JEE Main 2026 Exam Dates Released: Schedule, Pattern, and Registration Details
NTA has announced JEE Main 2026 exam dates for both sessions. Session 1 will be held from 21-30 January 2026, while Session 2 is scheduled for 1-10 April 2026.
AC Team
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the official schedule for JEE Main 2026. Students preparing for this national level engineering entrance exam now have clarity about when they will sit for the test. The agency has also started issuing city intimation slips to registered candidates.
If you are planning to appear for JEE Main 2026, here is everything you need to know about the exam dates, pattern, registration process, and preparation strategy.
What is JEE Main?
JEE Main (Joint Entrance Examination - Main) is a national level entrance exam for admission to engineering colleges across India. The National Testing Agency conducts this exam for students seeking admission to B.Tech and B.E. programmes. Students who score well in JEE Main become eligible to appear for JEE Advanced 2026, which opens doors to the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).
JEE Main 2026 Exam Dates
The exam will be conducted in two separate sessions:
- Session 1: 21-30 January 2026
- Session 2: 1-10 April 2026
Students can appear for both sessions. If you take the exam twice, you get a chance to improve your scores. NTA will consider your best performance for final ranking.
Who Can Apply?
Students who have passed Class 12 or are appearing for the exam in 2024, 2025, or 2026 can apply for JEE Main. There is no upper age limit for appearing in the exam. However, you can attempt JEE Main only for three consecutive years.
Exam Pattern You Should Know
The exam is conducted online as a Computer Based Test (CBT). Here are the key details:
- Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics
- Total Questions: 90 (30 questions from each subject)
- Question Type: Multiple choice questions
- Duration: 3 hours
- Marking Scheme: +4 marks for each correct answer, -1 mark for each wrong answer
The cutoff changes every year based on difficulty level and number of candidates. Generally, students need to score above 90 percentile to secure admission in good engineering colleges.
Registration and Fees
The registration process has specific dates you need to mark on your calendar:
- Registration Opens: 31 October 2025
- Last Date to Apply: 27 November 2025
- Correction Window: 1-2 December 2025
The application fee structure is as follows:
- General and OBC candidates: ₹650
- SC, ST, and PwD candidates: ₹325
Make sure you fill your form carefully. You will get only two days to make corrections after the application window closes.
How to Download City Intimation Slip
NTA has started releasing city intimation slips for registered candidates. This slip tells you the city where your exam centre will be located. To download your slip:
- Visit the official JEE Main website
- Log in using your application number and password
- Download and save the city intimation slip
- Check the city name carefully
Your actual admit card with the exact exam centre address will be released a few days before the exam.
Preparation Strategy That Works
With exam dates now confirmed, you need a solid preparation plan. Here are practical tips that can help:
Cover the Complete Syllabus
Focus on the entire Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics syllabus from Class 12 CBSE or your state board. Every topic is important. Do not skip any chapter thinking it might not appear in the exam.
Practice Mock Tests
NTA releases official mock tests before each session. Take these tests seriously. They help you understand the exam interface and question pattern. Mock tests also improve your time management skills.
Give Equal Time to All Subjects
Many students make the mistake of focusing only on their strong subjects. This strategy does not work well. You need good scores in all three subjects to get a decent percentile.
Solve Previous Year Papers
Past question papers show you the type of questions NTA asks. They help you identify important topics and understand difficulty levels. Try to solve at least five years of previous papers.
Keep Time for Revision
Set aside 2-3 hours daily just for revision. Going through concepts you have already studied helps retain information better. Make short notes for quick revision during the last week before the exam.
What Happens After JEE Main?
Based on your JEE Main score, you become eligible for:
- Admission to National Institutes of Technology (NITs)
- Admission to Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs)
- Admission to Government Funded Technical Institutes (GFTIs)
- Eligibility to appear for JEE Advanced (for IIT admissions)
Top performers in JEE Main can appear for JEE Advanced, which is the gateway to IITs.
Stay Updated
Keep checking the official NTA website regularly for updates. The agency releases important notices about exam schedule changes, admit cards, and results on this portal. Save the official website link and check it at least once a week.
You can also register your mobile number and email during application. NTA sends important updates through SMS and email to registered candidates.
With the exam schedule now clear, you have enough time to prepare well. Focus on understanding concepts rather than just memorizing formulas. Practice regularly, take care of your health, and stay confident. Good preparation today will open doors to excellent engineering colleges tomorrow.
