JEE Main 2026 Exam New Exam Pattern, Eligibility, Registration, Admit card, Exam Dates.

JEE Main 2026 Exam

Posted on : 26 September, 2025 12:02 pm

The Joint Entrance Examination (Main), or simply JEE Main, is the NTA (National Testing Agency) conducted national-level engineering entrance examination. It is the entrance examination for admission to NITs, IIITs, CFTIs, and most state/private engineering colleges, and also the qualifying examination for JEE Main 2026 Exam.

For 2026, the exam is likely to adhere to the “two sessions” pattern (January & April) as in recent years. APPLY NOW

There has been news recently of potential changes to JEE Main policy and rules from 2026 onwards under a revamped Apex Board (JAB) arrangement too. APPLY NOW

Let’s go through all the details:

Tentative Dates for Exams for 2026

Below is an approximate schedule put together based on what has been suggested and the past patterns: APPLY NOW

Event Session 1 Session 2
Notification release Last week of October / early November 2025
Registration start date November 2025 February 2026
Registration / fee submission last date 30 November 2025 25 February 2026
Application correction window December 2025 27–28 Feb 2026
Allotment of exam city/city slip First week of January 2026 By second week of March 2026
Admit card release 3 days before exam date 3 days before exam
Exam dates 22nd – 30th January 2026 2nd – 9th April 2026
Provisional answer key / objections February 2026 (after Session 1) April 2026 (after Session 2)
Result / scorecards February 2026 (Session 1) April 2026 (Session 2)

Important point to note: These dates are tentative and may get revised on issuance of the official notice by the NTA. Always crosscheck from the official site: jeemain.nta.nic.in. APPLY NOW

Eligibility Criteria for JEE (joint entrance examination) Main 2026

Before applying, the candidates must make sure they fulfill the eligibility criteria. The main criteria are: APPLY NOW

3.1. Qualifying Examination

  • The candidate should have passed Class 12 (or equivalent) exam from a recognized board.

  • In some cases, even a 3-year AICTE-approved diploma might be accepted (verify from the official notification).

  • Candidates who will appear for Class 12 in 2026 (i.e., current year) are generally also permitted to apply. APPLY NOW

3.2. Age Limit

  • As of now, there is no specific age limit for JEE Main (i.e. one can attempt at any age), but institutes might have their own age constraints. APPLY NOW

3.3. Minimum Marks / Aggregate Requirement

  • For entry to NITs / IIITs / CFTIs through JEE Main, previous regulations insisted that the general (unreserved) category candidates should have a minimum of 75% marks in Class 12 or be amongst the top 20 percentile of their board’s class 12 exam. APPLY NOW

  • For SC/ST/PwD students, it was 65% in Class 12.

  • But this “75% / 65% rule” has also faced scrutiny, and until any fresh changes made by JAB for 2026, aspirants should refer to the 2026 Information Bulletin once published.

3.4. Number of Attempts

  • A candidate is generally permitted to attempt JEE Main two times (i.e. both sessions: January & April) within the same year. APPLY NOW

3.5. State Code of Eligibility

  • The “state code of eligibility” would most likely be decided on the basis of the state the candidate is sitting from when taking the Class 12 / equivalent exam, and not the candidate’s domicile/native.

  • This is applicable for some seat reservations under state quotas, etc. APPLY NOW

3.6. Nationality

  • Indian citizens, NRIs/OCIs/PIOs are usually eligible to apply (though the regulations can be different). APPLY NOW

Exam Pattern & Structure (Expected / Proposed for 2026)

Below is the anticipated pattern of JEE Main 2026 based on announcement and previous years. Any major changes will be explained in the official notice.

4.1. Papers & Mode

  • Paper 1: For B.E. / B.Tech courses

    • Fully Computer Based Test (CBT) mode.

  • Paper 2A: For B.Arch

    • Mathematics + Aptitude test in CBT (online)

    • Drawing test offline (pen & paper)

  • Paper 2B: For B.Planning

    • All parts (Mathematics, Aptitude, Planning-based) in CBT mode  APPLY NOW

4.2. Duration & Timing

  • For non-PWD candidates: 3 hours duration for each paper.

  • For PWD / eligible candidates (with scribe or extra time), duration could be 4 hours or provisions as per rules.

4.3. Number of Questions & Marks

Paper Subject / Section Typical Pattern Total Questions Total Marks
Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry 20 MCQs in each (Section A) + 5 Optional / “Choice” in each subject (Section B) 60 (Section A) + 15 (Section B) = 75 questions 300 marks (4 marks each correct, –1 for wrong)
Paper 2A (B.Arch) Part I: Maths, Part II: Aptitude, Part III: Drawing Maths (20 + 5), Aptitude (50), Drawing (2) 77 questions (including drawing) 400 marks
Paper 2B (B.Planning) Maths, Aptitude, Planning Maths (20 + 5), Aptitude (50), Planning (25) 100 questions 400 marks
  • In MCQ / multiple-answer / numeric questions parts: +4 for correct, –1 for wrong.

