Understanding JEE Main 2026 Session 2 and Its Registration Window
The Joint Entrance Examination Main, commonly known as JEE Main, serves as one of India's most critical national-level entrance exams for undergraduate engineering admissions. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), it opens doors to prestigious institutions like National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), and other Government Funded Technical Institutes (GFTIs). For the year 2026, the NTA has commenced registration for the April session, also referred to as Session 2, on February 1, 2026. Aspiring candidates can submit their applications exclusively through the official portal at jeemain.nta.nic.in until February 25, 2026, at 9:00 PM. This two-month window provides ample time for Class 12 students, droppers, and repeaters to prepare their documents and complete the process meticulously.
This session follows the January Session 1, allowing candidates to appear in both for the best score consideration in rankings. With over 12 lakh students typically registering annually, the competition is intense, making timely JEE Main 2026 April session registration crucial. The exam is computer-based, ensuring fairness and efficiency across 500+ centers in India and abroad.
Who Can Apply: Comprehensive Eligibility Criteria
To participate in JEE Main 2026, candidates must meet specific academic qualifications without any upper age limit, a policy change from earlier years to broaden access. Eligible applicants include those who passed their Class 12 or equivalent examination in 2024, 2025, or are appearing in 2026. The qualifying subjects must include Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) as compulsory, alongside at least two additional subjects depending on the board.
For B.E./B.Tech admissions via Paper 1, no minimum percentage is required to appear in the exam, but for actual seat allotment in NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs, candidates need at least 75% aggregate in Class 12 (65% for SC/ST categories) or top 20 percentile in their board. Paper 2A (B.Arch) demands 50% in PCM aggregate, while Paper 2B (B.Planning) requires Mathematics. There are no attempt limits beyond three consecutive years post-Class 12, but JEE Advanced eligibility caps at two attempts for top 2.5 lakh performers.
Indian nationals, NRIs, OCIs, PIOs, and foreign nationals are eligible, with reservations applying as per government norms: 15% SC, 7.5% ST, 27% OBC-NCL, 10% EWS, and 5% PwD horizontally. This inclusive framework ensures diverse representation in premier engineering colleges across India.
Step-by-Step Guide to Completing JEE Main 2026 Registration
Navigating the online application for JEE Main April session 2026 is straightforward if followed systematically. Begin by visiting jeemain.nta.nic.in and selecting the 'JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Registration' link. Create a new account using your application number, password, and security question, or log in if already registered for Session 1.
- Fill personal details: Name, father's name, mother's name, date of birth, gender, category, and nationality matching your Class 10 certificate.
- Enter academic details: Class 10 and 12 marks, board, and medium of instruction.
- Select exam preferences: Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech), Paper 2A (B.Arch), or Paper 2B (B.Planning), session language (13 options including English, Hindi), and up to four exam city choices.
- Upload scanned documents: Photograph (10-200 KB, JPG), signature (4-30 KB), Class 10 certificate, left thumb impression, and optional PwD certificate.
- Preview and submit the form, then proceed to fee payment via net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI.
- Download the confirmation page with application number for records.
A correction window will open post-deadline for limited edits, so double-check entries. This process typically takes 45-60 minutes.
Fee Structure: Category-Wise Breakdown for Session 2
The application fee for JEE Main 2026 is non-refundable and varies by category, gender, paper choice, and exam center location. Payments are online only, with a deadline of February 25, 2026, up to 11:50 PM. Here's the detailed structure for exams in India:
| Category | Gender | Paper 1 or Paper 2 (INR) | Paper 1 + Paper 2 (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| General / GEN-EWS / OBC-NCL | Male | 1,000 | 2,000 |
| General / GEN-EWS / OBC-NCL | Female | 800 | 1,600 |
| SC / ST / PwD | Male/Female | 500 | 1,000 |
| Transgender | - | 800/1,600 | - |
For foreign centers, fees are higher: USD 100/150 for single/both papers (General), USD 50/100 (SC/ST/PwD). EWS/OBC concessions apply similarly to General. Use SBI services for secure transactions.
