JEE Main 2026 Exam Fees: Category-Wise Application Fee Structure

Navigating the entrance exam season requires more than just rigorous study sessions; it demands a clear understanding of the administrative landscape. For students aiming for the prestigious National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), and other Centrally Funded Technical Institutes (CFTIs), knowing the JEE Main 2026 exam fees is the first step toward a successful registration.

As we move into the 2026 academic cycle, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has streamlined the application process, integrating Aadhaar-based verification and live photograph capturing to ensure a secure environment. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the fee structure and the academic streams you can unlock through this examination.

JEE Main 2026 Exam Fees: Indian Exam Centres

The application fee for JEE Main is not uniform; it varies based on the candidate's category, gender, and the number of papers they choose to attempt. Below is the detailed breakdown for candidates appearing at centres within India.

Fee for Single Paper (B.E./B.Tech or B.Arch or B.Planning)

Category	Male Candidates	Female Candidates	Third Gender
General	₹1,000	₹800	₹500
Gen-EWS / OBC-NCL	₹900	₹800	₹500
SC / ST / PwD	₹500	₹500	₹500

Fee for Multiple Papers (e.g., B.E./B.Tech + B.Arch)

If you are a student who wishes to keep their options open by applying for both the engineering and architecture streams, the fee increases accordingly.

Category	Male Candidates	Female Candidates	Third Gender
General / EWS / OBC-NCL	₹2,000	₹1,600	₹1,000
SC / ST / PwD	₹1,000	₹1,000	₹1,000

Pro-Tip: Ensure you select the correct category during the initial registration. The JEE Main 2026 exam fees are non-refundable, and any mismatch discovered later might lead to the cancellation of your candidature.

Understanding the Streams: B.E., B.Tech, B.Arch, and B.Planning

The JEE Main 2026 is the gateway to three distinct academic streams. Choosing the right paper depends on your interest in the course curriculum:

1. B.E./B.Tech (Paper 1): Focuses on core engineering disciplines like Computer Science, Mechanical, Civil, and Chemical Engineering. In 2026, many colleges are integrating AI and Machine Learning modules into these traditional streams.

2. B.Arch (Paper 2A): Designed for students interested in architectural design, planning, and construction. It includes a drawing test to assess creative aptitude.

3. B.Planning (Paper 2B): A specialized course focusing on urban planning, sustainable development, and infrastructure management.

If you are interested in the digital evolution of traditional engineering, you might want to explore how these core subjects are changing. For instance, the Civil Engineering Course 2026 now includes modules on 3D Printing and Smart Cities.

JEE Main 2026 Exam Fees for International Centres

For NRI students and foreign nationals appearing from cities outside India (such as Dubai, Doha, or Singapore), the fee structure is significantly higher due to administrative overheads.

• General/OBC/EWS (Male): ₹5,000 (Single Paper) | ₹10,000 (Multiple)

• General/OBC/EWS (Female): ₹4,000 (Single Paper) | ₹8,000 (Multiple)

• SC/ST/PwD: ₹2,500 (Single Paper) | ₹5,000 (Multiple)

How to Pay the Application Fee

The NTA has moved strictly to digital payment modes for 2026. No bank challenges or offline payments are accepted. You can use:

• Net Banking: Nominal charges of ₹4–₹5 + GST may apply.

• Debit/Credit Cards: Charges are typically 0% for transactions up to ₹2,000.

• UPI (GPay/PhonePe/Paytm): The most convenient and usually free method for applicants.

Key Registration Documents for 2026

While the JEE Main 2026 exam fees are a critical part of the process, your application is incomplete without the following:

• Aadhaar Number: Used for auto-filling identity details.

• Live Photograph: The system will capture your photo via webcam during the application to prevent impersonation.

• Scanned Signature: Must be within the specified size (usually 4KB to 30KB).

• Category Certificate: If applying under SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS, ensure your certificate is updated for the 2026 financial year.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions on JEE Main 2026 Exam Fees

Q1: What is the JEE Main 2026 exam fees for a General category male candidate?

For a single paper (B.E./B.Tech) at an Indian exam centre, the fee is ₹1,000.

Q2: Is there a fee concession for female candidates?

Yes, female candidates across all categories receive a concession. General/OBC-NCL/EWS females pay ₹800, while SC/ST/PwD females pay ₹500 for a single paper.

Q3: Can I get a refund if I decide not to appear for the exam?

No, the JEE Main 2026 exam fees are strictly non-refundable and non-transferable under any circumstances.

Q4: What happens if my payment fails but the money is deducted?

Do not panic. Usually, the amount is refunded to your account within 7 working days. You should check your "Fee Payment Status" on the official portal; if it shows "Failed," you will need to initiate a new transaction to complete your registration.

Q5: Are there extra charges for using a Credit Card?

Yes, most banks charge a processing fee of approximately 0.40% of the transaction value plus GST for credit card payments.

Final Checklist Before Submission

Before you hit the final "Pay" button, double-check your stream selection. If you choose "B.E./B.Tech" but later realize you wanted "B.Arch," you may not be able to change this without paying an additional amount or missing the opportunity entirely during the correction window.

Whether you choose the path of Chemical Engineering or the burgeoning field of Data Science, staying updated with the official NTA notifications is vital. Ensure your JEE Main 2026 exam fees are paid well before the deadline to avoid the last-minute server rush.