JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Registration Started: Complete Guide to Apply Online at jeemain.nta.nic.in Before February 25
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially launched the JEE Main 2026 Session 2 registration process on February 1, 2026. Engineering aspirants seeking admission to prestigious IITs, NITs, IIITs, and other top technical institutions can now apply for the JEE Mains April 2026 attempt through the official portal jeemain.nta.nic.in. With the application deadline set for February 25, 2026, over 13 lakh students are expected to register for this crucial engineering entrance examination.
Ready to Ace Your Exam?
Practice with our comprehensive test series designed by experts. Get detailed solutions, performance analytics, and boost your preparation.
Explore Test SeriesJEE Main 2026 Session 2: Registration Overview
The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026 Session 2, commonly referred to as the JEE Main April attempt, offers a golden opportunity for students to improve their scores from Session 1 or make their first attempt at India's most competitive engineering entrance exam. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about JEE Mains 2026 registration, eligibility criteria, application process, fees, exam pattern, and preparation strategies.
Key Dates for JEE Main Session 2 2026
Registration Start Date: February 1, 2026
Registration Last Date: February 25, 2026 (9:00 PM)
Fee Payment Deadline: February 25, 2026 (11:50 PM)
Correction Window: Expected in early March 2026
City Intimation Slip: To be announced
Admit Card Release: Expected by March 25‑28, 2026
JEE Main 2026 Exam Dates: April 2‑9, 2026
Session 2 Result Declaration: Expected by April 25, 2026
Official Website: jeemain.nta.nic.in
Why Apply for JEE Main 2026 Session 2?
Second Chance for Better Performance
The JEE Mains examination is conducted in two sessions annually, providing students with TWO opportunities to secure their best score. Here's why Session 2 is crucial:
Score Improvement: Students who appeared for Session 1 can significantly improve their percentile and overall rank by attempting Session 2 with better preparation.
Best Score Consideration: NTA considers the best of both attempts (Session 1 and Session 2) for final ranking and JEE Advanced qualification, giving candidates maximum flexibility.
Fresh Opportunity: Students who missed Session 1 due to Class 12 board exam preparation or other reasons get a fresh chance to appear in Session 2.
Advanced Preparation: Additional time between Session 1 and Session 2 allows for more focused preparation based on Session 1 question paper analysis.
Multiple College Options: Better JEE Main score opens doors to premium NITs, IIITs, GFTIs, and state government engineering colleges across India.
JEE Advanced Eligibility: Top 2,50,000 rank holders in JEE Main become eligible for JEE Advanced 2026, the gateway to IITs.
JEE Main 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before starting your JEE Main registration 2026 for Session 2, ensure you meet all eligibility requirements:
Educational Qualification
Class 12 Passing Year:
- Candidates who passed Class 12 in 2024
- Candidates who passed Class 12 in 2025
- Candidates appearing in Class 12 in 2026
Mandatory Subjects:
- Physics (Compulsory)
- Mathematics (Compulsory)
- One subject from: Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, or Technical Vocational subject
Pass Percentage: No minimum percentage required from 2024 onwards for appearing in JEE Main
Number of Attempts:
- Maximum attempts allowed: As many as required
- No age limit for appearing in JEE Main
Important Notes on Eligibility
Stream Requirement: Students from Science stream with Physics and Mathematics are eligible
Improvement Candidates: Students appearing for improvement exams should fill the year of first attempt as passing year
State Board Students: Students from all state boards (CBSE, ICSE, State Boards) are eligible
Open School Students: NIOS and other open school students are eligible if they meet subject requirements
Foreign Students: NRI and foreign nationals can apply with equivalent qualifications
JEE Main 2026 Application Fee Structure
The JEE Main registration fees vary based on gender, category, and paper selection:
For Indian Candidates
General/OBC/EWS Category:
- Paper 1 (BE/BTech) only: Rs. 1,000
- Paper 2A (BArch) only: Rs. 1,000
- Paper 2B (BPlanning) only: Rs. 1,000
- Paper 1 + Paper 2A: Rs. 1,800
- Paper 1 + Paper 2B: Rs. 1,800
- All three papers: Rs. 2,600
General/OBC/EWS (Female Candidates):
- Paper 1 (BE/BTech) only: Rs. 800
- Paper 2A (BArch) only: Rs. 800
- Paper 2B (BPlanning) only: Rs. 800
- Paper 1 + Paper 2A: Rs. 1,400
- Paper 1 + Paper 2B: Rs. 1,400
- All three papers: Rs. 2,000
SC/ST/PwD/Transgender:
- Paper 1 (BE/BTech) only: Rs. 500
- Paper 2A (BArch) only: Rs. 500
- Paper 2B (BPlanning) only: Rs. 500
- Paper 1 + Paper 2A: Rs. 900
- Paper 1 + Paper 2B: Rs. 900
- All three papers: Rs. 1,300
For Foreign Candidates (Outside India Centers)
All Categories:
- Any single paper: $225 (approximately Rs. 18,750)
- Two papers: $405 (approximately Rs. 33,750)
- All three papers: $585 (approximately Rs. 48,750)
Payment Modes: Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, UPI, Paytm
Important: Fee once paid is non‑refundable under any circumstances.
