NTA JEE Main 2026 – Eligibility, Exam Date, Syllabus & Tips

National Testing Agency (NTA) released the official notification for Joint Entrance Examination (JEE Main) 2026 for admission to undergraduate engineering, architecture, and planning courses across India. Aspirants who want to get admission to NITs, IIITs, CFTIs, and other participating institutions have an opportunity to apply for JEE Main 2026 Session 1 before 11:50 PM on 27th November 2025. The 2026 edition will be conducted in two sessions—January and April—to give candidates additional chances to improve their scores. In this article, you will find complete details on eligibility, important dates, and other helpful tips for candidates.

Key Highlights of JEE Main 2026

Important Dates for NTA JEE Main 2026

NTA JEE Main 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?

If you’re planning to appear for JEE Main 2026, here’s what you need to know about eligibility. The rules are simple and clear, so read carefully before applying.

Age Limit

There is no age limit for JEE Main 2026. Candidates of any age can apply, as long as they meet the academic requirements. However, some colleges may have their own age restrictions for admission, so check the rules of your preferred institute.

Qualifying Examination

You must have passed or be appearing for your Class 12 (or equivalent) exam in 2024, 2025, or 2026. If you passed before 2024, you are not eligible. The exam must be from a recognized board like CBSE, ISC, State Boards, or an equivalent recognized by AIU.

Subjects Required

• For B.E./B.Tech (Paper 1): You must have passed Class 12 with Physics, Mathematics, and one of Chemistry/Biology/Technical Vocational subjects.
• For B.Arch (Paper 2A): You need Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics in Class 12.
• For B.Planning (Paper 2B): You must have Mathematics in Class 12.

State Eligibility

Your state code for eligibility is based on the state where you passed your Class 12 exam, not your native place or residence. For example, if you passed from Delhi, your state code is Delhi, even if you live in Noida.

Other Important Points

• Candidates who passed Class 12 from NIOS should select the state where their study centre is located.
• Foreign candidates and OCIs have specific eligibility rules for state quota seats.
• Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD) can apply and get special provisions like scribe and extra time but must upload a valid disability certificate.

Must Read: For detailed eligibility criteria, click here to read the Information Bulletin for JEE Main 2026.

How to Apply for JEE Main 2026?

Step-by-Step Process:

Step 1: Registration

• Click here for Direct Application Link for JEE Main 2026 Session 1
• Register using your basic details, create a password, and note down the system-generated application number.

Step 2: Fill Application Form

• Log in using the application number.
• Fill personal and academic details, select exam cities, and upload required documents:
  • Live photograph (10–200 KB, colour, with 80% face visible)
  • Signature (10–100 KB)
  • Class 10 marksheet or certificate (50–300 KB PDF)
  • PwD certificate (if applicable)

Step 3: Pay Examination Fee

• Pay the application fee online using Net Banking, Credit/Debit Card, or UPI.
  After successful payment, download the confirmation page for reference.

Step 4: Correction Window

• A short correction period will be announced for candidates to edit limited details.

Application Fee:

Must Read: Advisory and Instructions on Updating of Aadhaar Card/UDID Card/Category
Certificate (EWS/SC/ST/OBC-NCL)

NTA JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Exam Pattern & Shifts

Exam Pattern & Shifts:

Medium of the Question Paper:

• The JEE Main 2026 will be conducted in 13 languages – English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu.
• Candidates must choose their preferred language while filling out the form; it cannot be changed later.

Must Read: Click here to read the Official Examination Notice released by NTA.

JEE Main 2026 Syllabus Overview

The NTA syllabus for JEE Main 2026 covers Class 11 and 12 topics in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Below is a brief overview:

Mathematics:

• Sets, Relations and Functions, Complex Numbers, Quadratic Equations, Matrices, Determinants, Permutations & Combinations, Binomial Theorem, Sequences & Series, Limits, Continuity & Differentiability, Integral Calculus, Differential Equations, Coordinate Geometry, 3D Geometry, Vector Algebra, Probability, and Trigonometry.

Physics:

• Units & Measurements, Kinematics, Laws of Motion, Work, Energy & Power, Rotational Motion, Gravitation, Thermodynamics, Kinetic Theory, Oscillations & Waves, Electrostatics, Current Electricity, Magnetism, EMI, Optics, Dual Nature of Matter, Atoms & Nuclei, and Electronic Devices.

Chemistry:

• Physical Chemistry: Atomic Structure, Thermodynamics, Equilibrium, Redox Reactions, Solutions, and Chemical Kinetics.
• Inorganic Chemistry: Classification of Elements, Periodicity, p-block, d & f block elements, Coordination Compounds.
• Organic Chemistry: Basic Concepts, Hydrocarbons, Alcohols, Phenols, Ethers, Aldehydes, Ketones, Carboxylic Acids, and Biomolecules.

Must Read: Click here to read the detailed syllabus for the JEE Main 2026 Examination.

Tips to Prepare for JEE Main 2026

Tips:

1. Understand the Syllabus and Exam Pattern: Focus on high-weightage topics and NCERT fundamentals.
2. Create a Realistic Study Plan: Allocate daily time for Physics numericals, Chemistry concepts, and Maths problem-solving.
3. Practice Mock Tests: Attempt full-length CBTs on NTA’s practice platform.
4. Revise Regularly: Make concise notes and formulas for last-minute review.
5. Stay Consistent: Small daily progress adds up more than irregular marathon sessions.

Expert Notes and Guidance:

• Experts suggest using NCERT textbooks as the base for all three subjects. For deeper practice, standard books like HC Verma (Physics), R.D. Sharma (Maths), and O.P. Tandon (Chemistry) are widely recommended.
• Students should also analyse previous years’ papers to understand the trend of conceptual and numerical questions.

FAQs