JEE Main 2026 Registration (Begins), Exam Dates, Syllabus, Preparation and Cutoff

The JEE Main Exam will be held in 2 sessions. Session 1 will be conducted from 21st to 30th January 2026, and Session 2 will be conducted from 1st April to 10th April 2026 in a CBT mode.

•  The NTA has shared a major update, which declares that no calculators are allowed in JEE Mains exam, it was a typographic error in the information bulleting which shows that it was allowed, but now NTA has published a notice clarifying the same. 

Source: jeemain.nta.nic.in 

• In JEE Main 2026, Aadhar-based mode will be used to auto-fetch the candidates' details, such as name, date of birth, and address details, from UIDAI.

• The JEE Main 2026 Exam will include 75 questions, 25 questions from each subject: physics, chemistry, and mathematics. In Section A, 20 MCQs will be there, and Section B will have 5 NAT questions.
• The JEE Main Paper 2A (B.Arch) will be conducted in a CBT mode, including mathematics and an aptitude section, with a pen-and-paper drawing test.
• The JEE Main Paper 2B (B.Plan) will include mathematics, aptitude, and planning-based questions.

To appear for JEE Main, there is no age limit to appear in the exam, but to get admission to top NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs, you should have a minimum of 75% marks in class 12.

This year, NTA will use CBSE class 11th registration numbers of candidates appearing for JEE Main to schedule the examination to avoid a clash between CBSE class 12th and JEE Main exam dates. All CBSE-affiliated schools are directed to share CBSE registration numbers of candidates, and students will also be required to fill out the CBSE registration numbers while filling out the JEE Main application form.

Also Read

• JEE Main Registration Process
• JEE Main Vs JEE Advanced

Key Summary

In this Article, we have discussed about JEE Main 2026, including the Exam Date, Syllabus, Eligibility Criteria & Cutoffs 

• Session 1 will be conducted from 21st to 30th January 2026, and Session 2 will be conducted from 1st April to 10th April 2026 in a CBT mode.
• The JEE Main 2026 Application form has been released for Session 1 on 31^st October 2025 and will continue till 27^th November 2025.
• To apply, candidates must have passed or be appearing for Class 12 in 2024, 2025, or 2026, with physics, math, and one more subject, either chemistry, biology, biotech, or a technical paper.
• There is no upper age gap, and even foreign nationals can sign up, making the exam truly global.
• While applying, candidates must upload a passport-size photograph, signature, and valid government-issued photo ID.
• When writing the B.Tech paper, candidates face 90 questions, a mix of MCQs and numerical problems.
• Each correct answer adds +4 marks, with a negative -1 marking for each wrong answer.
• JEE Main scores are valid for admission to 31 NITs, 25 IIITs, 28 GFTIs, and numerous state/private engineering colleges across India

Sources: jeemain.nta.nic.in

JEE Main 2026 Registration Date

The NTA has released the official JEE Main 2026 Notification. The JEE Main Session 1 will be held from 21^st January to 30^th January 2026, and Session 2 will be held from 2^nd April to 9^th April 2026. 

• The NTA has started registration for JEE Main Session 1 has started on 31^st October 2025 and will continue till 27^th November 2025. 
• The registration of JEE Main Session 2 is expected to start from 1st week of February till the last week of February 2026

Ques. What is the date of JEE Mains in 2026?

Ques. How many sessions are there in JEE Mains 2026?

Also Read

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• JEE Main 2026 Exam Centers

JEE Main 2026 Eligibility Criteria

The JEE Main eligibility criteria refer to the rules and requirements set by NTA that a candidate must satisfy to apply for the JEE Main 2026, including Educational Qualification, Age Limit, Nationality, etc.

“To appear for the JEE Main 2026 exam, there is no requirement of 75% or minimum marks in Class 12”.

• Educational Qualification: The candidate must have cleared (or be appearing in) Class 12 with mandatory subjects like Physics and Mathematics, and must have one of the following: Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, or a technical/vocational subject.
• Age Limit: There is no age limit to appear for the JEE Main.
• Minimum Marks (for NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs): The General candidates have at least 75% in Class 12 or are in the top 20 percentile, whereas SC/ST are required to have at least 65% in Class 12 for taking admission in NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs.
• Number of Attempts: The candidates can take the JEE Main exam a maximum of 6 times over 3 consecutive years, starting from the year they have cleared their Class 12.
• State Code of Eligibility: It is determined by the state from which you have passed Class 12, not by native place or residence.

Ques. Can foreign nationals / NRIs / OCIs apply?

Ques. What about candidates who took improvement exams/compartment exams?

Ques. What subjects must I have studied in Class 12?

