answer key.
Yes. JEE Main serves as the qualifying exam for JEE Advanced 2026, which is required for admission into IITs. Only the top 2,50,000 rank holders in JEE Main are eligible to appear for JEE Advanced.
Yes, foreign nationals, NRIs, OCIs, and PIOs are eligible to apply. Their selection for DASA (Direct Admission of Students Abroad) will now also be done through JEE Main scores starting from the 2025–26 academic year.
Ensure that your Aadhaar card details (name, DOB, gender, and photo) exactly match your application details. Errors can lead to application rejection.
Useful Resources for Aspirants
• Official NTA JEE Main Portal
• Ministry of Education, Government of India
• JoSAA Counseling Portal
Conclusion
The release of JEE Main 2026 exam dates has set the stage for another year of intense preparation and competition among engineering aspirants across India. With the right planning, disciplined study routines, and access to reliable resources, students can significantly enhance their chances of success. Staying updated through official announcements and credible educational platforms is key to navigating the JEE Main journey effectively.