How Many Students Will Appear in JEE Main 2026? Expected Candidates & Statistics

The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main is one of India’s most competitive engineering entrance exams. With JEE Main Session 1 currently underway, knowing the expected number of candidates helps aspirants gauge the level of competition and stay motivated during their exam preparation.

As per the official NTA cumulative data for Session 1 (21-24th January 2026), more than 10.36 lakh candidates appeared, reflecting a very high attendance rate of over 96%. When combined with expected registrations for Session 2, the total number of unique candidates for JEE Main 2026 is likely to cross 16 lakh.

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JEE Main 2026 Latest Official Update Session 1 (21-24th Jan 2026)

As per the National Testing Agency (NTA) update dated 24 January 2026, the cumulative statistics for JEE Main 2026 Session 1 (all shifts) are:

How Many Students Will Appear In JEE Main 2026?

Based on trends from 2024 and 2025, approximately 16–17 lakh students are expected to appear in JEE Main 2026. The number of students who actually appear is usually slightly lower than total registrations due to absenteeism.

The figures show a steady increase in the number of students appearing for JEE Mains each year. Attendance percentage indicates that not all registered candidates appear, which is why actual numbers are slightly lower than registrations.

JEE Main 2026 Total Applicants

Total applicants refers to unique candidates who registered for either the January or April session. If a student registers for both sessions, they are counted only once. This helps in understanding the actual competition level.

• Expected total applicants for JEE Main 2026: 16.8 lakh

• Some candidates may skip a session, leading to a slightly lower appeared count.

JEE Main Registration Statistics

Registration numbers are important because they give a forecast of competition and help NTA plan exam logistics. Below is the expected registration trend for JEE Main Registration 2026

JEE Main Previous Year Statistics

Looking at previous years helps predict 2026 trends. The number of appeared candidates is always slightly lower than registered candidates due to absenteeism.

• Attendance percentage shows the reliability of actual appeared numbers.

• 2025 is the strongest indicator for 2026.

JEE Main Comparative Table

The JEE Main Comparative Table have been compiled for the information of the students. They can have an idea of the level of the competition in the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE). It provides them with an approximate number of how many students will appear in JEE Main 2026. 

Year-on-year growth indicates a rising competition level. More students are preparing online and accessing better study material, which increases the number of aspirants every year.

Also Check:

• JEE Main 2026 Cutoff Prediction
• JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026
• JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2026
• JEE Main Form Correction 2026
• JEE Main 2026 Photo And Signature Guidelines

Factors Influencing the Number of Students Appearing in JEE Main 2026

Several factors impact how many students are expected to give JEE Mains 2026:

• Increase in seats and institutes eligible through JEE Main

• Growing awareness and online coaching availability

• Repeat candidates registering for multiple sessions

• Accessibility of exam centres across cities

• Changes in eligibility rules (if any)
  
  

Also Check: JEE Main Session 1 Exam Analysis 2026 

Also Check: JEE Main Session 1 Question Paper 2026

Also Check: JEE Main 2026 Question Paper – 21 January Shift 1 Analysis