JEE Main 2026 – Latest Updates, Important Dates
Table of Contents
- 1. Overview of JEE Main 2026
- 2. Important Dates at a Glance
- 3. Registration Process & Fee
- 4. Exam Centres & City Intimation Slip
- 5. Admit Card (Hall Ticket) & What to Check
- 6. Exam Dates: Session 1 & Session 2
- 7. Results, Answer Key & Cut-Offs
- 8. Key Changes in JEE Main 2026 to Note
- 9. Preparation Tips & Strategy
- 10. Conclusion
1. Overview of JEE Main 2026
The JEE Main (Joint Entrance Examination Main) 2026, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), is the national-level entrance test for admission to undergraduate engineering (B.E./B.Tech), architecture (B.Arch) and planning (B.Planning) programmes in India. It also serves as the eligibility test for JEE Advanced for those aspiring for IITs.
For 2026, the exam will be held in **two sessions** – one in January and another in April. This gives candidates an opportunity to appear twice and improve their scores.
2. Important Dates at a Glance
Here is a table summarising the major dates (tentative/finalised) you need to keep in mind for JEE Main 2026:
| Event | Session 1 (Jan 2026) | Session 2 (Apr 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Start | ~ Last week of Oct / 31 Oct 2025 | ~ Last week of Jan / First week Feb 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | ~ 27 Nov 2025 | ~ 1st week of March 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | 3-4 days before exam (~ 3rd week Jan) | 3-4 days before exam (~ Late March) |
| Exam Dates | 21 Jan – 30 Jan 2026 | 1 Apr – 10 Apr 2026 |
| Result Declaration | 2nd week Feb 2026 (approx) | 4th week Apr / early May 2026 (approx) |
Note: While many dates above are “tentative” they have been repeatedly referenced by multiple reliable sources. Always verify with the official website – jeemain.nta.nic.in before proceeding.
3. Registration Process & Fee
The registration for JEE Main 2026 is completely online via the official portal of NTA. Key points:
- Candidates must register on time, fill in application form, upload photograph/signature, pay the required fee.
- During registration, candidates will choose up to **four exam cities** as preferences.
- The application fee varies depending on category and number of papers opted for. For example, earlier reports mention fees in the range of ₹500 to ₹5,000 for different categories.
- Important: Update Aadhaar, category certificates (SC/ST/OBC/EWS), UDID (for PwD) well before registration as per NTA’s advice.
4. Exam Centres & City Intimation Slip
For 2026, NTA has increased the number of test cities/exam centres to improve accessibility and reduce travel burden.
About the city intimation slip (which precedes the admit card), you should note:
- The city intimation slip tells you which city your exam centre is allotted in (not the exact centre) and the date/shift of your exam.
- For Session 1, it is expected to be released around 2nd week of January 2026.
- After you get the slip, plan your travel to the exam city in advance to avoid last-minute hassles.
5. Admit Card (Hall Ticket) & What to Check
Your admit card/hall ticket is the entry-pass to the exam hall. For JEE Main 2026:
- Download admit card from the official portal using your application number and date of birth.
- Check the following details carefully:
- Your name, photograph, and signature
- Carry a **printout** of the admit card along with a valid photo ID (like Aadhar, PAN, Passport) on the day of the exam.
6. Exam Dates: Session 1 & Session 2
As announced, JEE Main 2026 will run in two sessions:
- Session 1: 21 January 2026 to 30 January 2026.
- Session 2: 1 April 2026 to 10 April 2026.
In each session, the exam will be computer-based test (CBT) mode for most papers. For B.Arch (Paper 2A) drawing section may be pen-and-paper mode/other arrangements.
7. Results, Answer Key & Cut-Offs
Once the exam is done, the next steps are:
- The provisional answer key will be published by NTA after the exam session. Candidates may raise objections (typically with a fee per question) within the stipulated time.
- The final answer key and the result (which includes the NTA score, percentile and All India Rank) will be declared.
- The cut-off (qualifying percentile) for appearing in JEE Advanced and for admission purposes will also be published.
Important to remember: If you appear in both sessions, the best of your two scores is considered for rank/all-India placement.
8. Key Changes in JEE Main 2026 to Note
There are several updates this year that aspirants must be aware of:
- Number of exam centres/cities has been increased to accommodate more candidates and improve access.
- No major change in exam pattern for most papers; however specific details will be in the information bulletin.
- Introduction of Aadhaar auto-fetch/verification, and renewed emphasis on certificate/document validity (category, UDID for PwD).
9. Preparation Tips & Strategy
Appearing for JEE Main 2026 is a highly competitive endeavour. Here are some actionable tips:
- Plan early: With registration beginning soon, ensure your documents (Aadhaar, category certificate, signature/photo) are ready.
- Cover the syllabus fully: Ensure your Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry coverage is complete – revision and practice are crucial.
- Mock tests & previous year papers: Simulate exam conditions, especially for two sessions; analyze mistakes and improve.
- Time-management & accuracy: Focus on solving problems correctly rather than just speed; negative marking applies for wrong answers.
- Use both sessions advantageously: If you take both January and April sessions, you have two chances – use the first to identify weak spots and the second to improve.
- Stay updated: Regularly check the official website (jeemain.nta.nic.in) for any updates, changes in schedule or pattern.
10. Conclusion
The JEE Main 2026 examination is a pivotal milestone for engineering aspirants across India. With two sessions, improved access via more centres, and clear timelines, this year offers a great structure for aspirants to strategize and succeed. Make sure you are well-prepared, stay on schedule, and keep tracking official updates. With dedicated effort, smart planning and regular practice, you can maximise your chance of success.
Wishing you all the best for your preparation and the upcoming journey ahead!