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JEE Main 2026 is one of the most important national-level entrance examinations for students aspiring to secure admission into top engineering and architecture institutes across India, including NITs, IIITs, and other centrally funded technical institutions. Recently, the National Testing Agency (NTA) revised the JEE Main 2026 exam dates, bringing important updates that candidates must be aware of to plan their preparation effectively. The exam will be conducted in two sessions, with Session 1 scheduled in January 2026 and Session 2 expected in April 2026, offering students multiple opportunities to improve their scores.
Along with exam dates, aspirants are eagerly looking for details related to the admit card release, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, and other essential guidelines. In this blog, we provide complete and updated information on JEE Main 2026 exam dates, admit card details, eligibility requirements, and all other important points to help students stay informed and confident throughout their exam journey.
| Name of Exam | Joint Entrance Exam Main (JEE Main) |
| Exam Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Frequency | Twice a year (Session 1 & Session 2) |
| Exam Duration | 3 Hours (180 Minutes) |
| Total Marks | 300 Marks |
| Exam Medium | 13 Languages |
| Examination Category | Undergraduate Level Entrance Exam |
| Purpose of Exam | Admission to NITs, IIITs, GFTIs and eligibility for JEE Advanced (IITs) |
| Mode of Examination | Computer-Based Test (Online) |
| JEE Main 2026 Exam Date | Session 1: January 21 to January 29, 2026 Session 2: April 2026 (tentative) |
| Courses offered | B.Tech, B.Arch, and B.Plan |
| JEE Main Official Website | jeemain.nta.ac.in |
Contents
JEE Main 2026 Exam Latest Update
The JEE Main 2026 exam process is moving into its most important phase, and aspirants must stay alert to the latest official announcements. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released key updates related to exam dates, city intimation slips, and admit cards, which are crucial for final exam preparation.
- JEE Main 2026 Session 1 will now be conducted from 21 January to 29 January 2026.
- NTA has released the exam city intimation slip, allowing candidates to check their allotted exam city in advance for better travel planning.
- The JEE Main 2026 admit card is expected to be released 3–4 days before the exam date on the official website.
- JEE Main 2026 Session 2 is expected to be held in April 2026. The exact dates will be announced soon.
- There are no changes in the exam pattern, syllabus, or eligibility criteria compared to previous years.
JEE Main 2026
JEE Main 2026 is one of the most important entrance examinations for students aiming to pursue engineering and architecture courses in India. Below are the important details every aspirant should know:
- JEE Main 2026 is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for undergraduate engineering and architecture admissions.
- The exam is held twice a year—Session 1 in January 2026 and Session 2 in April 2026 (tentative).
- It is conducted in computer-based (online) mode across multiple exam centres in India and abroad.
- The exam duration is 3 hours (180 minutes), with a total of 300 marks.
- JEE Main 2026 tests candidates on Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
- The question paper is available in 13 different languages, making it accessible to students from diverse regions.
- JEE Main scores are used for admission to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs, and also to qualify for JEE Advanced (IIT admissions).
- Students who have passed or are appearing in Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects are eligible to apply.
- The city intimation slip is released before the exam, followed by the admit card, which is mandatory for entry into the exam hall.
- Candidates can appear for JEE Main for three consecutive years, and the best score out of both sessions is considered for ranking.
Also Read: How to Prepare for JEE Main?
JEE Mains 2026 Notification
The JEE Main 2026 notification has been officially released by the National Testing Agency (NTA), marking the beginning of the exam cycle for aspiring engineers and architects across India. This notification provides all the essential information students need to know about the application process, important dates, eligibility criteria, examination pattern, and other key guidelines.
- JEE Main 2026 Session 1 will be conducted from 21 January to 29 January 2026, and Session 2 is expected in April 2026 (exact dates will be announced soon).
- The application window was open and candidates submitted their forms within the specified period. All applicants must ensure their details are accurate and complete.
- Candidates must have passed or be appearing in Class 12 (or equivalent) with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects. Age limits and other criteria apply as per the official guidelines.
- The exam will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode at various centres across the country.
- City intimation slips have been released ahead of the exam to help candidates know their exam cities. The admit cards will be released a few days before the test.
- Shortlisted candidates will be ranked based on their performance and can participate in counselling for seat allocation in NITs, IIITs, and other participating institutes.
JEE Main 2026 Important Exam Dates
The JEE Main 2026 examination dates have been officially announced by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Students must be aware of all the important dates—especially the session windows—for planning their preparation, exam strategy, and document submission.
| Date of Exam | Paper | Shift | January 21, 22, 23, 24, and 28, 2026 |
| January 21, 22, 23, 24 and 28, 2026 | Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) | First Shift | 09:00 AM to 12:00 Noon |
| January 21, 22, 23, 24, and 28, 2026 | Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) | Second Shift | 03:00 PM to 06:00 PM |
| January 29, 2026 | Paper 2A (B.Arch), Paper 2B (B.Planning), Paper 2A & 2B(both) | First Shift | 09:00 AM to 12:30 PM |
JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern
Knowledge of JEE Main Exam Pattern is mandatory for the aspirants who are preparing for this exam. This will help you to make a strategy for the upcoming Joint Entrance Examination. Students can find information, such as types of questions, marking schemes and more. There are three papers in the exam – Paper 1, Paper 2A, and Paper 2B.