Ques. What is the Class 12 minimum percentage requirement?

JEE Main 2026 Registration

The JEE Main registration process 2026 has started on 31^st October 2025 the official website of JEE Main- NTA- jeemain.nta.nic.in. The candidates are required to enter their personal details like, name, phone number, parents' names, email ID, and address.

To complete the JEE Main registration process, the candidates have to pay the registration fee, which varies according to the candidate’s category, gender, and paper selection.

Source: jeemain.nta.nic.in 

JEE Main 2026 Registration Fees

Also Read

• JEE Main 2026 Photo Size and Signature Guidelines
• JEE Main Admit Card 2026

How many candidates have registered for JEE Main?

The previous year's analysis of the JEE Main registration data (2025 -2024) reveals some clear trends in the candidates' registration.

• Rising Registration: The JEE Main registration has shown a significant rise from 2023, with over 1.3 million candidates registering for session 1 in 2025, which is the highest in four years.
• Pandemic Effect: In the year 2022, there was lower attendance, i.e, Session 1 – 88.16%, Session 2 – 86.88% due to post-COVID.
• Improved Attendance: From 2023 onwards, the JEE Main attendance has stabilized at 95% in Session 1 across years. Whereas, in every year, Session 2 consistently had lower attendance rates compared to Session 1.

JEE Main Reappearance Trends (2025-2020)

• Between the years 2020 to 2025, an average of 79 - 83 % of candidates reappeared in Session 2, highlighting its significance for improving percentile.
• There was a slight decline in the reappearance trend to 80 % which may be indicative of improved performance or a better level of preparedness in Session 1.
• The rate of reappearance again decreases to 79 %, which could most likely be driven by tougher Math papers as well as shift-wise normalisation-related concerns in Session 1.

What JEE Main 2026 Aspirants Should Learn from This?

• Candidates must not skip Session 2, as the data reflects that a majority of candidates use the chance to boost their ranks.
• Solid preparation is necessary for Session 1, but candidates must be flexible so that they can go for another attempt.
• The performance of Session 1 must be considered so that candidates can improve their time management skills and concentrate on their weak areas by April.

Also Read

• JEE Main Reservation Criteria 2026
• JEE Main 2026 City Intimation Slip
• JEE Main Passing Mark

Ques. When to apply for JEE Main 2026?

Ques. Can I apply for both sessions in JEE Main 2026?

Ques. What if I face registration errors like “Same Credentials Found”?

Ques. What papers (Paper 1 / 2A / 2B) can I select, and can I change them later?

Ques. Do I need to carry original documents on exam day or registration day?

Ques. What if fee payment is deducted from bank, but form shows “failed” or “pending”?

Also Read

• JEE Main 2025 Cutoff Percentile
• JEE Main Marks vs Percentile

JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern

The NTA will release the JEE Main exam pattern 2026 on its official website for all 3 papers: Paper 1 (BE/BTech), Paper 2A (BArch), and Paper 2B (BPlan). As per the previous year’s JEE Main exam pattern, the exam will be conducted in the CBT mode for Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) and Paper 2B (B.Planning), whereas Paper 2A will be in hybrid mode (Computer-Based Test with Offline Drawing Test).

Source: JEE Main Official Brochure

JEE Main Exam Pattern Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech)

JEE Main Exam Pattern Paper 2A (B.Arch)

JEE Main Exam Pattern Paper 2B (B.Planning)

Ques. Has Section B changed from being optional to mandatory?

Ques. What is the negative marking scheme?

Ques. What are the languages in which the exam will be conducted?

Ques. Are there any major changes in the exam pattern for 2026 vs 2025?

JEE Main Previous Year Question Papers

One of the best strategies to get ready for the test is to practice JEE Main past year questions. Candidates can better grasp the exam format, level of difficulty, and commonly asked questions by using these papers.

Below are the Last 5 years' Question papers of JEE Main along with their answer keys:

Also Read

JEE Main 2025 Cut off Out- Marks Vs Percentile, Top NITs and IIITs Cutoff

JEE Main PYQ Chapter Wise PDF Download

JEE Main PYQ is an important part of preparation. Solving JEE Main PYQs can help candidates to understand the type and level of questions asked in JEE Main examination. Candidates can go through the table below to check the JEE Main PYQs chapter-wise PDF.

Ques. Do PYQs help predict what will be asked in the exam?

Ques. Is it okay to use apps/websites for PYQs instead of books?

JEE Main 2026 Syllabus

The JEE Main syllabus 2026 will be officially announced on the official website of NTA. The JEE Main syllabus 2026 will cover the topics of the NCERT Class 11 and 12 curriculum.

