The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the eligibility details for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026. This exam is for students aiming to join engineering and architecture courses in top colleges across India. Understanding the rules for who can apply, when to apply, and what qualifications are needed is important.
Eligibility Criteria for JEE Main 2026
Age Limit
There is no age limit to appear for JEE Main 2026. Candidates only need to meet the other educational and year of passing criteria.
Qualifying Examinations (QE)
Candidates must have passed their Class 12th or an equivalent examination from a recognized board or university. This includes examinations like the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (10+2 system) or any other equivalent exam recognized by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).
Year of Passing 12th Grade Exam
To be eligible for JEE Main 2026, candidates must have passed their Class 12th or equivalent examination in 2024, 2025, or 2026 . Students appearing for their 12th-grade exams in 2026 are also eligible to apply.
State Eligibility
Specific state eligibility rules may apply for admissions to certain institutions like National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), and Government Funded Technical Institutions (GFTIs). These rules are usually based on the candidate's state of domicile or the state from which they passed their Class 12th examination.
Important Dates for JEE Main 2026 (Session 1)
Here are the key dates for the first session of JEE Main 2026:
| Event | Dates |
| Online Application Submission | 31 October 2025 to 27 November 2025 (Up to 09:00 P.M.) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 27 November 2025 (Up to 11:50 P.M.) |
| City Intimation Slip | First Week of January 2026 (Tentatively) |
| Admit Card Download | 03-04 days before the exam date |
| Dates of Examination | Between 21 January 2026 to 30 January 2026 |
| Result Declaration | By 12 February 2026 |
Application Fees for JEE Main 2026 (Session 1)
The application fees vary based on the candidate's category and the number of papers they choose to appear for. The fees mentioned are for centres in India. Processing charges and GST apply in addition to these fees.
Fee for One Paper (B.E./B.Tech or B.Arch or B.Planning)
| Candidate Type | Fee in ₹ |
| General Male | 1000 |
| General Female | 800 |
| Gen-EWS/OBC (NCL) Male | 900 |
| Gen-EWS/OBC (NCL) Female | 800 |
| SC/ST/PwD/PwBD Male | 500 |
| SC/ST/PwD/PwBD Female | 500 |
| Third Gender | 500 |
Fee for Multiple Papers (e.g., B.E./B.Tech & B.Arch)
| Candidate Type | Fee in ₹ |
| General/Gen-EWS/OBC (NCL) Male | 2000 |
| General/Gen-EWS/OBC (NCL) Female | 1600 |
| SC/ST/PwD/PwBD Male | 1000 |
| SC/ST/PwD/PwBD Female | 1000 |
| Third Gender | 1000 |
How to Apply for JEE Main 2026
Candidates must apply online through the NTA website. The application process involves three main steps:
- Step 1: Registration Form - Register online and get a system-generated application number. Create a password and choose a security question.
- Step 2: Application Form - Log in with your application number and password. Fill in personal details, choose exam cities, provide educational qualifications, and upload required documents. This includes a live photograph , scanned photograph, signature, Class 10th or equivalent certificate/mark sheet, and PwD/PwBD certificate if applicable.
- Step 3: Fee Payment - Pay the exam fee online using Net Banking, Credit Card, Debit Card, or UPI. After successful payment, download and print the Confirmation Page.
Candidates should ensure they upload clear and correct images and documents. No changes will be allowed later. Submitting more than one application form is not permitted and will lead to cancellation.
About JEE Main 2026
JEE Main is conducted for admission to undergraduate engineering (B.E./B.Tech), architecture (B.Arch), and planning (B.Planning) programs. These programs are offered at NITs, IIITs, other Centrally Funded Technical Institutions (CFTIs), and various state-funded universities. JEE Main is also the qualifying test for JEE Advanced, which is required for admission to the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).
The exam is held in two sessions (January and April) to give students two chances to improve their scores and avoid waiting an entire year if they miss one session.
