JEE Main 2026: Exam Dates, Registration, Syllabus, Eligibility, Pattern & Counselling
Job Description
JEE Main 2026 Session 1 (Jan 21-30) & Session 2 (Apr 2-9) exam dates out at jeemain.nta.nic.in. Check complete schedule, application form (Nov 2025 start), eligibility (Class 12th 75%), syllabus (reduced), pattern (Paper 1: 90Q, 300 marks), cutoff, rank predictor, JoSAA counselling for NITs/IIITs.
JEE Main 2026: Complete Exam Guide (Session 1: Jan 21-30, Session 2: Apr 2-9)
NTA JEE Main 2026 dates announced for B.E./B.Tech, B.Arch, B.Planning admissions to NITs, IIITs, GFTIs. Check registration, eligibility, reduced syllabus, pattern changes & JoSAA counselling.
Table of Contents
JEE Main 2026 Complete Overview
Joint Entrance Examination (Main) 2026 conducted by NTA in two sessions for admission to 31 NITs, 26 IIITs, 38 GFTIs + 1500+ state/private engineering colleges + B.Arch/B.Planning courses.
12.5 lakh+ candidates expected; top 2.5 lakh qualify for JEE Advanced 2026 (IITs). Best of two sessions scores considered for ranking.
JEE Main 2026 Complete Schedule
| Event | Session 1 | Session 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Start | Nov 2025 (1st week) | Feb 2026 (2nd week) |
| Registration Last Date | Dec 2025 | Mar 2026 |
| Exam Dates | Jan 22-30, 2026 | Apr 2-9, 2026 |
| Answer Key | Feb 1st week | Apr 3rd week |
| Result | Feb 15-20, 2026 | May 1st week, 2026 |
| Final Rank List | May/June 2026 | |
JEE Main 2026 Detailed Eligibility
Academic Qualification
- Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech): Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics in Class 12th
- Paper 2A (B.Arch): PCM + Mathematics (50% aggregate)
- Paper 2B (B.Planning): Mathematics compulsory
- Minimum 75% in Class 12th (65% SC/ST) for NITs/IIITs/GFTIs
Age Limit & Attempts
- No age limit (born on/after Oct 1, 2001 for Gen)
- 3 consecutive years (6 attempts max – 2 sessions/year)
Paper-wise Exam Pattern & Syllabus (2026 Changes)
| Paper | Mode | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) | CBT | 90 (30 each sub.) | 300 | 3 hrs |
| Paper 2A (B.Arch) | CBT + Pen-Paper | 77 + Drawing | 400 | 3 hrs 15 min |
| Paper 2B (B.Planning) | CBT | 100 | 400 | 3 hrs 15 min |
Marking Scheme (Paper 1)
- Section A: 20 MCQs (+4, -1)
- Section B: 10 Numerical (+4, -1, attempt any 5)
- Reduced syllabus: Removed topics announced
JEE Main 2026 Application Process
- Visit jeemain.nta.nic.in → New Registration
- Fill details, create application number & password
- Upload photo (10-200KB), signature (4-30KB), Class 10th/12th certificates
- Fee: ₹1000 (Boys), ₹800 (Girls/SC/ST/Gen-Female), ₹1400 (SC/ST/PwD Boys)
- Choose exam cities (4 choices), papers, language (22 languages available)
- Pay fee, download confirmation page
Admission Process, Cutoffs & Counselling
JoSAA Counselling (NITs/IIITs/GFTIs)
- 6 Rounds + CSAB Special/SPOT rounds
- Choice filling based on CRL/Category rank
- Seat acceptance: Float/Slide/Freeze
Expected Cutoffs 2026 (CRL Percentile)
| Category | Top NITs (CSE) | IIITs | GFTIs |
|---|---|---|---|
| General | 99.5+ %ile | 98-99 %ile | 95-98 %ile |
| OBC-NCL | 98-99 %ile | 96-98 %ile | 92-96 %ile |
| SC/ST | 85-92 %ile | 80-88 %ile | 75-85 %ile |
JEE Main 2026 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I appear in both sessions?
Yes, best of two sessions scores considered for final rank.
2. Is Class 12th marks considered in ranking?
No, only JEE Main percentile used for ranking; 75% required for NITs admission.
3. How many JEE Advanced attempts allowed?
Top 2.5 lakh JEE Main candidates qualify; 2 attempts max for JEE Advanced.
4. What if I miss Session 1?
Appear in Session 2 only; single session score considered.
5. When does JoSAA counselling start?
June 2026 after Session 2 results (5-6 weeks duration).