  • For “numerical answer” type questions (in certain formats), negative marking may or may not be done (depends on specific rule in notification).

  • Unanswered / unattempted questions normally get 0 marks (no negative marking). APPLY NOW

4.4. Language & Medium

  • The test is available in 13 languages: English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Marathi, Malayalam, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu and Urdu.

  • Applicants select preferred language at the time of application (as available at exam center). APPLY NOW

4.5. Marking Scheme & Negative Marking

  • MCQs: +4 for right answer; –1 for wrong answer.

  • In some numerical / “fill in the blank” questions:
    +4 for correct, normally no negative marking (as has been in previous years) – but see 2026 rule.

  • No marks for not attempting or blank answers. APPLY NOW

Registration / Application Process

The application (registration) process is entirely online through the official portal (jeemain.nta.nic.in). Below is step-by-step process and document requirements (provisional, following past practice and likely pattern): APPLY NOW

5.1. Steps to Apply

  1. Visit official website: jeemain.nta.nic.inRegister profile / new registration: You will fill in basic details (name, email, mobile, password, etc.).Receive Application Number / Login credentials (save these carefully). APPLY NOW
  2. Login to fill in detailed application form:

  • Personal details (DOB, father’s / mother’s name, etc.)
  • Contact details, address
  • Qualifying exam details (Board, year, marks, subjects)
  • Choice of exam paper(s) (Paper 1, 2A / 2B as applicable)
  • Choice of exam cities (a few preferences)
  • Category details (Gen / OBC / SC / ST / PwD / EWS, etc.)
  • State of eligibility, etc. APPLY NOW

3. Upload scanned documents in prescribed format:

  • Recent passport-sized photo
  • Signature
  • Class 10th / 12th certificates or marksheet (if applicable)
  • Any other documents as per notification (category certificates, PwD, etc.) APPLY NOW
  1. Pay application fee (online through credit card / debit card / net banking / UPI / etc.).

  2. Review / preview form and submit final application.
  3. Print confirmation / copy of completed application form (with application number) for record purposes.
  4. Correction window (if available): Candidates can, within a narrow window, correct some fields (photo, address, category etc.). Only some fields might be. APPLY NOW

5.2. Application Fees (Tentative)

Fees differ by category, gender, sessions opted for, etc. According to sources:

Category / Gender One Session Two Sessions (if permissible)
General / OBC (male) ₹1,000 ₹2,000
General / OBC (female) ₹800 ₹1,600
SC / ST / PwD / Transgender ₹500 ₹1,000

(These are based on previous and current expectations; exact fee will be in 2026 information bulletin.) APPLY NOW

5.3. Documents / Specifications

  • Recent photograph (with name and date written on it, as per guidelines)

  • Signature

  • Class 10 / 12 certificate or mark sheet

  • Category certificate (if applicable)

  • PwD certificate (if applicable)

  • Identity proof (Aadhar card, PAN, etc.)

  • Ensure size, format, and resolution of uploaded images according to instructions. APPLY NOW

5.4. Correction Window

After the application closing date, NTA usually has a form correction / editing window, in which you can modify some details (not all). Typically, it is in December (for Session 1) and late February (for Session 2). APPLY NOW

Admit Card / Hall Ticket

The hall ticket (admit card) is a compulsory document to be brought to the exam center. The following are important details:

6.1. When & How to Download

  • The admit card usually comes out 3 days prior to the scheduled exam date.

  • To download:

    1. Visit the official website (jeemain.nta.nic.in)

    2. Click “JEE Main Admit Card 2026” link

    3. Log in using Application Number and Date of Birth / Password

    4. Admit card will appear

    5. Verify all details carefully, then download and print (preferably color print) APPLY NOW

6.2.What to Bring / Not to Bring

Carry the following to the test center:

  • Printed Admit Card

  • Valid photo ID proof (Aadhar, PAN card, Passport, Driving license, Voter ID, etc.)

  • Passport-size photograph (same as uploaded)

  • Any specific items permitted under rules (such as a ballpoint pen, etc.)

