JEE Main 2026 Session 1 & 2: Application and Exam Dates Overview
The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026 is a crucial entrance exam for admission to undergraduate engineering and architecture programs at NITs, IIITs, CFTIs, and other participating institutions across India. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), JEE Main is held in two sessions annually. Session 1 for 2026 has already concluded, and the application window for Session 2 is now closed. Candidates who appeared or are planning to appear for JEE Main should be aware of the important dates and eligibility criteria.
Important Dates for JEE Main 2026
| Event | Date(s) | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Session 1 Application Start | October 31, 2025 | Expired |
| Session 1 Application End | November 27, 2025 | Expired |
| Session 1 Fee Payment Last Date | November 27, 2025 | Expired |
| Session 1 City Intimation Slip Release | January 8, 2026 | Expired |
| Session 1 Paper 1 (BE/B.Tech) Exam Dates | January 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 2026 | Expired |
| Session 1 Paper 2A (B.Arch) & 2B (B.Planning) Exam Date | January 29, 2026 | Expired |
| Session 2 Application Start | February 1, 2026 | Expired |
| Session 2 Application End | February 25, 2026 (up to 09:00 P.M.) | Expired |
| Session 2 Fee Payment Last Date | February 25, 2026 (up to 11:50 P.M.) | Expired |
| Session 2 Reopened Registration Window | March 12 to 13, 2026 | Expired |
| Session 2 City Intimation Slip Release | March 21, 2026 | Expired |
| Session 2 Admit Card Release (for April 2 & 4 exams) | March 29, 2026 | Expired |
| Session 2 Paper 1 (BE/B.Tech) Exam Dates | April 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 2026 | Expired |
| Session 2 Paper 2 (B.Arch/B.Planning) Exam Date | April 7, 2026 | Expired |
Eligibility Criteria for JEE Main 2026
- Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed their Class 12 or equivalent examination in 2024, 2025, or be appearing for it in 2026.
- Age Limit: There is no upper age limit for appearing in the JEE Main exam.
- Attempts: Candidates can attempt the JEE Main for three consecutive years.
- Minimum Marks for NITs, IIITs, CFTIs: Generally, candidates need to secure at least 75% marks in their Class 12 board exams or be in the top 20 percentile of their respective board. For SC/ST candidates, the minimum is 65% marks.
- Minimum Marks for B. Arch/B. Planning: Candidates should have passed a 10+2 or equivalent exam with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks.
Documents Required for Application and Exam
During Application:
- Recent passport-size photograph (color, light/white background, JPG/JPEG, 10 KB to 300 KB).
- Candidate's signature (on white paper with black pen, JPG/JPEG, 10 KB to 50 KB).
- Class 10 Marksheet (scanned PDF, 10 KB to 300 KB).
- Valid Photo ID Proof (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, Voter ID, Driving License, Bank Passbook with photograph, or valid School ID).
- Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS, if applicable, PDF up to 300 KB).
- PwD certificate (if applicable, PDF up to 300 KB).
- UDID card (for PwD candidates, if applicable).
- Domicile certificate (if applicable for state-wise quota or benefits).
- Photo Verification Certificate (attested by school principal or gazetted officer for non-Aadhaar/DigiLocker registrations).
To Carry to the Exam Center:
- Printed Admit Card.
- Original ID Proof (same as used in application).
- 2 extra passport-size photographs (same as uploaded).
- Transparent water bottle.
- Transparent ballpoint pens.
How to Apply for JEE Main 2026
The application process for JEE Main is entirely online. Follow these steps to apply:
- Visit the official NTA JEE Main website: jeemain.nta.nic.in.
- Click on the