JEE Main 2026 Registration: Application Form, Fees & Step-by-Step Process
- mayuri pawar
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
The JEE Main 2026 registration process is the foundational step for students aspiring to enroll in premier engineering and architecture programs across India. As we enter the 2026 academic cycle, the National Testing Agency (NTA) continues to refine the digital application experience to ensure security and transparency.
For students aiming for core streams like Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or the high-demand B.Sc. Data Science, understanding the registration nuances is critical. This guide provides a verified, step-by-step breakdown of the application journey, tailored for the 2026 session.
JEE Main 2026 Registration: Tentative Dates
Timelines are the most crucial part of your planning. While the NTA releases official dates via an information bulletin, the following are the expected schedules based on the current academic calendar.
Event | Session 1 (January) | Session 2 (April) |
Notification Release | Late October 2025 | Mid-January 2026 |
Registration Starts | November 2025 | Expected Late Jan/Feb 2026 |
Last Date to Apply | Early December 2025 | Early March 2026 |
Exam Dates (Tentative) | Jan 21 to Jan 31, 2026 | April 1 to April 12, 2026 |
Result Declaration | February 2026 | Late April 2026 |
Understanding Course and Stream Selection
Before starting your JEE Main 2026 registration, it is essential to align your paper selection with your preferred academic stream. The 2026 session offers three distinct papers:
Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech): This is the most common choice for students entering traditional engineering disciplines. Whether you are interested in the sustainable infrastructure models of Civil Engineering or the process-driven innovations in Chemical Engineering, Paper 1 is your entry point.
Paper 2A (B.Arch): For those focusing on Bachelor of Architecture.
Paper 2B (B.Planning): For students pursuing a Bachelor of Planning.
Step-by-Step JEE Main 2026 Registration Process
The application is entirely online and hosted on the official NTA portal. Follow these steps to ensure an error-free submission:
Step 1: Authentication and Profile Creation
Visit the official website jeemain.nta.nic.in. Students can register using their Aadhaar Number, DigiLocker, or ABC ID. Aadhaar verification is currently the most commonly used and recommended method for registration as it facilitates faster verification at the exam centers.
Step 2: Filling the Online Application
Log in using your system-generated credentials. You will need to provide:
Personal Details: Name, parents' names, and DOB (must match your Class 10 certificate).
Academic Details: Marks and school information for Class 10 and Class 12.
Stream Choice: Select Paper 1, Paper 2A, or Paper 2B.
Step 3: Document Uploads
You must upload clear, scanned versions of the following:
Photograph: Recent color or B&W (with 80% face visible, white background).
Signature: Running hand signature on white paper with black ink.
Category Certificate: Only if applying under SC/ST/OBC/EWS (ensure validity as of April 1, 2025).
Step 4: Fee Payment
Your JEE Main 2026 registration is considered complete only after the successful payment of the application fee via Net Banking, Credit Card, Debit Card, or UPI.
JEE Main 2026 Application Fees
The fee structure is categorized by candidate type and the number of sessions/papers selected.
Category | Single Paper (India) | Both Papers (India) |
General/OBC (Male) | ₹1,000 | ₹2,000 |
General/OBC (Female) | ₹800 | ₹1,600 |
SC/ST/PwD/Transgender | ₹500 | ₹1,000 |
Required Documents Checklist
Prepare these digital files before you begin to avoid session timeouts:
Class 10 Certificate: For Date of Birth verification.
Aadhaar Card: For identity authentication.
Valid Email & Mobile Number: Essential for receiving OTPs and admission updates.
Class 12 Details: While the marksheet is not required for the initial registration, these details will be vital during the counseling and physical reporting phase.
If you are evaluating which stream offers the best long-term curriculum, you might find the subject breakdown in Civil Engineering Course 2026: Duration and Subjects extremely helpful.
Common Mistakes to Avoid during Registration
Mismatched Data: Using a nickname or an abbreviated name that doesn't match your official school records.
Incorrect Category: Selecting the wrong category (e.g., General instead of EWS) can result in losing out on reservation benefits, and this often cannot be changed after the correction window closes.
Exam City Selection: Ensure you select a city that you can easily travel to, as the NTA rarely changes the allotted center.
Incomplete Payment: Always download the "Confirmation Page" after payment. If the page isn't generated, your payment has not been processed.
FAQs on JEE Main 2026 Registration
Q: Can I apply for Session 2 if I missed the Session 1 registration?
Yes. The JEE Main 2026 registration portal will reopen specifically for Session 2 (April) for both new and returning candidates.
Q: What is the official website for registration?
The only official portal for the application is jeemain.nta.nic.in.
Q: Is there a choice in the Numerical Value Questions (Section B)?
Generally, Paper 1 consists of 75 questions (25 each in Physics, Chemistry, and Math). For the latest 2026 pattern regarding choices in Section B, please refer to the official NTA notification released during the registration window.
Q: What if my Aadhaar card has an old photo?
As long as your Aadhaar number is valid and the name/DOB matches your school records, it is fine. However, your uploaded application photo should be recent.
Conclusion
Navigating the JEE Main 2026 registration requires attention to detail and timely action. Whether you are aiming for a career in Chemical Engineering or the evolving landscape of Civil Engineering, ensuring your application is flawless is the first hurdle. Keep your documents ready, double-check your stream choices, and monitor the official website for the latest 2026 circulars.
Comments