JEE Main 2026 FAQs: Most Asked Questions Answered Clearly

NTA (National Testing Agency) conducts the exam, prepares the schedule, manages registration, sets question papers, ensures fairness through CBT mode, declares results, releases answer keys, and handles the entire examination process.

Students can fill the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 form between 31 October 2025 and 27 November 2025, as per the official schedule.

• Session 1: 21 January – 30 January 2026

• Session 2: 1 April – 10 April 2026

JEE Main 2026 will be conducted online (Computer-Based Test) for all papers except the drawing section of B.Arch, which is done offline on paper.

Students must fill the form on the official website by:

1. Registering with basic details

2. Filling personal, academic, and exam city preferences

3. Uploading required documents

4. Paying the fee online

5. Downloading the confirmation page

Yes. Session 1 and Session 2 require separate application forms. Students who applied for Session 1 can simply log in and apply for Session 2 without re-registering.

Candidates can change the exam medium only during the application correction window. After that, no changes are allowed.

No. Thumb impression upload is not required for JEE Main 2026.

Wait for some time and retry.
Use:

• A stable internet connection

• Updated browser

• A laptop/desktop instead of mobile

If the issue continues, contact NTA Helpline.

No. You do not need to send any physical documents. All submissions are online only.

Yes, if you belong to a reserved category, you must upload the relevant certificate in the prescribed format during registration.

Yes. Candidates can apply directly for Session 2 even if they skipped Session 1.

You can appear in one or both sessions. It is optional, not mandatory.

Yes. Once you choose the exam city, NTA will allot a centre within that city based on availability.

No. Centre allotment is automated. NTA does not accept manual requests for centre change or preferences.

NTA tries to avoid major exam clashes. If any overlaps occur, students must choose based on preference.

You cannot choose the exact date or shift.
NTA will assign your:

• Exam date

• Exam shift

• Exam centre
  based on availability.

Yes. Blue or black ink signatures are both acceptable as long as they are clear and match the format.

Contact the Centre Superintendent or invigilator inside the exam hall.
For registration issues, contact the NTA helpline.

Yes, but only during the correction window. After that, no changes will be allowed.

No. Once the fee is paid, the application cannot be withdrawn or refunded.

No. One email ID and mobile number must be used for one candidate only.

Yes. Contact details are mandatory. Income details are required for category and scholarship purposes.

After successful fee payment, the confirmation page will be available for download on the NTA portal.
Students should print and save multiple copies.

If the admit card is not received, check the official website regularly and contact the NTA helpline immediately with your application number and details. Do not wait until the exam day.

Yes, but only during the correction window opened by NTA. After the window closes, no further changes are allowed.

You must carry:

• JEE Main 2026 Admit Card

• Valid ID proof (Aadhaar/Passport/School ID/Voter ID)

• Passport-size photograph

• PwD certificate (if applicable)
  Only these items are allowed; no calculators, bags or papers.

No. Candidates are not allowed to leave the exam hall before the completion of the exam duration.

1. Go to Google Play Store or Apple App Store

2. Search “SANDES App”

3. Download and install

4. Open the app and register using your mobile number

5. Verify with OTP and start using it

It’s recommended but not mandatory. NTA may use it for important alerts, but SMS and email will also be used.

• Students get two chances to improve scores

• Reduces pressure

• Best score is considered for ranking

• Helps students who may face technical issues in one session

NTA usually follows the latest NCERT Class 11 and 12 syllabus. If any update is made, it will be mentioned in the official information bulletin.

Yes.

• +4 for correct answer

• –1 for incorrect answer

• 0 for unattempted

Negative marking applies to MCQs and numerical questions (as per NTA instructions).

The exam duration for candidates appearing in both papers on the same day will be 3.5 hours.

• Duration: 3 hours

• Shifts: Morning (9 AM–12 PM) & Afternoon (3 PM–6 PM)
  Some papers may run only in one shift based on the schedule.

Visit the official website → Login using Application Number & DOB → Click on Result Link → Download scorecard.

