The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the exam city details and admit card for the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 (January Exam). This is a crucial step for students preparing for engineering admissions in India. The JEE Main 2026 is a national-level entrance exam for B.Tech, B.Arch, and B.Planning courses in top engineering colleges, including IITs, NITs, and other government-funded institutions.
This guide provides step-by-step information on how to check your exam city, download the admit card, and understand the eligibility, selection process, and important dates. Students are advised to verify all details on the official NTA website before proceeding.
Overview of the Notification / Result / Job:
The NTA JEE Main 2026 Session 1 is scheduled for January 21–29, 2026. The exam city details were released on January 8, 2026, and the admit card was made available on January 17, 2026.
- Exam Name: JEE Main 2026 (Session 1 – January)
- Conducting Body: National Testing Agency (NTA)
- Courses Offered: B.Tech, B.Arch, B.Planning
- Exam Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Official Website: [https://jeemain.nta.nic.in/](https://jeemain.nta.nic.in/)
Note: The JEE Main 2026 Session 2 (April Exam) will be conducted later. Students can appear in both sessions, and the best score will be considered for ranking.
Summary
- Exam Dates: 21st – 29th January 2026
- Admit Card Release: 17th January 2026
- Download Admit Card: https://jeemain.nta.nic.in/ (Use Application Number & Date of Birth)
- Documents to Carry to Exam:
- Printed Admit Card
- Valid Photo ID (Aadhaar, Passport, etc.)
- Passport Size Photo
- Marking Scheme:
- MCQs: +4 for correct, -1 for incorrect
- Numerical Value Questions: +4 for correct, No negative marking
- Application Correction Window: Was open from 1st – 2nd December 2025. Now closed.
- Result (Tentative): Expected on 12th February 2026
- Eligibility:
- Age Limit: No age limit.
- Number of Attempts: Students can appear for both sessions; best score will be considered.
- After JEE Main:
- Top 2.5 lakh candidates qualify for JEE Advanced 2026 (for IITs).
- All candidates can participate in JoSAA Counselling for NITs, IIITs, and other GFTIs.
Important Dates & Timeline:
Here are the key dates for JEE Main 2026 Session 1:
| Event | Date (2025–2026) |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start | 31 October 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 27 November 2025 (09:00 PM) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 27 November 2025 (11:50 PM) |
| Application Correction Window | 01–02 December 2025 (11:59 PM) |
| Exam City Details Released | 08 January 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | 17 January 2026 |
| Exam Dates | 21–29 January 2026 |
| Answer Key Release | 17 January 2026 (Tentative) |
| Result Declaration | 12 February 2026 (Tentative) |
Important: Students should regularly check the official website for updates, as dates may change.
Eligibility Criteria:
Before applying, students must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria for JEE Main 2026.
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Passing Year | Students who passed Class 12 in 2024 or 2025 or are appearing in 2026 are eligible. |
| Subjects Required | Must have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics in Class 12. |
| Minimum Marks | No minimum percentage required (but some institutes may have their own criteria). |
- No age limit for JEE Main 2026.
- However, some institutes (like IITs) may have age restrictions for admission.
- Students can appear for JEE Main in three consecutive years (including the year of passing Class 12).
- Example: If you passed Class 12 in 2024, you can appear in 2024, 2025, and 2026.
Note: Students must have an Aadhaar Card to apply for JEE Main 2026.
Application / Checking Process (Step-by-Step):
- Visit the official NTA JEE Main website: [https://jeemain.nta.nic.in/]
- Click on “Download Exam City Intimation Slip” under the latest notifications.
- Enter your Application Number and Date of Birth.
- Click “Submit” to view your exam city and center details.
- Download and save the slip for future reference.
- Go to the official NTA JEE Main portal: [https://jeemain.nta.nic.in/]
- Click on “Download Admit Card for JEE Main Session-I 2026”.
- Log in using:
– Application Number
– Date of Birth / Password
- Your admit card will appear on the screen.
- Download and print the admit card.
- Carry it to the exam center along with a valid photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Passport, etc.).
Important:
- The admit card contains exam date, time, center address, and roll number.
- No candidate will be allowed to enter the exam hall without the admit card.
Selection Process / Evaluation Method:
The JEE Main 2026 selection process involves:
- Mode: Online (Computer-Based)
- Duration: 3 hours (180 minutes)
- Sections:
– B.Tech (Paper 1): Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (90 questions, 300 marks)
– B.Arch (Paper 2A): Mathematics, Aptitude, Drawing (82 questions, 400 marks)
– B.Planning (Paper 2B): Mathematics, Aptitude, Planning (105 questions, 400 marks)
| Section | Total Questions | Marks per Question | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | 30 (20 MCQ + 10 Numerical) | +4 (MCQ), +4 (Numerical) | -1 (MCQ only) |
| Chemistry | 30 (20 MCQ + 10 Numerical) | +4 (MCQ), +4 (Numerical) | -1 (MCQ only) |
| Mathematics | 30 (20 MCQ + 10 Numerical) | +4 (MCQ), +4 (Numerical) | -1 (MCQ only) |
- NTA will release the result on 12 February 2026 (Tentative).
