JEE Main 2026, Exam Dates, Syllabus, Registration, Pattern

JEE Main 2026: JEE Main 2026 will be conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to leading engineering colleges such as NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs. Students aspiring to get into IITs must first qualify JEE Main and then appear for JEE Advanced. The exam is expected to be held twiceJEE Main 2026 Session 1 in January and JEE Main 2026 Session 2 in April. Candidates who have passed 10+2 from a recognized board are eligible to apply. The official notification with application details, syllabus, and exam pattern will be available at jeemain.nta.nic.in. Stay tuned to this page for the latest updates on JEE Main 2026 syllabus, paper pattern, and preparation tips to excel in this computer-based test.

What is JEE Main 2026? 

JEE Main 2026 is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the NTA for admission to undergraduate engineering and architecture programs. There are two papers: Paper 1 is for engineering admissions, and Paper 2 is for architecture admissions.

JEE Main 2026 Eligibility Criteria

To apply for JEE Main 2026, candidates must fulfill the following eligibility requirements:

• Educational Qualification: Candidates should have successfully completed Class 12 or an equivalent examination from a recognized board or institution.

• Year of Passing: Those who passed Class 12 in 2024, are appearing in 2025, or are expected to appear in 2026 are eligible.

• Subjects Required: For B.E/B.Tech courses, candidates must have studied Mathematics and Physics, along with Chemistry, Biology, or a Technical Vocational Subject. For B.Arch, Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry are mandatory. For B.Plan, Mathematics is compulsory.

• Minimum Marks: General category candidates must have scored at least 75% or be among the top 20 percentile in their board exams. SC/ST candidates must have secured a minimum of 65%.

• Age Limit: No age limit applies for candidates taking JEE Main 2026.

• Number of Attempts: Candidates can appear for the exam for up to three consecutive years after passing Class 12.

JEE Main 2026 Application Form

The National Testing Agency (NTA) will open the JEE Main application form on its official website. Eligible candidates can register by completing the online application process, which involves several key steps:

1. Registration : Enter accurate personal details to create an account.

2. Application Form: Fill in personal information, educational background, select the preferred exam center, and choose the exam session.

3. Upload Documents: Submit scanned copies of your photograph, signature, address proof, category certificate, and PwD certificate as applicable.

JEE Main 2026 Correction Window

After the application process ends, the National Testing Agency (NTA) will provide a limited-time correction window for JEE Main 2026 applicants to make necessary edits. During this time, candidates will be allowed to edit specific details in their submitted application form, such as personal information, academic details, and exam city preferences. It is a one-time facility, and no further changes will be allowed after the deadline. Candidates are advised to carefully review their application and make necessary corrections within the given time frame by logging in at jeemain.nta.nic.in using their application number and password.

JEE Main 2026 Exam Date

The JEE Main 2026 exam schedule will be released by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on its official portal – jeemain.nta.ac.in. Candidates will be able to check the schedule for key events such as registration, admit card, exam date, result, and more. JEE Main 2026 will be held in two phases—one in January and the other in April. The dates for both sessions will be announced separately. Keep checking this page regularly for the latest updates on JEE Main 2026.

JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern

JEE Main 2026 exam pattern provides a detailed overview of the question paper format. Candidates can check the official exam pattern to understand the mode of the exam, question types, marking scheme, total number of questions, language options, and other important details. The exam paper is split into two sections: Section A includes 20 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), while Section B has 10 Numerical Value Questions. Incorrect answers in Section A will result in negative marking.

JEE Main 2026 Syllabus

The syllabus for JEE Main 2026 includes important topics from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics of NCERT Class 11 and 12. The National Testing Agency (NTA) will release the official syllabus in November 2025. Until then, students can refer to the previous year's syllabus for their preparation.

JEE Main Mock Test

JEE Main 2026 mock tests will be taken in the Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode, just like the real test conducted by the NTA. Candidates will have to sit in front of their respective computer terminals allotted to them based on their Roll Number and Admit Card. They will be given proper instructions after logging in to the mock test. At the designated start time, test-takers may start the test and see questions displayed on the screen with the help of a mouse. While taking the mock test, test-takers will be able to scroll through questions and can alter or update their answers at any time within the specified time frame. These mock tests are made available to assist students in getting accustomed to the exam interface and enhancing their ability to manage their time effectively.

JEE Main 2026 Preparation Tips

Candidates who are preparing for JEE Main 2026 exam must follow the below proportion tips to secure good marks in the examination.

• Understand the Syllabus : Candidates should start by thoroughly reviewing the JEE Main syllabus. This includes all the topics in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Understanding the syllabus will help them identify key areas to focus on and ensure they cover all necessary content.

• Create a Study Schedule : It's important for candidates to develop a study timetable that breaks down their preparation into manageable sections. They should allocate specific time blocks for each subject and topic, ensuring a balanced approach. Sticking to this schedule helps maintain discipline and track progress.

• Use the Right Books : Candidates should select study materials that are specifically designed for JEE Main preparation. Recommended textbooks and reference books should cover the syllabus in detail and include clear explanations, examples, and practice problems. 

• Practice Regularly : Consistent practice is key to mastering the subjects. Candidates should solve a variety of problems daily, focusing on both easy and challenging questions. Working through previous years’ question papers will help them understand the exam format and the types of questions that are commonly asked.

