JEE Main 2026 Registration: NTA Announces Session 1 Dates, Here’s How to Apply Online

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is set to commence registration for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE Main) 2026 Session 1. According to the official notification, online registration will open in October 2025. The JEE Main session 1 exam 2026 will be held between January 21 and 30, 2026, while the session 2 exam is scheduled from April 1 to 10, 2026.

The JEE Main 2026 registration date for session 1 is October 2025. The session 2 registration window will open in the last week of January 2026.

Application Form Guidelines and Aadhaar Authentication

NTA outlined key application form details. Information such as Name, Date of Birth, Gender, Photograph, and Address will be fetched from UIDAI via Aadhaar Authentication. Candidates must ensure their Aadhaar details are accurate. For updates, applicants should follow UIDAI guidelines. Since Aadhaar does not include parents' names, applicants must enter Father/Mother/Guardian details manually.

Handling Name Discrepancies

NTA also addressed potential differences between names on Aadhaar cards and 10th-grade certificates/marksheets. During the online application process, candidates will have an option to resolve such mismatches, ensuring a smooth registration experience without delays.

JEE Main as a Gateway to Engineering Programs

The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main serves as a gateway to undergraduate engineering programs such as BE/BTech at NITs, IIITs, and other Centrally Funded Technical Institutions (CFTIs). Many state-funded or recognised universities also accept JEE Main scores for admissions.

Eligibility for JEE Advanced

Candidates who successfully clear JEE Main Paper 1 become eligible for JEE Advanced, the next step for admission into Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). Performing well in JEE Main is crucial for aspirants aiming for top-tier engineering institutions.

With clear guidelines and provisions for resolving discrepancies, NTA aims to make the registration process hassle-free. Students planning for engineering careers should note the exam schedule, registration dates, and eligibility criteria to ensure timely and error-free applications.