JEE Main 2026: Exam Dates, Registration, Syllabus, Pattern, Eligibility & Preparation Guide

[In Summary: Get the latest updates on JEE Main 2026 exam dates, registration, syllabus, pattern, eligibility, preparation tips, cutoff and counselling details to plan effectively and boost your engineering admission chances.]

If you are an engineering aspirant, preparing for JEE Main 2026 marks as a significant phase. As we know, the National Testing Agency has already closed the application submission for JEE Main 2026 Session 1 on 27 November 2025. The focus has now shifted from submission to revision, mock tests as well as strategic preparation.

The JEE Main 2026 session 1 exam is scheduled between 21-30 January 2026 and you can check the official website https://jeemain.nta.nic.in/ for more information. Also, the JEE Main 2026 session 2 will take place between 01-10 April 2026 and online application submission will likely begin from the last week of January 2026.

Want to secure a seat in top engineering institutions? It’s important to know that NTA has already released the latest syllabus, exam pattern as well as official guidelines. This will help you to prepare effectively and avoid last-minute errors.

Let’s get to know everything to stay fully prepared for the JEE Main 2026 exam in this blog!

What is the Date of JEE Mains Exam 2026?

Here is the JEE Main 2026 exam schedule you can use for preparation planning-

Latest Changes in JEE Mains 2026 Exam      

The major change this year is that NTA has completely changed the registration process. It released a public notice with advisory and instructions on the documents required for NTA JEE Main 2026 registration on its official website. Candidates need to update their required documents before the JEE Main 2026 registration process-

• Aadhar Card
• UDID Card (Upon Disability)
• Category Certificate

Aspirants also need to authenticate their identities using Aadhar or DigiLocker in the registration process.

JEE Main 2026 Application Process

You have to follow this process carefully while filling out the JEE Main 2026 application form online-

Step 1- Registration

Create your new account on the official NTA JEE website, generate an application number and set a secure password.

Step 2- Fill Personal & Academic Details

Enter your correct personal information, contact details, academic scores as well as preferred exam cities. Also, upload a recent passport photo, signature and required certificates.

Step 3- Pay the Application Fee

Pay your application fee online via UPI / Net Banking / Debit or Credit Card.

Step 4- Download Confirmation Page

Lastly, save and print the confirmation page for future use. If payment fails and the amount is deducted, wait 24 hours for automatic refund.

JEE Main 2026 Registration Documents Required

• Aadhaar / valid ID proof
• PwD UDID certificate (for eligible candidates)
• Category certificate (if applicable)
• Class 10 and 12 details
• Passport photo and signature

Important Advisory

• Keep Aadhaar details updated
• Upload documents using correct format and size
• Double check spelling of names, DOB and category details

JEE Main 2026 Application Fee

Here is the fee breakdown category and gender wise-

Who is Eligible for JEE Mains 2026?

Before applying, you have to match the JEE Main 2026 eligibility criteria-

• Educational Qualification- You must have passed 10+2 from a recognised board.
• Minimum Marks- No minimum marks are required for JEE Main.
• Nationality- Candidates must be Indian citizens. Foreign nationals, NRIs, PIOs and OCIs can also apply.
• Age Limit- There is no age limit for appearing in JEE Main.
• Number of Attempts- You can appear for three consecutive years from the year you pass 12th class.

Overview of JEE Main 2026 Exam Schedule

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially released the exam pattern for all three papers- Paper 1, Paper 2A, and Paper 2B.

Additional Details

• The duration of each exam is 3 hours
• -1 for negative marking at every wrong answer
• +4 for every correct answer
• Multiple-choice questions

JEE Main 2026 Syllabus Released- Check Subjects Paper-Wise

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the official syllabus for JEE Main exam for all three papers. Mainly, the syllabus is based on Class 11 and 12 NCERT topics, so students can prepare from their textbook to gain a strong foundation.

What is the Syllabus of JEE Mains Paper 1?

What is the Syllabus of Paper 2A?

JEE Main 2026 Paper 2B Syllabus (B.Planning)

How Should I Prepare for JEE 2026?

Here are the JEE Main 2026 exam preparation tips for you to prepare-

• Understand the exam syllabus and pattern to focus on the weightage topics
• Prepare a structured study plan and follow it consistently
• Try to solve mock tests and previous year question papers regularly
• Focus on understanding core concepts instead of memorising formulas or facts
• Utilise NCERT books as your main resource and with reference materials
• Frequently revise topics to make your preparation strong
• Try to join study groups for discussion of various topics and learning from peers
• Connect with your teachers or mentors for help
• Most importantly, stay confident, positive as well as motivated

JEE Main 2026 Answer Key

The NTA will release the answer key within 2-3 days after the exam concludes on its official website. Candidates can challenge any discrepancies that occurred in the provision of the answer key by paying a ₹200 fee per question within the specified window. NTA will release the final answer key that helps you calculate the JEE Main result and scores.

How to Download Answer Key JEE Main?

1. Visit the official website- www.jeemain.nta.nic.in
2. Go to the ‘JEE Main 2026 Answer Key’ link
3. Use your application number and password/date of birth to log in
4. Check the answer key, response sheet as well as question paper
5. Download and print the PDF for your reference

How to Check JEE Main Result 2026?

You can follow the steps to check the JEE Main result-

• Visit the official website- jeemain.nta.nic.in
• Click on the JEE Main Result 2026 link
• Use the application number and password/date of birth to log in
• View and download your scorecard
• Take a printout for your reference

JEE Main 2026 Cutoff- Expected Percentiles

Also Read - JEE Main Marks Vs Percentile Vs Rank

JEE Main Counselling 2026

The Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) will conduct counselling sessions for admission to top institutions.

Also Read - What after JEE Main

Conclusion

JEE Main 2026 offers an amazing opportunity for students who want to pursue engineering as well as technology programmes at the best institutions. With the right information and a solid preparation plan, you can perform confidently and secure a strong rank. This is the time to start early, revise consistently and test yourself regularly.

Also, stay updated with official announcements, keep your documents ready and build a realistic study plan. If you’re serious about building an engineering career, it is the perfect time to begin.