JEE Main 2026 Registration Process: Step-by-Step Guide

The JEE Main 2026 registration process is a meticulously designed online procedure that ensures fairness and accessibility for all engineering aspirants across India. Candidates must begin by visiting the official National Testing Agency (NTA) website at jeemain.nta.ac.in during the registration window, which typically opens in December 2025 for Session 1 and February 2026 for Session 2. The registration involves multiple stages including account creation, form filling with accurate personal and academic details, uploading of scanned documents in specified formats, fee payment through available online modes, and final submission with confirmation page download. Each step requires careful attention to detail to avoid common errors that could lead to application rejection. The entire process has been streamlined over years to minimize technical glitches, with NTA providing extensive helpline support and FAQ sections to assist candidates through any difficulties they might encounter during registration.

JEE Main 2026 Registration Dates: Complete Schedule and Deadlines

Understanding the JEE Main 2026 registration timeline is crucial for successful application submission. The National Testing Agency follows a structured schedule with Session 1 registration commencing in December 2025 and concluding in January 2026, while Session 2 registration typically begins in February 2026 and ends in March 2026. These dates are announced well in advance on the official NTA website, allowing candidates to prepare necessary documents and complete formalities. The registration window usually remains open for 4-6 weeks, providing ample time for applicants. However, it's strongly advised not to wait until the last minute as technical issues or document processing delays could jeopardize submission. NTA also provides a correction window after initial registration closure, allowing candidates to rectify minor errors in their applications.

JEE Main 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?

The JEE Main 2026 eligibility criteria establish clear parameters for candidate qualification, ensuring only deserving students compete for engineering seats. Academic eligibility requires candidates to have passed their Class 12 or equivalent examination in 2023, 2024, or 2025, or be appearing for it in 2026. The mandatory subjects include Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, with specific minimum percentage requirements: General category candidates need 75% aggregate marks while SC/ST candidates require 65%. There's no age limit for JEE Main 2026, a significant change implemented to promote equal opportunity. Additionally, candidates can attempt JEE Main for three consecutive years following their Class 12 examination year. The eligibility norms also accommodate various educational boards across India and international qualification systems, making the examination inclusive while maintaining academic standards.

JEE Main 2026 Registration Fees: Category-wise Payment Structure

The JEE Main 2026 registration fee structure has been designed to be affordable while covering examination costs, with differential pricing based on candidate categories. For General/EWS category candidates, the fee is ₹1000 for one session and ₹2000 for both sessions. OBC-NCL category candidates pay ₹500 for single session and ₹1000 for both sessions. SC/ST/PwD and female candidates benefit from significantly reduced fees of ₹250 for one session and ₹500 for both sessions. These fees can be paid through multiple online payment modes including credit cards, debit cards, net banking, and UPI, ensuring accessibility across urban and rural areas. The fee structure reflects the government's commitment to making quality education accessible, with provisions for fee waivers in exceptional cases for economically disadvantaged students.

JEE Main 2026 Document Requirements: Complete Checklist

Document preparation is a critical aspect of JEE Main 2026 registration, requiring candidates to organize and scan various certificates in specified formats. Essential documents include recent passport-sized photographs with white background, scanned signature within prescribed dimensions, Class 10 certificate for date of birth verification, Class 12 mark sheet or certificate, category certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS) if applicable, PwD certificate with specified format for differently-abled candidates, and valid ID proof such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, or passport. Each document must meet specific size and format requirements: photographs should be JPG/JPEG format between 10KB-200KB, signatures between 4KB-30KB, and certificates in PDF format not exceeding 500KB. Proper document preparation prevents last-minute hassles and ensures smooth application processing without delays or rejections.

JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Registration: Important Guidelines

JEE Main 2026 Session 2 registration provides candidates with a second opportunity to improve their scores or attempt the examination if they missed Session 1. The registration for Session 2 typically commences in February 2026, shortly after the declaration of Session 1 results, allowing candidates to make informed decisions based on their initial performance. This session follows identical registration procedures but with separate application forms and fee payments. Candidates who appeared in Session 1 can register for Session 2 using their existing credentials, while new registrants must complete the full application process. The Session 2 registration window remains open for approximately 3-4 weeks, with examination dates usually scheduled in April 2026. This dual-session system enhances flexibility and reduces examination pressure by providing multiple opportunities within the same academic year.

JEE Main 2026 Online Application: Detailed Procedure

The JEE Main 2026 online application process involves several systematic steps that candidates must follow meticulously. First, visit the official NTA JEE Main portal and click on the registration link to create a new account using a valid email ID and mobile number. Complete the application form with accurate personal, academic, and communication details, ensuring consistency with supporting documents. Upload scanned images of photograph, signature, and required certificates in specified formats and sizes. Proceed to payment gateway and complete transaction using preferred payment method, retaining the transaction ID for future reference. Finally, submit the application and download the confirmation page for records. The entire process should be completed in one sitting if possible, though NTA's system allows saving progress and returning later using login credentials.

JEE Main 2026 Registration: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common registration mistakes is essential for successful JEE Main 2026 application submission. Frequent errors include incorrect personal details mismatching official documents, uploading poor-quality or improperly formatted images, selecting wrong examination centers or paper combinations, incomplete form submission without fee payment, and missing the final submission confirmation. Other pitfalls involve last-minute registration causing technical rush issues, incorrect category selection affecting fee calculation and reservation benefits, and failure to verify all entered information before final submission. Candidates should carefully review each section, ensure document specifications meet requirements, complete payment well before deadline, and keep printed copies of confirmation page and fee receipt. Following NTA's guidelines precisely and seeking clarification for any doubts through official helplines prevents unnecessary complications.