Essential Documents for Smooth Application
- Photograph: Recent color photo (3.5x4.5 cm, 80% face coverage, white background, 10-200 KB JPG).
- Signature: Black/blue ink on white paper, 4-30 KB JPG.
- Class X Certificate: For name/DOB verification, PDF/JPG 100-500 KB.
- Left Thumb Impression: Female use right, 10-50 KB JPG (PwD exempt).
- Category Certificate: SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS valid formats, if applicable.
- PwD Certificate: Issued by competent authority.
- Passport/Citizenship: For foreign nationals/NRIs.
Prepare high-quality scans beforehand to avoid upload issues. NTA guidelines ensure privacy and security.
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
Complete Timeline of Important Dates
Staying ahead requires tracking these milestones:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Start | February 1, 2026 |
| Registration End | February 25, 2026 (9:00 PM) |
| Fee Payment Last Date | February 25, 2026 (11:50 PM) |
| Correction Window | Late February/Early March 2026 (tentative) |
| City Intimation Slip | March 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | 3-4 days before exam |
| Exam Dates | April 2-9, 2026 (tentative) |
| Answer Key | April 2026 |
| Results | Late April/Early May 2026 |
Exam Pattern: What to Expect in Papers 1, 2A, and 2B
JEE Main 2026 follows a computer-based format with Section A (MCQs) and B (Numerical Value). Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech): 90 questions (30/subject, attempt 25 in Sec B), 300 marks, 3 hours. Marking: +4 correct, -1 wrong (Sec A), no negative for Sec B.
Paper 2A (B.Arch): Mathematics 30, Aptitude 50 MCQs, Drawing 2 questions; 400 marks, 3 hours. Paper 2B (B.Planning): Mathematics 30, Aptitude 50, Planning 25; 400 marks.
| Paper | Subjects | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Phy/Chem/Math | 90 (75 attempt) | 300 | 3 hrs |
| Paper 2A | Math/Apt/Drawing | 82 | 400 | 3 hrs |
| Paper 2B | Math/Apt/Planning | 105 | 400 | 3 hrs |
Extra time for PwD. Practice with NTA mock tests.
Syllabus Highlights and Study Strategies
The JEE Main 2026 syllabus aligns with NCERT Class 11-12, reduced post-2024 with deletions like Communication Systems in Physics. Key Physics: Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Electrostatics; Chemistry: Organic, Physical, Inorganic; Math: Calculus, Algebra, Coordinate Geometry. Download from NTA website.
Focus on high-weightage: Vectors, 3D Geometry (20-25%). Use NCERT exemplars, previous papers. Coaching like Allen, FIITJEE popular in India.
Gateway to Premier Universities and Colleges
Top scorers (99+ percentile) secure seats in NIT Trichy (cutoff ~99.8), NIT Surathkal, MNIT Jaipur via JoSAA counseling. IIIT Hyderabad, BITS Pilani (separate exam) also value scores. Last year, ~2.5 lakh qualified for JEE Advanced, 11k to IITs. State universities like DTU, NSIT use JEE Main ranks.
In 2025, 12.57 lakh appeared Session 1; 99.99 percentile ~350+ marks. Admissions impact higher education landscape, with 40k+ seats in NITs/IIITs/GFTIs. Explore opportunities at university jobs post-graduation.
JoSAA portal for counseling details.Actionable Preparation Tips and Common Pitfalls
- Daily 10-12 hrs study: 4 hrs theory, 4 practice, 2 revision, 2 mocks.
- Prioritize weak areas using error logs.
- Mock tests weekly; analyze time per question (<2 min).
- Health: Sleep 7 hrs, exercise; avoid burnout common in Indian aspirants.
- Avoid: Last-minute registration rush, wrong photo uploads (reject 5-10%).
For career planning, visit higher ed career advice and higher ed jobs. Link Class 12 strong performance for admissions.
Post-Exam Process: Results to Seat Allotment
Results in late April declare NTA scores/percentiles (best of two sessions). Top 2.5 lakh eligible for JEE Advanced (May/June). JoSAA rounds (6) allocate seats based on ranks, choices. CSAB for vacant seats, state counselings follow. Track via NTA app.
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