Paper 1 is for the candidates of BE/ BTech courses, Paper 2A is for the candidates of the BArch course, and Paper 2B is for the candidates of the BPlanning course.
| Particulars | Paper 1 | Paper 2A | Paper 2B |
| Mode of exam | Online Mode | Online Mode | Online Mode |
| Subject Covered | Physics, Chemistry and Maths | Mathematics, General Aptitude, Drawing | Mathematics, General Aptitude, Planning |
| Question Type | Multiple-Choice Questions | Multiple-Choice Questions | Multiple-Choice Questions |
| Number of Question | 90 | 82 | 105 |
| Duration | 3 Hours | 3 Hours | 3 Hours |
| Marking Scheme | +4 for Correct Answer -1 for Incorrect Answer | +4 for Correct Answer -1 for Incorrect Answer | +4 for Correct Answer -1 for Incorrect Answer |
Also Read: Deleted Syllabus Of JEE Mains : Subject Wise Topics List
JEE Main 2026 Application Process
The JEE Main 2026 application process is conducted online by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Candidates must carefully complete each step to avoid mistakes, as even small errors can lead to application rejection. Below is a clear, step-by-step explanation to help students apply smoothly.
How to Apply?
- Candidates need to visit the official website of NTA Joint Entrance Exam and start the registration process
- Create new user ID and submit all required information in the application form.
- Uploading scanned images of candidate’s photo and signature.
- Payment of JEE Mains 2024 registration fees according to your category.
Registration Fees
- Male candidates of Unreserved/ EWS/OBC category- INR 1,000
- Female candidates in the Unreserved/EWS/OBC category- INR 800
- SC/ST/PwD/Transgender category candidates – INR 500
JEE Main Admit Card 2026
The JEE Main Admit Card 2026 is a mandatory document that every candidate must carry to the examination centre. It is issued online by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and contains important details such as exam date, shift timing, centre address, and candidate information. Without a valid admit card, entry to the exam hall is strictly prohibited.
| Event | Details |
| City Intimation Slip | Released before admit card |
| Admit Card Release | 3–4 days before the exam |
| Exam Dates (Session 1) | 21 January to 29 January 2026 |
| Exam Dates (Session 2) | April 2026 (tentative) |
| Mode of Download | Online only |
How to Prepare for JEE Mains Exam?
Preparing for the JEE Main exam requires a balanced mix of smart planning, consistent study, and regular practice. With the right approach, even a vast syllabus becomes manageable. Below are practical, student-tested preparation tips that can help you stay focused and confident till exam day.
- Understand the syllabus and exam pattern clearly before starting your preparation to avoid wasting time on unnecessary topics.
- Make a realistic study timetable and follow it daily, giving balanced time to Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
- Start with NCERT textbooks, as most JEE Main questions—especially in Chemistry—are directly based on NCERT concepts.
- Focus on concept clarity rather than memorizing formulas, particularly in Physics and Mathematics.
- Practice numerical problems regularly to improve speed, accuracy, and confidence.
- Solve previous years’ JEE Main question papers to understand exam trends and frequently asked topics.
- Take mock tests consistently and analyze your mistakes after every test.
- Work on time management, learning when to attempt or skip questions during the exam.
- Revise regularly using short notes, formula sheets, and quick concept summaries.
- Stay healthy and positive, maintain proper sleep, and avoid stress to perform well on exam day.
Also Read: JEE Main Score vs Percentile
FAQs
The JEE Main 2026 exam will be conducted in two sessions. Session 1 is scheduled from 21 January to 29 January 2026, while Session 2 is expected to be held in April 2026 (tentative). Candidates can appear in one or both sessions, and the best score will be considered for the final ranking.
Yes, the JEE Main 2026 city intimation slip has been released by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for Session 1. Candidates can check and download it from the official website to know their allotted exam city in advance. This slip is meant only for planning travel and accommodation and is not the admit card, which will be released separately a few days before the exam.
For JEE Main 2026, the best books to prepare from include NCERT Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (foundation material), H.C. Verma and I.E. Irodov (Concepts of Physics) for strong conceptual grounding, M.T.G. and Cengage series for practice and problem solving, O.P. Tandon (Chemistry) for thorough theory and questions, and R.D. Sharma / R.S. Aggarwal (Mathematics) for extensive practice. These books together cover basics, advanced problems, and varied question patterns essential for JEE success.
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