JEE Main 2026 Registration Begins: Step-by-Step Guide to Apply, Exam Dates, and Key Details

JEE Main 2026 Registration : The wait is over for lakhs of engineering aspirants! The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially opened the registration portal for JEE Main 2026 Session 1. With the registration window now live at jeemain.nta.nic.in, students have until November 27, 2025 to complete their applications. Here’s everything you need to know to apply successfully.

Class XI Registration Mandatory for JEE Main 2026 – Updates

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a critical circular dated November 4, 2025 (Ref: CBSE/Date Sheet/X-XII/2025-26), addressing Class XI Registration Mandatory for JEE Main 2026 If you’re a Class XII student planning to take the JEE Main exam, this information is crucial for you. Click for detail

JEE Main 2026 Registration : Quick Overview

Registration Start Date: October 31, 2025
Last Date to Apply: November 27, 2025 (9:00 PM)
Fee Payment Deadline: November 27, 2025 (11:50 PM)
Session 1 Exam Dates: January 21-30, 2026
Session 2 Exam Dates: April 2-9, 2026
Official Website: jeemain.nta.nic.in

What’s New in JEE Main 2026?

This year brings some significant changes that every applicant must be aware of:

1. Mandatory Aadhaar/DigiLocker Verification: Identity verification through Aadhaar or DigiLocker is now compulsory during registration
2. Live Photo Capture: Candidates must capture their photograph in real-time using a webcam or mobile device. The photo must match your Aadhaar database image
3. Class 11 Registration Number Required: For the first time, students need to enter their Class 11 registration number in the application form
4. Virtual Calculator Provided: An on-screen calculator will be available during the computer-based test
5. Address-Based Exam Centers: Centers will be allotted based on your Aadhaar card address

Eligibility Criteria: Can You Apply?

Before starting your application, ensure you meet these requirements:

Educational Qualification:

• Candidates who passed Class 12 in 2024 or 2025, or those appearing in 2026
• Must have Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as core subjects
• Applicable for CBSE, state boards, NIOS, and diploma holders

Age Limit: No age restriction
Number of Attempts: Can appear for three consecutive years after Class 12

Citizenship: Indian nationals, NRIs, PIOs, OCIs, and foreign nationals are eligible

Step-by-Step Registration Process

Step 1: Registration

Visit jeemain.nta.nic.in and click on “New Candidate Register Here.” Enter:

• Your name, parent’s name
• Email ID and mobile number (keep these safe for future login)
• Password and security question

Step 2: Aadhaar Verification

Complete the mandatory e-KYC verification:

• Enter your Aadhaar number
• Authenticate through OTP
• Ensure your name, date of birth, and photo match exactly with Aadhaar records
• Pro Tip: If facing photo mismatch issues, update your Aadhaar photo beforehand

Step 3: Fill Application Form

Log in with your application number and provide:

• Personal details (auto-filled from Aadhaar)
• Communication address
• Educational qualifications (Class 10, 11, and 12 details)
• Category certificate details (if applicable)
• Choice of paper: B.E./B.Tech or B.Arch/B.Planning
• Exam city preferences (choose wisely based on your permanent address)

Step 4: Live Photo Capture

• Use your webcam or scan the QR code to use mobile camera
• Ensure good lighting and clear visibility
• The photo must match your Aadhaar image

Step 5: Upload Documents

Prepare scanned copies (file size: 10-200 KB):

• Recent passport-size photograph
• Signature
• Class 10 certificate (for date of birth proof)
• Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwD – if applicable)

Step 6: Fee Payment

Application Fees:

• General/OBC-NCL (Boys): ₹1,000
• General/OBC-NCL (Girls): ₹800
• SC/ST/PwD/Third Gender: ₹500

Payment modes: Credit/Debit card, Net Banking, UPI

Step 7: Confirmation

• Download the confirmation page
• Save the application number for future reference
• You’ll receive SMS and email confirmation

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Wrong photo format – Ensure it matches Aadhaar
❌ Incorrect exam center preference – Choose carefully; changes not allowed later
❌ Incomplete document upload – Double-check all attachments
❌ Last-minute rush – Apply early to avoid technical glitches
❌ Wrong mobile number/email – Use active contact details only
❌ Not saving application number – Keep it for admit card download

JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern

Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Duration: 3 hours
Languages: 13 languages including English and Hindi
Sections: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics

Question Distribution (Per Subject):

• Section A: 20 MCQs (attempt all)
• Section B: 10 Numerical questions (attempt any 5)

Marking Scheme:

• Correct Answer: +4 marks
• Wrong Answer: -1 mark (for MCQs)
• No negative marking for numerical questions

Important Dates to Remember

Preparation Tips for JEE Main 2026

1. Start with NCERT: Build strong fundamentals using Class 11 and 12 NCERT books
2. Practice Previous Years’ Papers: Understand question patterns and difficulty levels
3. Take Mock Tests: Simulate exam conditions and improve time management
4. Focus on Weak Areas: Identify and strengthen your vulnerable topics
5. Regular Revision: Create short notes for quick revision before exams
6. Stay Updated: Follow the official website for any announcements

Must Read Article : The Inspiring Story of a Student Who Beat All Odds to Succeed | 7 Lessons to Learn

Why JEE Main Matters

JEE Main is your gateway to:

• NITs (National Institutes of Technology)
• IIITs (Indian Institutes of Information Technology)
• GFTIs (Government Funded Technical Institutes)
• JEE Advanced eligibility (for admission to IITs)

Your best score from both sessions will be considered for final ranking and counseling.

Need Help?

Official Website: jeemain.nta.nic.in
Helpline Numbers: Check official website for contact details
Email Support: Available on NTA portal

Final Checklist Before Applying ✅ Updated Aadhaar card with correct details
✅ Valid email ID and mobile number
✅ Scanned documents ready (proper format and size)
✅ Working webcam for live photo
✅ Payment method ready
✅ Class 11 registration number
✅ Stable internet connection

The JEE Main 2026 registration process is more streamlined with Aadhaar integration, but it requires careful attention to detail. Don’t wait until the last moment—start your application today! With proper planning and the right approach, you can successfully complete your registration and focus on what truly matters: your preparation.

Remember, the registration closes on November 27, 2025 at 9:00 PM, with fee payment allowed until 11:50 PM. Mark your calendar and apply now!

Best of luck for JEE Main 2026! 🎯

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