AIEEE was replaced by JEE Main in 2013. JEE Main is the updated and current version of the exam.

The candidate must have passed Class 12 or be appearing in the 2026 board exam with the required subject combination (Physics & Mathematics mandatory for B.Tech).

There is no age limit. Any age student who passed Class 12 in 2024, 2025, or appearing in 2026 can apply.

Paper 1 (B.Tech):

• 90 questions (75 to be attempted)

• Physics, Chemistry, Maths

• 20 MCQs + 10 numerical (5 to attempt) per subject

Paper 2A & 2B have different combinations of MCQs, numericals, and drawing/planning-based questions.

Out of 10 numerical questions, students must attempt any 5. Extra attempts beyond 5 will not be evaluated.

Your best percentile score across the two sessions will be used to prepare the final All India Rank.

No. The exam will be conducted in English, Hindi, and regional languages, similar to previous years.

It refers to the state from where you passed your Class 12 exam, not your birthplace or residence.

Yes. PwD candidates may receive:

• Extra time

• Scribe facility (if applied)

• Relaxations as per government norms

Yes. Admissions under MEA (Welfare) for concerned institutes will consider JEE Main 2026 scores, as per their rules.

A candidate can appear for JEE Advanced only twice in consecutive years.

No. CSC service charges are extra and must be paid separately if you use CSC help.

Payment can be done online through:

• Debit card

• Credit card

• Net banking

• UPI

• Paytm

No offline payment is allowed.

If the fee is deducted but the confirmation page is not generated, wait 24 hours for automatic bank reconciliation. If the status still shows “failed,” contact your bank and raise a query using the NTA helpdesk. Do not attempt multiple payments without checking the updated payment status through your login dashboard.

No, Aadhaar is not mandatory. Candidates may use any valid ID such as Passport, PAN Card, Voter ID, School ID, or Ration Card. Aadhaar is only one of the accepted identity options and not a compulsory requirement for registration.

Download the UMANG app, register with your mobile number, and verify via OTP. Search for NTA services inside the app to access exam-related updates or notifications. It helps candidates track important announcements conveniently.

Download DigiLocker, create an account using your mobile number, and verify your identity. Once linked, you can access documents issued by government agencies, including NTA if they publish admit cards or scorecards in DigiLocker. It works as a secure cloud storage for official documents.

Visit jeemain.nta.nic.in and complete the registration using your email and mobile number. Fill the application form, upload required documents, pay the fee online, and download the confirmation page. Ensure all details are correct before final submission.

Candidates who passed Class 12 in 2024 or 2025 or are appearing in 2026 are eligible. For B.Tech, Physics and Mathematics with one additional science subject are required. There is no age limit, but institute-specific age rules may apply during admission.

Yes, PwD candidates receive compensatory time, the option of a scribe (if eligible), and necessary exam-day accommodations. They must upload a valid PwD certificate during registration and follow NTA guidelines for availing these facilities.

A candidate can appear in JEE Main for three consecutive years, with two sessions each year. This gives candidates a total of six attempts, enabling them to improve their performance.

Candidates must upload a recent passport-size color photograph with a white background in JPG format. The file size should meet NTA specifications, and the face must be clearly visible without masks or tinted glasses.

No, the exam difficulty does not depend on the conducting body. NTA maintains a consistent standard every year, and the difficulty level varies naturally from shift to shift due to question composition, not because of the agency.

JEE Main has three papers: B.Tech (Paper 1), B.Arch (Paper 2A), and B.Planning (Paper 2B). Paper 1 includes Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics with MCQs and numerical questions. Paper 2 includes Aptitude, Mathematics, and either Drawing or Planning questions depending on the program.

No, calculators or electronic devices are not allowed in the exam hall. Only the built-in virtual calculator provided on the computer screen may be used for numerical calculations during the exam.

They can use any other valid government-issued ID such as Passport, Voter ID, Ration Card, Bank Passbook, or any approved identity document. Aadhaar is optional for candidates from these regions.

Use the “Forgot Password” option on the login page and choose recovery via mobile number, email, or security question. Reset the password by following the verification steps provided.