The JEE Main syllabus generally includes topics from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.

• In Physics, there would be topics like Mechanics, Electromagnetism, Thermodynamics, and Optics.
• Chemistry will include topics like Atomic Structure, Chemical Bonding, and Organic Chemistry.
• In Mathematics, the topics would include Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, and Probability.

JEE Main 2026 Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) Syllabus

JEE Main 2026 Paper 2A (B.Arch) Syllabus

JEE Main 2026 Paper 2B (B.Planning) Syllabus

JEE Main 2026 Topic-wise Weighatge

As per the previous year's analysis of the JEE Main syllabus, it shows a clear distribution across Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, highlighting both high-priority and moderately important chapters.

• In Physics, topics like Ray Optics (13.26%), Heat & Thermodynamics (12%), and Current Electricity (12%) are of high weightage and should be prioritized.
• While moderate weightage topics like Electrostatics (10.74%) and Rotational Motion (8%) require focused preparation.
• The topics like Waves & Sound (4%) and Magnetism & EMI (4%) can be revised later, as they have low weight.
• In Chemistry, Chemistry bonding (8–10%), Thermodynamics (6–7%), Coordination Compounds (6–8%), and Hydrocarbons (8–10%) have a high weight and high-scoring areas.
• In Mathematics, Calculus (12–14%) and Coordinate Geometry (10–12%) have the most weight, followed by 3D Geometry & Vectors (6–8%).
• Lower-weightage topics, such as Quadratic Equations, Permutations, and Trigonometry, with around 3-4% weightage, should be revised to complete the syllabus.

Physics Chapter-wise Weightage

Chemistry Chapter-wise Weightage

Physical Chemistry

Inorganic Chemistry

Organic Chemistry

Mathematics Chapter-wise Weightage

Is the JEE syllabus reduced for 2026?

No, the JEE (Joint Entrance Examination) Main syllabus for 2026 is not cut down. The syllabus is the same as last year, which was already cut down by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in 2024. The NTA has made no further announcement for the 2026 exam.

The syllabus of the JEE Main exam aligns with the NCERT topics for Class 11 and 12. The syllabus contains subjects of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Some of the topics were taken out of the syllabus in 2024, but those are still applicable for 2026.

For 2026, candidates need to concentrate their preparation on the current syllabus that consists of the topics taught in last year's reduced syllabus.

Ques. Is the S Block in JEE Main 2026?

Ques. What is the 80/20 rule for JEE Main?

JEE Main Difficulty and Shift Level Analysis

Variation in the level of difficulty across different shifts was observed in the January 2025 session of JEE Main. The ratings ranged between 5.8 to 8.4. Shift 1 held on 28 January was identified as the toughest. But from the table below, it can be seen that Shift 2 on 22 January was the most balanced exam. These differences highlight the significance of proper shift selection and its impact on the performance of candidates, especially considering the normalisation process.

Shift Difficulty Table (Jan 2025)

How Candidates Should Prepare for JEE Main 2026 Based on 2025 Data:

• Targeting Multiple Attempts: As the difficulty level varies across different shifts, candidates must try to appear in January as well as April sessions to improve their chances of getting an easier exam paper.
• Preparation for Extremes: Since the shifts range between the moderate level (5.8) to an extremely tough level (8.4), candidates must strengthen their depth as well as speed, especially for topics like Thermal Physics and Maths.
• Participating in Shift-based Mock Tests: Candidates must take part in full-length mock tests that have been prepared after exams with different difficulty levels. It can boost their mental flexibility while facing actual tough papers.

JEE Main 2026 Phase-1 Difficulty Level [Expected]

For the JEE Main 2026 session 1, it is expected that a balanced, slightly difficult paper will be maintained across Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry. On the basis of the analysis of JEE Main 2024 and 2025, candidates can expect similar patterns of questions, moderate change in shift difficulty, and a proper focus on topics covered in Class 12.

What This Means for JEE Main 2026 Aspirants

While preparing for JEE Main 2026, candidates can expect the following based on the trend analysis:

• The difficulty level of the exam is expected to be moderate to tough, and Math is expected to be the toughest section.
• The syllabus of Class 12 will have the maximum number of questions from sections like Chemistry and Physics.
• Shift-wise variation is probable; therefore, candidates must focus on multiple attempts during January and April sessions.

