JEE Main 2026 Exam Date (Session 1 & 2): Full Schedule & Timeline
- mayuri pawar
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
The JEE Main 2026 exam date is the cornerstone of any engineering aspirant's calendar. As of early 2026, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has already set the wheels in motion for one of the world's most competitive entrance exams. For the 2026 academic cycle, the examination continues to be conducted in two distinct sessions—January and April—allowing students to refine their performance and reduce the stress of a single-day assessment.
Success in 2026 requires more than just subject knowledge; it demands a precise understanding of the timeline to ensure no deadlines for registration or correction are missed. Below is the breakdown of the 2026 schedule, course details, and essential academic streams.
Disclaimer: The dates mentioned below are expected timelines based on previous JEE Main cycles. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has not officially released the JEE Main 2026 notification at the time of writing. This page will be updated immediately once official dates are announced.
JEE Main 2026 Exam Date: Session 1 (January 2026)
The first session of 2026 is strategically placed before the Class 12 board exams, offering students a chance to secure a top percentile early. Based on previous years, the January session of JEE Main is usually conducted in the last week of January.
Session 1 Expected Timeline
Event | Expected Timeline (Based on Previous Years) |
Expected Notification | October 31, 2025 |
Online Registration | October 31 to November 27, 2025 |
Correction Window | December 1 – 2, 2025 |
City Intimation Slip | January 8, 2026 |
Admit Card Release | January 17, 2026 |
JEE Main 2026 Exam Date (B.E./B.Tech) | January 21, 22, 23, 24, and 28, 2026 |
JEE Main 2026 Exam Date (B.Arch/B.Plan) | January 29, 2026 |
Declaration of Result | By February 12, 2026 |
JEE Main 2026 Exam Date: Session 2 (April 2026)
For many, the April session is the "final push." It is typically held after the conclusion of major board exams, allowing students to dedicate 100% of their focus to the JEE pattern.
Session 2 Timeline (April Attempt)
Event | Expected Timeline (2026) |
Registration Re-opens | Last week of January 2026 |
Last Date to Apply | First week of March 2026 |
JEE Main 2026 Exam Date (Session 2) | April 2 to April 9, 2026 |
Declaration of Final AIR | By April 20, 2026 |
While JEE Main is the primary route for engineering, many students in 2026 are exploring interdisciplinary streams that blend logic with modern tech. If you're considering a more specialized data-driven course, check out this resource:
Course and Stream Details: The 2026 Landscape
In 2026, the JEE Main remains the gateway to three primary undergraduate programs. The choice of stream significantly impacts the student's academic journey and specialization.
1. B.E. / B.Tech (Paper 1)
This is the flagship stream for those aiming for core engineering. In 2026, popular branches include Computer Science, Civil Engineering, and Chemical Engineering.
Physics: 30 Questions (20 MCQs + 10 Numerical/Attempt 5)
Chemistry: 30 Questions (20 MCQs + 10 Numerical/Attempt 5)
Mathematics: 30 Questions (20 MCQs + 10 Numerical/Attempt 5)
2. B.Arch (Paper 2A)
Focuses on Mathematics, General Aptitude, and a Drawing test. It is essential for students looking to enter the field of structural design and architecture.
3. B.Planning (Paper 2B)
Replaces the drawing test with a Planning-based section. It is ideal for students interested in urban development and infrastructure.
For those looking at alternative degree programs that carry similar prestige in the tech industry:
Key Eligibility & Pattern Updates for 2026
To ensure your seat is confirmed on your JEE Main 2026 exam date, you must adhere to the following 2026 norms:
75% Eligibility: Candidates must have secured at least 75% marks in their Class 12 boards (65% for SC/ST) to qualify for admission into NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs.
Subject Requirements: For B.E./B.Tech, students must have cleared Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects.
Numerical Value Questions: In 2026, NTA continues the "Choice of 5" in Section B, where students choose 5 out of 10 numerical questions per subject.
If you are interested in the evolving curriculum of traditional streams like infrastructure and construction:
Deep Dive: Civil Engineering Subjects 2026: The Complete Guide to Course & Syllabus — A detailed article on the updated 2026 syllabus for civil engineering.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the expected JEE Main 2026 exam date for Session 1?
The expected JEE Main 2026 exam date for Session 1 falls between January 21 and January 30, 2026. These dates are based on past trends and are yet to be confirmed by the NTA.
Can I apply for both sessions in 2026?
Yes, candidates can apply for both sessions. If you appear in both, the NTA will use your best NTA score (percentile) for the final All India Rank (AIR) calculation.
When will the JEE Main 2026 result be declared?
Based on previous cycles, the Session 1 result is expected by February 12, 2026, and the Session 2 result is expected by April 20, 2026.
Is there negative marking in JEE Main 2026?
Yes. For both MCQs and Numerical Value Questions, 4 marks are awarded for a correct answer, and 1 mark is deducted for every incorrect response.
Conclusion
Navigating the JEE Main 2026 exam date schedule is about more than just marking a calendar—it's about aligning your revision cycles with the NTA's official timeline. Whether you are targeting the core engineering seats in Chemical Engineering or pivoting toward a BSc Data Science path, staying informed is your greatest competitive advantage in 2026.
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