The exact fee is released in the official information bulletin, but typically General-category male candidates pay around ₹1000, female candidates pay slightly less, and reserved categories pay lower fees. Fees may vary based on the number of papers and selected exam city.

Log in to your JEE Main dashboard and check the payment status under “Fee Payment.” If it shows “Successful,” download the confirmation page. If it shows “Failed,” contact your bank or NTA.

The cutoff will be released with the Session 2 results. Expected cutoffs are approximately 90–94 percentile for General, 70–75 for OBC/EWS, 45–55 for SC, and 40–50 for ST. These may change based on difficulty and number of candidates.

There are two attempts in 2026 — Session 1 in January and Session 2 in April. Candidates can appear in one or both sessions, and the best percentile will be used for ranking.

Register on the official website, fill personal and academic details, upload required documents, pay the fee, and download the confirmation page. Ensure the information is accurate before submission.

Session 1 is scheduled from January 21 to 30, 2026. Session 2 will be held from April 1 to 10, 2026. Registration for Session 1 opened on October 31, 2025.

Yes, candidates may change their exam city only during the correction window. After the correction period closes, no further changes are allowed.

NTA uses normalised percentile scores for each shift to ensure fairness. If a candidate appears in both sessions, the best percentile score is used to determine their All India Rank.

Check whether your percentile meets the cutoff for JEE Advanced or JoSAA counselling. Then participate in counselling rounds to select IITs, NITs, IIITs, or GFTIs based on your eligibility and preferences.

Session 1 will be held from January 21–30, 2026, and Session 2 from April 1–10, 2026. Exact dates for each candidate will be mentioned on the admit card.

JEE Main is conducted twice a year — once in January and once in April. Candidates may appear in either or both sessions.

JEE Main includes MCQs and Numerical Value Questions. Paper 1 is for B.E./B.Tech, Paper 2A is for B.Arch, and Paper 2B is for B.Planning. Each paper has different sections, but all follow computer-based mode except the Drawing section of Paper 2A.

Each correct answer gives +4, and each wrong MCQ gives –1. Numerical value questions have no negative marking. Percentile is calculated using normalisation across all shifts.

The qualifying percentile for JEE Advanced varies yearly, but expected ranges are: General 90–94, OBC/EWS 70–75, SC 45–55, ST 40–50, PwD around 0.1. Final cutoffs will be published with Session 2 results.

Candidates must have passed Class 12 in 2024 or 2025, or be appearing in 2026. For B.Tech, PCM is required; for B.Arch/Planning, specific subject combinations apply. There is no age limit.

No, JEE Main has no upper or lower age limit. However, individual institutes like IITs or NITs may have age restrictions during their admission process, which candidates must meet.

The syllabus is based on Class 11 and 12 NCERT topics in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Detailed subject-wise topics are published in the official information bulletin. Paper 2 includes Aptitude, Drawing, and Planning topics.

Yes, candidates must pay an application fee based on category, gender, and chosen papers. Fee details are listed in the NTA information bulletin and are paid online through secure payment gateways.

The exam is conducted entirely in computer-based mode, except the Drawing test for B.Arch, which is conducted offline on paper. All other sections are online.

There are two sessions: Session 1 in January and Session 2 in April 2026. Candidates may appear in one or both sessions.

They ensure secure registration, password recovery, and official communication. All alerts, updates, OTPs, and exam-related information are sent to the registered mobile number and email.

The list of available exam cities appears when filling the application form. Candidates can choose from the dropdown menu and must select four preferred cities in order of priority.

Scores are available on the official website using your login credentials. NTA may also send alerts via SMS and email, but the official scorecard is only available through the JEE Main portal.

Register → Fill personal and academic details → Upload documents → Pay the fee → Download the confirmation page. All steps must be completed online on the official website.

A recent colored passport-size photo with a white background is required. The face must be clearly visible without masks or sunglasses, and the image must follow NTA size and format rules.

Aadhaar is optional. Candidates may use any valid government ID such as Passport, PAN, Voter ID, School ID, or Ration Card during registration.

