The National Testing Agency ( NTA ) has announced the application fees for the Joint Entrance Examination (Main) 2026 . This exam is commonly known as JEE Main 2026 . This update is very important for all students across India and abroad who plan to take this exam next year.
The fees for JEE Main 2026 are not the same for every student. They vary depending on several factors. These factors include the student's category (like General, OBC, SC, ST), their gender, and whether they choose an exam centre in India or outside the country. Students need to pay this fee when they fill out their application form online.
What is JEE Main?
For those new to the process, JEE Main is one of the most important engineering entrance exams in India. It is the first step for students aiming to join undergraduate engineering and architecture courses. Success in JEE Main can lead to admissions in prestigious institutions like the National Institutes of Technology ( NITs ), Indian Institutes of Information Technology ( IIITs ), and other Government Funded Technical Institutes ( GFTIs ) across India. It also serves as a qualification exam for JEE Advanced , which is needed for admission to the Indian Institutes of Technology ( IITs ).
Detailed Application Fee Structure for JEE Main 2026
Students must pay the correct application fee to complete their JEE Main 2026 registration. The fee amount depends on your specific details. It is very important to select the right information during registration to know the exact fee you need to pay. The table below shows the fee for Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech courses), which is a common choice for many engineering aspirants.
| Category | Centres in India (Fee in Rs) | Centres outside India (Fee in Rs) | ||
| Male | Female | Male | Female | |
| General | 1000 | 800 | 5000 | 4000 |
| General-EWS/ OBC (NCL) | 900 | 800 | 4500 | 4000 |
| SC/ST/PwD | 500 | 500 | 2500 | 2500 |
| Third gender | 500 | 3000 | ||
How to Make Your Payment
The NTA has made the fee payment process simple and fully online. Applicants for JEE Main 2026 can pay their fees using various digital payment options. These options include Credit Card, Debit Card, Net-Banking (online banking), and Unified Payments Interface ( UPI ). These online methods ensure that students can complete their payment quickly and securely from anywhere.
Key Rules for JEE Main 2026 Application Fee
There are certain rules regarding the application fee that all students must know:
- Non-Refundable Fee: The fee paid for JEE Main 2026 registration is final. It will not be returned under any circumstances, even if a student decides not to appear for the exam or if their application is rejected for other reasons.
- Online Payment Only: All application fees must be paid through online modes. There is no option for cash payment or demand drafts.
- Successful Application: Only those students who complete the fee payment successfully will have their application forms fully accepted. An unpaid application is considered incomplete and will not be processed.
- Check Details Carefully: Before making the payment, students must double-check all the information they have entered in their application form. This includes their chosen category, gender, the number of papers they are applying for (e.g., Paper 1 for B.E./B.Tech), and their selected exam centre location. Any mistake in these details could lead to paying an incorrect fee, which might cause problems later.
Why Paying the Correct Fee is Important
Paying the right amount and making sure the payment goes through is a vital step in applying for JEE Main 2026 . If the fee payment fails or if an incorrect amount is paid, the student’s application will not be considered valid. This means they will not get their admit card and will not be allowed to appear for the exam. To avoid such issues, students should ensure their internet connection is stable and they have enough funds in their chosen payment method before starting the transaction.
After successfully paying the fee, it is advisable to download and save the payment receipt for future reference. This receipt acts as proof of your payment. Students should also keep checking the official NTA JEE Main website for any further announcements or guidelines related to the examination process.