JEE Main 2026 Category Certificates: Format and Requirements

Category certificates for JEE Main 2026 registration must adhere to specific formats issued by competent authorities to qualify for reservation benefits. SC/ST certificates should be issued by District Magistrate/Additional District Magistrate/Collector/Deputy Commissioner/Additional Deputy Commissioner/1st Class Stipendiary Magistrate/Sub-Divisional Magistrate/Taluka Magistrate/Executive Magistrate/Extra Assistant Commissioner or Chief Presidency Magistrate/Additional Chief Presidency Magistrate/Presidency Magistrate. OBC-NCL certificates must include the non-creamy layer clause and be issued after March 31, 2025, for validity. EWS certificates require the prescribed format with income and asset declarations. PwD certificates need to be issued by competent medical authorities in specified formats. All certificates must be in English or Hindi, with translations attested if in other languages, and uploaded in clear, legible PDF format meeting size specifications for successful application processing.

JEE Main 2026 Fee Payment Methods: Complete Guide

JEE Main 2026 registration fee payment can be completed through multiple secure online channels ensuring convenience across geographical locations. Accepted payment methods include credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Maestro), debit cards from all major banks, net banking from participating financial institutions, UPI payments through various applications, and wallet services. The payment gateway is integrated directly into the application portal, providing real-time transaction confirmation. Candidates should ensure sufficient balance in their accounts before initiating payment and keep the transaction ID safely for future reference. In case of failed transactions, the amount is typically refunded within 7-10 working days. Offline payment options like bank challans have been discontinued, making the process entirely digital. Payment confirmation is immediate, allowing candidates to proceed with application submission without delays.

JEE Main 2026 Correction Window: Rectification Process

The JEE Main 2026 correction window provides candidates with an opportunity to rectify errors in their submitted applications, typically opening for 5-7 days after the registration deadline closes. During this period, candidates can correct certain fields including personal details, examination center preferences, academic information, and uploaded documents. However, core details like candidate's name, date of birth, and category cannot be modified. The correction process requires login with application credentials, making necessary changes, and saving modifications. Some corrections may involve additional fee payment if category or number of sessions changes. This facility significantly reduces application rejections due to minor errors but should not be relied upon as primary verification. Candidates should thoroughly check applications before initial submission and use the correction window only for unavoidable changes, as excessive modifications could complicate processing.

JEE Main 2026 for International Candidates: Special Provisions

International candidates including NRIs, PIOs, OCIs, and foreign nationals have specific registration procedures for JEE Main 2026 with additional document requirements. These candidates must register through the same online portal but need to provide passport details instead of Aadhaar, along with proof of nationality and residential status. Academic certificates must be equivalent to Indian Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, requiring attestation from Indian embassies if issued abroad. Fee payment can be made through international credit cards or bank transfers with additional transaction charges. Examination centers are available in select foreign countries, though many international candidates opt for Indian centers during their visits. Special helpdesk support addresses unique queries regarding document equivalence, fee structure in foreign currency, and visa requirements for examination attendance in India.

JEE Main 2026 State Code of Eligibility: Understanding the Concept

The State Code of Eligibility in JEE Main 2026 registration determines a candidate's home state for admission purposes in state quota seats of participating institutions. This code is based on the location of the candidate's qualifying examination (Class 12) school, or in case of appearing candidates, their permanent residential address. Proper selection is crucial as it affects eligibility for state-specific reservation benefits in NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs. Candidates must provide authentic documents supporting their state code claim, which is verified during admission counseling. Common errors include selecting current temporary address instead of permanent address, misunderstanding domicile requirements, and incorrect interpretation of migration rules. The state code cannot be changed after registration submission, making accurate initial selection essential for maximizing admission opportunities through various quota systems.

JEE Main 2026 Admit Card Download: Post-Registration Process

After successful JEE Main 2026 registration, candidates must download their admit cards approximately 10-15 days before the examination date through the official NTA portal. The admit card serves as mandatory entry document containing essential details like examination center, date, time, roll number, and important instructions. Download requires login with application credentials and follows a staggered schedule based on examination dates to manage server load. Candidates should verify all details on the admit card, especially name, photograph, examination center, and paper details. In case of discrepancies, immediate contact with NTA helpline is necessary. Multiple printed copies should be preserved along with one valid photo ID matching admit card details. The admit card also includes COVID-19 related guidelines if applicable, making careful reading of all instructions crucial for smooth examination day experience.

JEE Main 2026 Registration Status Check: Monitoring Your Application

Regularly checking JEE Main 2026 registration status is essential to ensure application processing completeness and identify any issues requiring attention. The status check facility on the NTA portal shows progression through various stages: form submission, fee payment confirmation, document verification, and final approval. Candidates should monitor their status especially after fee payment to confirm transaction acceptance, and after correction window closure to ensure modifications reflect correctly. Status indicators include "Submitted", "Payment Pending", "Under Process", "Approved", and "Rejected" with reasons for rejection when applicable. Timely status monitoring allows addressing problems before deadlines, such as payment failures requiring retransaction or document re-upload for clarity issues. The final approved status confirms eligibility for admit card download, completing the pre-examination registration journey successfully.