• Take Mock Tests : Candidates should incorporate regular mock tests into their study routine. These tests should be taken under exam-like conditions to help them manage time effectively. Analyzing the results of these tests can help identify strengths and weaknesses, allowing candidates to adjust their study strategies accordingly.

• Focus on Concepts : Instead of rote memorization, candidates should strive to understand the underlying concepts in each subject. This deeper understanding will enable them to tackle complex problems and apply their knowledge in different scenarios. Techniques like drawing diagrams or using real-life examples can help clarify difficult concepts.

• Revise Frequently : An effective JEE Main 2026 revision plan helps reinforce learning and improve retention. Candidates should set regular weekly review sessions using tools like flashcards, summaries, and mind maps.Regular revision helps deepen understanding and boosts confidence for the exam.

• Stay Healthy : A sound mind lives within a healthy body. Candidates should prioritize their physical well-being by eating nutritious meals, staying hydrated, exercising regularly, and getting adequate sleep. Taking care of their health can significantly enhance focus and retention.

• Join Study Groups : Collaborating with peers through IIT JEE Main online coaching or study groups can boost motivation and enhance learning. Candidates can discuss topics, share resources, and solve problems together. Teaching others also helps reinforce their own understanding.

• Stay Positive and Motivated : Maintaining a positive attitude is crucial during JEE Main 2026 preparation. Candidates should set realistic goals and celebrate small wins to stay motivated. Using a JEE Main 2026 test series and having support from friends and family can boost confidence and reduce stress.

JEE Main Question Paper

Candidates preparing for JEE Main 2026 are strongly advised to solve JEE Main previous year papers as part of their preparation. Practicing these papers helps students understand the exam’s difficulty level, marks distribution, and topic-wise weightage. It also allows candidates to evaluate their performance and improve time management skills. The National Testing Agency (NTA) will upload the official question papers for JEE Main 2026 on its website.

JEE Main Answer Key

Candidates preparing for JEE Main 2026 can refer to the JEE Main 2025 answer key to understand the type of questions asked and evaluate their preparation level.The official answer key for JEE Main 2025 is accessible online, allowing students to estimate their scores by matching their answers with the correct ones. This practice helps candidates understand the exam format better and enhances their accuracy for the JEE Main 2026 exam.

JEE Main Percentile vs Marks

JEE Main percentile vs marks is an important concept to understand for better exam preparation. The percentile score reflects the relative performance of a candidate compared to others in the same session, not the absolute marks scored. Higher marks generally correspond to a higher percentile, but the exact percentile for a given score can vary each year based on exam difficulty and overall performance. Candidates should focus on maximizing their marks, as the percentile determines their rank and eligibility for counselling and admission.

JEE Main 2025 Cutoff Marks

JEE Main cutoff marks represent the minimum scores candidates must achieve to qualify for admission into premier engineering institutes like NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs. The National Testing Agency has been released  cutoff marks together with the JEE Main results. These cutoffs vary annually depending on factors such as the number of applicants, exam difficulty, and available seats.

There are two main types of cutoffs:

• Qualifying Cutoff: The minimum score needed to become eligible for the JEE Advanced exam.

• Admission Cutoff: The minimum score required for admission to specific institutes and courses through JoSAA counselling.

Candidates must meet both the cutoff criteria based on their category and the specific institute to secure admission.

JEE Main 2025 Expected Cutoff for NITs

The anticipated JEE Main 2025 cutoff for NITs differs across various categories. For General candidates, it’s around 93–100 percentile (160–200 marks). OBC-NCL cutoffs are about 85–92 percentile, SC around 70–80 percentile, and ST near 51–60 percentile. Top NITs like NIT Trichy and NIT Warangal have higher cutoffs, especially for CSE. Official cutoffs will be released by NTA after exams. Stay updated at jeemain.nta.nic.in.

JEE Main Admit Card

The National Testing Agency (NTA) will release the JEE Main 2026 admit card for each session on the official website jeemain.nta.nic.in. Candidates will be able to download their admit card using their application number and password once it becomes available. The admit card is a mandatory document for appearing in the exam and contains important details like exam date, shift timing, exam centre, and candidate information. Follow the steps below to download the JEE Main 2026 admit card (once released).

• Visit the official JEE Main 2026 website at jeemain.nta.nic.in.

• On the homepage, find and select the “JEE Main Admit Card 2026” link.

• You will be taken to the login page—enter your application number and date of birth (or password) to log in.

• Once you log in, your admit card will be shown on the screen. Check all the details thoroughly.

• Save the admit card and print a copy for exam day.

JEE Main Counselling Process

JEE Main counselling process is conducted by JoSAA (Joint Seat Allocation Authority) to allocate seats in NITs, IIITs, and other participating institutes. After the JEE Main results are declared, qualified candidates must register for counselling, fill in their choices of courses and colleges, and lock their preferences. Seat allocation is done based on rank, category, and availability of seats in multiple rounds. Applicants are required to complete the document verification process and submit the admission fee to finalize their seat allotment. It is important to regularly check official notifications and follow all counselling deadlines carefully.

JEE Main 2026 NTA Notification

The National Testing Agency (NTA) will release the official JEE Main 2026 notification on its website jeemain.nta.nic.in. Candidates will be able to download the JEE Main 2026 Notification PDF to get complete details regarding the exam schedule, eligibility criteria, application process, exam pattern, and more. The notification will also specify the exam dates for both Session 1 and Session 2 of JEE Main 2026. Once released, candidates are advised to read the official notification carefully to stay updated with all the important information related to JEE Main 2026.