Step‑by‑Step Guide: How to Register for JEE Main 2026 Session 2
For First‑Time Applicants (New Candidates)
If you haven't applied for JEE Main 2026 Session 1, follow this complete registration process:
Stage 1: Registration on NTA Portal
Step 1: Visit the official NTA JEE Main website at jeemain.nta.nic.in
Step 2: Click on "Registration for JEE Main 2026 Session 2" link on the homepage
Step 3: Read all instructions carefully in the information bulletin
Step 4: Click on "New Registration" button
Step 5: Enter basic registration details:
- Full name (as per Class 10 certificate)
- Father's name
- Mother's name
- Date of birth (as per Class 10 certificate)
- Gender (Male/Female/Transgender)
- Email ID (active and accessible)
- Mobile number (for OTP verification)
Step 6: Select your Category: General, EWS, OBC‑NCL, SC, ST, or PwD
Step 7: Create a strong password (minimum 8 characters with alphanumeric and special characters)
Step 8: Enter security pin/captcha code
Step 9: Click "Submit" to complete registration
Step 10: Note down your Application Number (generated automatically)
Step 11: You will receive confirmation on registered email and mobile number
Important: Keep your Application Number and Password safe for future login.
Stage 2: Online Application Form Filling
Step 1: Log in using your Application Number and Password
Step 2: Complete Aadhaar verification (mandatory for Indian candidates)
Step 3: Fill personal details section:
- Complete address (permanent and correspondence)
- Nationality (Indian/Foreign)
- State of eligibility (based on Class 11‑12 study)
- Religion and category details
Step 4: Fill educational qualification details:
- Board name (CBSE, ICSE, State Board, etc.)
- School name and location
- Class 10 roll number and year
- Class 12 roll number and year (if passed)
- Percentage/CGPA in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics
Step 5: Select exam preferences:
- Paper type: Paper 1 (BE/BTech), Paper 2A (BArch), Paper 2B (BPlanning)
- Medium of examination: English, Hindi, Gujarati, or other regional languages
- Choose 4 exam city preferences in order of priority
Step 6: Upload required documents (see document specifications section)
Step 7: Review all entered information thoroughly
Step 8: Click "Preview" to check complete application
Step 9: Click "Final Submit" after verifying all details
Stage 3: Live Photo Capture (New Initiative 2026)
Important Update: NTA has introduced mandatory live photo capture for JEE Main 2026:
Step 1: Allow camera access on your device (laptop/desktop with webcam or smartphone)
Step 2: Position yourself in front of the camera with good lighting
Step 3: Ensure 80% of face is visible with a plain light background
Step 4: Click the capture button when ready
Step 5: Retake if the image is not clear (up to 3 attempts allowed)
Step 6: Confirm the captured photo
Requirements: Remove spectacles if possible, no headgear, clear face visibility, no mask
Stage 4: Fee Payment
Step 1: After successful form submission, proceed to payment section
Step 2: Verify total fee amount based on paper selection and category
Step 3: Choose payment mode: Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, or UPI
Step 4: Enter card/banking details in the secure payment gateway
Step 5: Complete payment transaction
Step 6: Save payment confirmation receipt with transaction ID
Step 7: Download the complete application confirmation page
Important: Fee payment must be completed by February 25, 2026 (11:50 PM) even if registration was done earlier.
For Session 1 Candidates (Returning Applicants)
If you already applied for JEE Main 2026 Session 1 and want to attempt Session 2:
Step 1: Visit jeemain.nta.nic.in and click on "Apply for Session 2"
Step 2: Login using your existing Application Number and Password from Session 1
Step 3: Your basic details will be auto‑populated from Session 1 application
Step 4: Select paper type for Session 2 (can be same or different from Session 1)
Step 5: Choose medium of examination for Session 2
Step 6: Update exam city preferences if needed (can select different cities)
Step 7: Perform live photo capture (mandatory for Session 2 as well)
Step 8: Preview and submit the application
Step 9: Pay the fee for Session 2 (full fee required; no discount for Session 1 applicants)
Step 10: Download confirmation page
Advantage: Returning candidates save time as personal and educational details are already available.
