The application process for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026 Session 1 has seen an unexpected delay. Many engineering students across India were waiting eagerly to apply in October 2025 , as was previously announced by the National Testing Agency (NTA). However, as October comes to an end, the application forms are still not available on the official NTA website, jeemain.nta.nic.in .
NTA had first shared information about JEE Main 2026 registration on September 29 . This early announcement made many students believe that the application link would go live soon. A short demo registration link was even activated for a while, further raising expectations. But, a full month after the initial notice, the application process for the important engineering entrance exam has not yet begun.
Why the Delay in JEE Main 2026 Applications?
The National Testing Agency has explained the reasons behind this delay. NTA is introducing a significant new feature: an Aadhar-based form-filling process . This means that students will use their Aadhar card details directly during the application. This new method is being put in place for a few important reasons:
- Simplified Process: Using Aadhar aims to make filling out the application form much easier for students.
- Reduced Errors: It helps to ensure that there are fewer mistakes in important personal information, such as names and dates of birth, when students submit their forms.
Integrating this new Aadhar-based system requires technical upgrades to the NTA portal. The agency is currently working on these upgrades and testing them thoroughly. This testing is important to make sure that the application process runs smoothly and without any technical problems for lakhs of students.
Furthermore, NTA has confirmed that the new portal will also include an option to fix name mismatches. It is common for a student's name on their Aadhar card to be slightly different from the name on their Class 10th certificate . The new system will allow students to correct these differences directly on the application form. Bringing all these features together and ensuring they work perfectly takes extra time, which is why the registration has been postponed.
Important Dates for JEE Main 2026
Students should note the following key dates related to JEE Main 2026:
| Event | Details |
| JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Registration Start | Expected very soon (originally announced for October 2025) |
| JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Registration Duration | Expected to be open for approximately one month after launch |
| JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Registration Start | Last week of January 2026 |
| JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Exam Date | Expected in January or early February 2026 |
The official notification with all details, including the exact registration start date, will be released by NTA shortly. Students are advised to watch for this update on the official website.
What Should Students Do Now?
With only about 83 days left until the expected JEE Main 2026 Session 1 exam, students should keep their focus on preparation. Do not let the delay in application forms distract you from your studies. Continuing smart preparation is the best way to do well in the first attempt.
When the application forms are released, students will likely have about a month to apply online. This gives sufficient time to complete the process. It is a good idea to ensure all necessary documents, especially your Aadhar card and Class 10th certificate , are ready and that the names match as much as possible, even with the new correction feature.
For the most accurate and current information, regularly check the official NTA JEE Main website at jeemain.nta.nic.in . This will help you stay updated on the registration link, detailed exam pattern, fees, and eligibility requirements once they are announced.