  • Mask, sanitizer, water bottle (if allowed)

  • Prohibited items (such as mobile phones, calculators, Bluetooth devices, study materials, etc.) must not be carried inside the test hall. APPLY NOW

If any discrepancy (spelling mistake, incorrect date, etc.) is found on your admit card, contact immediately the NTA or examination centre officials to get it corrected. APPLY NOW

Also keep in mind: prior to admit card publication, NTA can release an exam city / centre allotment slip (city intimation slip) which informs your exam city / center before the complete admit card. APPLY NOW

Top Engineering Institute

Here is a grouped list of colleges you can target after clearing JEE:

  1. Indian Institutes of Technology Bombay (IITs)
  2. Indian Institutes of Technology Delhi (IITs)
  3. Indian Institutes of Technology Madras(IITs)
  4. National Institutes of Technology Kurukshetra(NITs)
  5. National Institutes of Technology Delhi(NITs)
  6. Delhi Technological University (DTU), Delhi
  7. National Institutes of Technology Warangal(NITs)
  8. Indian Institutes of Information Technology Hyderabad (IIITs)
  9. Netaji Subhas University of Technology (NSUT), Delhi
  10. Indian Institutes of Information Technology Gwalior(IIITs)
  11. Puran Murti Campus, Delhi-NCR

(offers courses in CSE (AI & ML)Computer science & engineering , AME (aircraft maintenance engineering), Civil engineeringMechanical engineering, Electrical engineering, Electrnoic & communication engineering, Aeronautical engineering etc). APPLY NOW

When we discuss contemporary polytechnic education around Delhi, Puran Murti Campus  is one of the most well-known names. It is highly regarded for its quality education, skilled faculty, and state-of-the-art infrastructure.

Puran Murti Campus Highlights:

  • Location: Sonipat, Haryana Delhi NCR.
  • Affiliation & Approval: AICTE approved, Govt. of India.
  • Facilities: Smart classes, digital library, hostels, transport, mess, sports facilities, and high-tech laboratories.
  • Placement Cell: Firm connections with top players in IT, manufacturing, aviation, and automotive sectors.
  • Industrial Exposure: Industrial visits, workshops, and practical training of students on a regular basis.
  • Scholarships: Merit-based as well as category-based scholarships offered. APPLY NOW

Post the Exam: Answer Key, Result, Ranking & Cutoffs

7.1. Provisional Answer Key & Objections

  • Soon after the test, NTA will release a provisional answer key, along with the candidate’s response and question papers.

  • Candidates will be provided with a window to object / challenge any answer(s) (typically by paying a small fee per question objected).

  • Following examination, a final answer key will be released and results will be ready based on the same. APPLY NOW

7.2. Result / Scorecard

  • The result or scorecard is released a few days / a week from the date of the exam / after finalizing the answer key.

  • Subject-wise marks, total marks, percentile, rank, etc. are mentioned in the scorecard.

  • Aspirants can download their result from the JEE Main website using their login details. APPLY NOW

7.3. All India Ranks & Eligibility for JEE Advanced

  • According to the performance, the candidates will receive All India Ranks (AIR) in different categories.

  • Only candidates who cross cutoffs (both ranks and scores) will qualify to sit for JEE Advanced (for admission to IIT).

  • The percentiles / marks of cutoff are decided by NTA and are different for different categories every year.

  • And even for admission to the participating institutes (NITs, IIITs, etc.), institutes themselves can have some other cutoff requirements (state quota, categories, branch-wise cutoffs, etc.). APPLY NOW

7.4. Counselling / Seat Allocation

  • Post-results, the process of centralized counseling (for institutions joining through JOINT SEAT ALLOCATION) starts (e.g., JoSAA).

  • Seats are allocated considering rank, preference, reservation type, and seat availability across various colleges. APPLY NOW

Sample Timeline & Checklist (For Aspirants)

The timeline and checklist below have been prepared for the JEE Main 2026 aspirants:

Time Action Items
Oct – Nov 2025 Waiting for official notification Register once applications are open. Gather necessary documents (photos, ID, board marks).
Nov – Dec 2025 endenciesment application. Pay. Utilize correction window if necessary.
Dec 2025 – Jan 2026 Download admit card (3 days prior to exam). Reach exam center in time. Appear for Session 1 exam.
Feb 2026 Check provisional answer key. Raise objections, if any. Download results. Decide whether to appear for Session 2.
Feb – Mar 2026 Fill application (for Session 2, if separate), repeat registration.
April 2026 Session 2 exams, answer key, results, continue counseling/seat allotment.

Also:

  • Practice past years’ papers and conduct mock tests regularly.

  • Practice time management and correctness.

  • Revised formulas, concepts, difficult portions regularly.

  • Be mindful of weak areas and practice regularly. APPLY NOW

Final Words & Tips

  • Some details for JEE Main 2026 (dates, rules) are still pending, so check always from the official NTA JEE Main website/Information Bulletin whenever released.

  • Hundred percent bring with you all the relevant documents of your identity, certificates, and photographs well in advance of when registration gets underway.

  • Carefully enter proper information (particularly name, DOB, contact information) upon application as changes later on may be restricted.

  • Prepare a proper study plan in advance. Practice mocks and previous papers in simulated exam conditions.

  • Keep an ear out for any news or updates from JAB / NTA regarding policy shifts (e.g. new policies, eligibility) as we draw closer to 2026. APPLY NOW