Subject-Wise Difficulty Level and Key Focus Areas - JEE Main 2026 (Expected)

JEE Main Session 1: 2024 vs 2025 - Difficulty Level Comparison

How to Prepare for JEE Main 2026 Based on Past Trends

• Mastering Concepts from Class 12: Candidates must focus on chapters covered in Class 12, such as Calculus, Probability (in Maths) and Organic & Inorganic Chemistry (in Chemistry).
• Prioritising Time Management: Aspirants must practice full-length mock test papers under time pressure with varying levels of difficulty so that they can accurately solve lengthy Math questions.
• Developing a Robust Strategy for Any Shift: As the difficulty level may vary depending on the chosen shift, candidates must adopt a flexible approach and participate in both sessions to improve their percentile.

JEE Main 2026 Preparation Tips

To score well in JEE Main 2025, candidates need a structured approach, focusing on key concepts, solving practice papers, and effective time management. Some expert tips to prepare are given below:

JEE Main Mock Test

While preparing for JEE Main 2026, students must appear for JEE Main mock tests to simulate JEE Main exam conditions. Appearing for JEE Main mock tests is crucial for time management, understanding the JEE Main exam pattern, and the type of questions asked in the examination. Aspirants can appear for full-length JEE Main mock tests as well as section-wise or subject-wise JEE Main mock tests as listed below.

Ques. How Many Attempts are There for JEE Main?

JEE Main Qualifying Cutoff for JEE Advanced (2025 vs 2024)

In JEE Main, the qualifying cutoff refers to the lowest NTA percentile that a candidate needs to score so that they can be eligible for JEE Advanced. The qualifying cutoff varies each year, and it depends on the difficulty level of the exam as well as the process of normalisation. Furthermore, the top 2.5 lakh rank holders across all categories who are able to clear the cutoff become eligible to get registered for JEE Advanced.

• The overall cutoff percentiles have increased in the year 2025 because of increase in competition and a higher average performance of candidates across diverse shifts.
• The cutoff for the General category increased by more than 2.3 percentile points, indicating that eligibility for JEE Advanced has become selective.
• The highest increase was seen in the SC and ST categories, indicating better performance among candidates belonging to these reserved categories or an easier normalisation process.

Also Read

JEE Main Cut off 2025

JEE Main Marks vs Percentile vs Rank

The JEE Main Marks vs Percentile vs Rank data shows the relationship between the percentile and rank secured as per the marks scored by the candidates in the JEE Main.

With the top scores 290–300 will place the candidate in a percentile range of 99.999-100 and the rank of 1-20, perfect for top NITs with competitive branches like CSE.

While even a small drop to 280–289 shifts ranks to 21–100, reflecting the strong competition at the top marks range.

As marks decrease, the rank range widens such as 200–219 marks translates to ranks 1,500–3,000, 120–149 to 10,000–20,000, and 30–59 to over 100,000.

This shows that small improvements in mid-lower ranges can even provide a high rank range.

Ques. What rank is 99.9 percentile in JEE Main?

Ques. Is 60% good in JEE Main?

Ques. Is 130 a good score in JEE Main?

Ques. Can I get NIT with a 60,000 rank?

Ques. Will I get NIT at 97 percentile?

Ques. Is 150 in JEE a good score?

JEE Main 2026 Answer Key

The NTA will release the JEE Main Provisional key after the exam on its official website, for the session 1 (January), it is expected in February 2026, along with the response sheet. If you see any error in any question or answer, you can challenge/object to certain questions.

JEE Main Final Answer Key will be released after reviewing the objections. The NTA will release the Final Answer Key in the last week of February 2026.

JEE Main 2026 Results

The NTA will release the JEE Main Result session-wise. The Result of the JEE Main session 1(January) is expected to be released in February 2026, and of the JEE Main session 2 (April) is expected in Late April 2026 on its official website.

JEE Main Seat Matrix 2026 (Expected)

The JEE Main seat matrix 2026 is expected to provide around 42,000-43,000 seats across the NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs, increased to 60,000 with IITs included.

• NITs lead with 24,500–25,000 seats, followed by 9,800–10,000 in IIITs and 7,800–8,000 in GFTIs, with a steady 3–4% yearly increase driven by new courses and female supernumerary seats.
• The General category candidates will have the largest share of seats, while EWS will have around 7-8% and PwD category will have the horizontal reservation.
• The NITs will have Home State quota of 50%, providing edge to the local candidates, whereas IIITs and GFTIs will follow the AIQ, making competition tougher.

JEE Main Category-Wise Seat Share (Approx. %)

JEE Main 2026 Counselling Process

The Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) manages the online counselling process at IITs, NITs, IIITs, and other Government Funded Technical Institutions (GFTIs). This means that if a candidate meets the qualifying mark of JEE Main 2025, they may participate in online counselling for admission at NITs, IIITs, or GFTIs.

Also Read

• JEE Main Counselling 2025
• JEE Main Mock Test