If you are planning to appear for one of India’s most competitive engineering entrance exams, then staying updated about the JEE Mains Application Form 2026 is the first crucial step.

The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Mains, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), opens the gateway to prestigious institutes like NITs, IIITs, and serves as a qualifying exam for JEE Advanced, the path to IITs. Every year, lakhs of aspirants apply, making the process time-sensitive and detail-oriented.


JEE Mains Application Form 2026: Complete Guide to Registration, Eligibility, and Process

The JEE Mains 2026 application form will be released online on the official NTA website, and candidates will need to carefully fill in their personal details, academic records, upload documents, and pay the required fee.

Since even a small mistake can lead to rejection or complications, knowing the exact dates, eligibility criteria, and step-by-step application process becomes essential for every aspirant.

This guide will help you with everything you need to know about the JEE Mains 2026 application form — from registration dates, required documents, and eligibility norms, to common mistakes to avoid while applying.

If your dream is to secure admission into India’s top engineering colleges, it all begins with filling out the application form correctly and on time.

JEE Mains 2026 Application Form Release Date

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is expected to release the JEE Mains 2026 application form in November 2025 for the January session and in February 2026 for the April session.

Candidates will be given around 30 days to complete their registration. It is important to track the official website jeemain.nta.ac.in regularly to avoid missing deadlines.

  • Session 1 (January 2026): Application form expected in November 2025
  • Session 2 (April 2026): Application form expected in February 2026

Remember, you can appear in either one session or both. The best score out of the two attempts will be considered for final merit.

JEE Mains 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Before filling the JEE Main registration form 2026, ensure that you meet the eligibility norms set by NTA:

  1. Educational Qualification – You must have passed Class 12 (or equivalent) in 2024 or 2025, or be appearing in 2026.
  2. Subjects Required – Physics and Mathematics are compulsory, along with Chemistry/Biology/Biotechnology/Technical Vocational subject.
  3. Age Limit – There is no age limit for JEE Mains 2026. However, the institute you apply to may have its own age restrictions.
  4. Number of Attempts – You can attempt JEE Mains for three consecutive years. Since the exam is conducted twice a year, this gives you a maximum of six attempts.
  5. Eligibility for JEE Advanced – Only the top 2,50,000 candidates from JEE Mains qualify for JEE Advanced.

Documents Required for JEE Main Application Form 2026

While applying online, keep scanned copies of the following documents ready in the specified format:

  • Recent passport-size photograph (JPEG)
  • Candidate’s signature (JPEG)
  • Category certificate (if applicable)
  • PwD certificate (if applicable)
  • Class 10 and 12 mark sheets
  • Valid ID proof (Aadhaar card, Passport, PAN card, etc.)

Uploading documents in the wrong format is one of the most common reasons for rejection, so double-check before submission.

JEE Mains 2026 Application Fee

The application fee varies based on category and exam center location (India/abroad). Payment can be made via Credit/Debit Card, Net Banking, or UPI.

  • General/OBC (Boys): ₹1,000 for one paper, ₹2,000 for both sessions
  • General/OBC (Girls): ₹800 for one paper, ₹1,600 for both sessions
  • SC/ST/PwD Candidates: ₹500 for one paper, ₹1,000 for both sessions
  • Outside India: Around ₹4,000 per session (varies by NTA notice)

Step-by-Step Process to Fill JEE Main 2026 Application Form

  1. Visit the official website: jeemain.nta.ac.in
  2. Register with personal details: Enter name, DOB, mobile number, and email.
  3. Fill application form: Provide academic qualifications, exam center preference, and category.
  4. Upload documents: Ensure proper size and format for photo and signature.
  5. Pay the application fee: Choose online payment mode and complete transaction.
  6. Download confirmation page: Save a PDF copy for future reference.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many candidates face difficulties because of avoidable errors. Here are mistakes to watch out for while filling the JEE Mains 2026 form:

  • Entering incorrect email or mobile number (leads to missing updates)
  • Uploading blurred or incorrect size photo/signature
  • Selecting wrong exam center preferences
  • Not checking eligibility before applying
  • Forgetting to save confirmation page

Important Tips for JEE Mains 2026 Registration

  • Register early — do not wait until the last date.
  • Use a reliable internet connection to avoid payment failures.
  • Cross-check all details before final submission.
  • Keep multiple copies of your application confirmation.
  • Stay updated on official notifications from NTA.

Conclusion

Filling the JEE Mains Application Form 2026 is the first and most critical step toward your dream of studying in India’s top engineering colleges.

By keeping track of important dates, understanding eligibility criteria, preparing required documents, and carefully following the registration process, you can avoid errors and ensure a smooth application experience.

Remember, lakhs of students apply every year, and timely, error-free registration sets the tone for your preparation journey.

If you are aspiring for NITs, IIITs, or the IITs through JEE Advanced, make sure your journey begins with a flawless application process.

Stay focused, stay updated, and take the first confident step toward your engineering career by filling out the JEE Mains 2026 application form correctly and on time.