Upload a clear scanned copy of any valid document showing current or permanent address, such as Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, Ration Card, or electricity bill. Ensure the file meets NTA format guidelines.

PwD candidates who qualify for scribe assistance may request one as per guidelines. They may either bring their own scribe or request one through the exam centre following NTA rules.

Accepted proofs include Aadhaar card, Voter ID, Passport, Ration Card, electricity/water bill, bank passbook, or government-issued address certificates. The document must clearly show the address.

No, if you already uploaded address proof in Session 1, you do not need to upload it again unless NTA specifically asks for it due to discrepancies.

Yes, a government-authorized affidavit may be accepted if no standard address proof is available. It must follow the format specified by NTA.

You can upload the same address proof document for both sections. Ensure the details match exactly with what you enter in the application form.

Yes, a rent agreement with the candidate’s name and address may be accepted, provided it is officially registered and clearly readable.

Yes, a government-issued certificate showing the guardian’s address may be accepted if the candidate is dependent and shares the same residence, subject to NTA’s final verification.

The registration for Session 2 will begin after Session 1 results, typically in February 2026. NTA will release the exact date on the official website.

Yes, JEE Main 2026 will be held in two sessions: January (Session 1) and April (Session 2). Candidates may appear in either or both sessions.

JEE Main 2026 Session 2 is scheduled to be held from April 1 to April 10, 2026. The exact date, shift, and exam centre details will be mentioned on the admit card issued by NTA.

Session 2 will be conducted in computer-based test (CBT) mode for all papers, except the Drawing section of B.Arch (Paper 2A), which will be conducted offline using pen and paper.

Log in at jeemain.nta.nic.in, fill the Session 2 form, update exam city if needed, upload documents (if required), and pay the fee. Ensure details match Session 1 records, use a stable internet connection, and verify all entries before submission.

Yes, candidates must submit a separate application form for Session 2 even if they registered for Session 1. Basic details will auto-fill, making the second form quicker to complete.

The medium cannot be changed on exam day. Candidates must modify the language preference during the correction window only. After corrections close, the selected medium becomes final.

No, NTA has removed the requirement for thumb impressions. Only a recent photograph, signature, and required certificates need to be uploaded.

Clear browser cache, use updated browsers like Chrome/Firefox, and avoid peak hours. Switch to a stable network or try another device. If the issue continues, contact NTA helpline.

No physical documents need to be sent to NTA. All submissions are done online, and candidates must only keep the confirmation page and proof of fee payment for future reference.

No, appearing in both sessions is optional. Candidates may attempt either one or both sessions, and if they appear twice, the best score will be used for ranking.

NTA schedules JEE Main to avoid major national exam clashes. However, some state-level exams or board practicals may overlap. Candidates must check their individual exam timetables carefully.

Yes, NTA provides sample papers, mock tests, and previous-year papers on its website. Students may also use NCERT books, coaching materials, and online practice tests for preparation.

If the admit card does not appear on the portal, contact NTA Helpdesk via phone or email. Candidates must check spam folders, verify login details, and report issues immediately.

Candidates must bring the admit card, a valid photo ID, and a passport-size photograph. PwD candidates carrying a scribe must bring their scribe-related documents as per NTA rules.

No, the syllabus remains the same for both sessions. It covers Class 11 and 12 NCERT-based topics for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.

Yes, MCQs have –1 for incorrect answers. Numerical value questions do not have negative marking. All correct answers receive +4 marks.

A candidate may attempt JEE Advanced a maximum of two times in two consecutive years, regardless of the number of JEE Main attempts.

Category certificates should match the latest valid format issued by the government. OBC-NCL and EWS certificates must be issued for the current financial year. PwD certificates must be permanent or valid as per government norms.

Foreign nationals should enter the pin/postal code of their country as printed on their official address documents. Indian pin codes should not be used unless residing in India.

Yes, DASA admissions now consider JEE Main scores instead of SAT scores. International students seeking admission through DASA must appear for JEE Main 2026.