Document Upload Specifications for JEE Main 2026
All documents must meet exact specifications to avoid application rejection:
Photograph Specifications
File Format: JPEG/JPG only
File Size: 10 KB to 200 KB
Image Dimensions: 3.5 cm (width) × 4.5 cm (height)
Resolution: Minimum 200 DPI
Background: White or light‑colored plain background
Face Coverage: 80% of photograph should show face
Photo Recency: Taken within last 3 months
Color: Color photograph preferred (black & white acceptable if clear)
Additional Requirements:
- No sunglasses or dark glasses
- No headgear except for religious purposes
- Face should be clearly visible
- No blurred images accepted
Signature Specifications
File Format: JPEG/JPG only
File Size: 4 KB to 30 KB
Image Dimensions: 3.5 cm (width) × 1.5 cm (height)
Background: White paper with black/blue ink signature
Clarity: Signature should be clear and legible
Instructions: Sign on white paper, scan, and upload
Category Certificate (If Applicable)
File Format: PDF only
File Size: Maximum 200 KB
Certificate Type:
- EWS certificate (issued by competent authority)
- OBC‑NCL certificate (issued in current financial year)
- SC/ST certificate (issued by competent authority)
- PwD certificate (minimum 40% disability from medical board)
Class 10 Marksheet
File Format: PDF only
File Size: Maximum 300 KB
Clarity: All text should be readable after upload
Purpose: For name and date of birth verification
Class 12 Marksheet (If Passed)
File Format: PDF only
File Size: Maximum 300 KB
Requirement: Upload latest available marksheet
Application Correction Window
After the registration deadline, NTA typically provides a correction window where candidates can modify certain details:
Expected Correction Dates: Early March 2026
Editable Fields:
- Exam city preferences
- Medium of examination
- Personal details (with supporting documents)
- Category (with valid certificate upload)
Non‑Editable Fields:
- Date of birth
- Name (except minor corrections)
- Gender
Correction Fee: May be charged for certain modifications (typically Rs. 200‑500)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I apply for both Session 1 and Session 2 of JEE Main 2026?
Yes, candidates can appear in both sessions. NTA will consider your best score for final ranking and JEE Advanced qualification.
Q2: Is it mandatory to appear in Session 1 to apply for Session 2?
No, Session 1 and Session 2 are independent. You can directly apply for Session 2 even if you didn't appear in Session 1.
Q3: Will Session 1 applicants get fee discount for Session 2?
No, full fee is applicable for Session 2 registration regardless of Session 1 participation.
Q4: Can I change my exam paper in Session 2?
Yes, candidates can choose different papers in Session 2 compared to Session 1.
Q5: What is the last date to pay JEE Main 2026 Session 2 fees?
Fee payment deadline is February 25, 2026, at 11:50 PM.
Q6: Is Aadhaar card mandatory for JEE Main registration?
Yes, Aadhaar verification is mandatory for Indian candidates during the registration process.
Q7: Can I use the same photograph for both sessions?
Yes, but Session 2 requires mandatory live photo capture in addition to uploaded photo.
Q8: When will JEE Main 2026 Session 2 admit card be released?
Admit cards are typically released 7‑10 days before exam commencement, expected by March 25‑28, 2026.
Q9: How many exam centers can I choose?
You can select 4 exam city preferences in order of priority.
Q10: Is negative marking applicable in JEE Main 2026?
Yes, there is negative marking of -1 mark for each incorrect answer in MCQ questions.
Key Highlights: JEE Main 2026 Session 2
- Registration Started: February 1, 2026
- Last Date to Apply: February 25, 2026 (9:00 PM)
- Fee Payment Deadline: February 25, 2026 (11:50 PM)
- Official Website: jeemain.nta.nic.in
- Exam Dates: April 2‑9, 2026
- Total Registered Candidates Expected: 13 lakh+
- Exam Mode: Computer‑Based Test (CBT)
- Papers Offered: Paper 1 (BE/BTech), Paper 2A (BArch), Paper 2B (BPlanning)
- Application Fee: Rs. 500‑1,000 (varies by category and paper)
- New Feature: Mandatory live photo capture
- Session 1 Result: February 12, 2026
- Session 1 Answer Key: February 4, 2026
- Best Score Consideration: Yes, better of both sessions
The JEE Main 2026 Session 2 registration opening on February 1, 2026, presents a crucial opportunity for engineering aspirants across India to achieve their dreams of studying at premier institutions like IITs, NITs, and IIITs. Whether you're looking to improve your Session 1 score or making your first attempt, timely registration and systematic preparation are key to success.
Official Registration Link: https://jeemain.nta.nic.in
For Latest Updates and Notifications: Visit the official NTA JEE Main website regularly and enable notifications on the candidate portal.
Last Updated: February 3, 2026