- All India Rank (AIR) will be calculated based on best of two attempts (if applicable).
- Top 2.5 lakh candidates from JEE Main will be eligible for JEE Advanced 2026 (for IIT admissions).
Documents Required:
Students must carry the following documents to the exam center:
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Admit Card | Printed copy of JEE Main 2026 Admit Card |
| Photo ID Proof | Aadhaar Card / Passport / Driving License / Voter ID |
| Passport Size Photo | Same as uploaded in the application form |
| PwD Certificate (if applicable) | For candidates with disabilities |
Note:
- Mobile phones, calculators, and electronic devices are not allowed in the exam hall.
- Wear simple clothes (no metallic items, jewelry, or shoes with thick soles).
Salary / Benefits / Career Scope:
JEE Main is an entrance exam, not a job recruitment test. However, clearing JEE Main opens doors to:
- Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)
- National Institutes of Technology (NITs)
- Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs)
- Government Funded Technical Institutes (GFTIs)
- Private Engineering Colleges (BITS Pilani, VIT, Manipal, etc.)
- High-paying jobs in IT, Core Engineering, Research, and Government Sectors.
- Average Salary:
– IIT Graduates: ₹10–30 LPA (Lakhs Per Annum)
– NIT Graduates: ₹6–20 LPA
– Private College Graduates: ₹3–12 LPA
- Higher Studies: M.Tech, MBA, or PhD in top universities (India & Abroad).
Important Rules & Guidelines:
✅ Reach the exam center at least 2 hours before the reporting time.
✅ Carry only the allowed documents (Admit Card + ID Proof).
✅ Follow dress code (no shoes, no metallic items).
✅ Do not carry any electronic devices (mobile, smartwatch, calculator).
✅ Follow COVID-19 guidelines (if applicable).
✔ Read instructions carefully before starting the test.
✔ Attempt all questions (no negative marking for unattempted questions).
✔ Manage time wisely (3 hours for 90 questions).
✔ Do not leave the exam hall early (use extra time for revision).
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
❌ Not checking the exam city details before the admit card release.
❌ Forgetting to download the admit card before the exam.
❌ Carrying prohibited items (mobile, calculator, notes).
❌ Not verifying personal details (name, roll number, exam center) on the admit card.
❌ Reaching late to the exam center (gates close 30 minutes before the exam).
❌ Not following the dress code (wearing shoes, jewelry, or thick clothes).
❌ Making mistakes in the application form (incorrect photo, signature, or details).
Who Should Apply / Check This?
This information is important for:
✔ Students appearing for JEE Main 2026 Session 1 (January Exam).
✔ Class 12 students (2026 batch) planning to take engineering entrance exams.
✔ Parents and guardians helping students with exam preparations.
✔ Coaching institutes and teachers guiding students for JEE Main.
✔ Anyone interested in B.Tech, B.Arch, or B.Planning admissions in India.
FAQs
Q1. What are the exam dates for JEE Main 2026?
Ans: The exam will be conducted from 21–29 January 2026.
Q2. Where can I download my admit card?
Ans: Visit the official website https://jeemain.nta.nic.in/ and log in using your Application Number and Date of Birth.
Q3. When was the admit card released?
Ans: The admit card was released on 17 January 2026.
Q4. What documents do I need to carry to the exam center?
Ans: You must carry:
- Printed Admit Card
- Valid Photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Passport, etc.)
- Passport Size Photograph
Q5. Is there an age limit for appearing in JEE Main 2026?
Ans: No, there is no age limit for JEE Main 2026.
Q6. Can I appear for both Session 1 and Session 2 of JEE Main 2026?
Ans: Yes, students can appear for both sessions, and the best score will be considered for ranking.
Q7. What is the marking scheme?
Ans:
- +4 marks for each correct answer.
- -1 mark for each incorrect Multiple Choice Question (MCQ).
- No negative marking for Numerical Value Questions.
Q8. Can I correct my application form now?
Ans: The correction window was open from 01–02 December 2025. As of now, no further corrections are allowed.
Q9. When will the JEE Main 2026 result be declared?
Ans: The result is tentatively expected on 12 February 2026.
Q10. What are the opportunities after the JEE Main exam?
Ans:
- Top 2.5 lakh qualified candidates become eligible to appear for JEE Advanced 2026 (for admission to IITs).
- All candidates can apply for NITs, IIITs, and other engineering colleges across India through the JoSAA Counselling process.
Official Links & Verification:
Students must only rely on official sources for accurate information.
| Purpose | Official Link |
|---|---|
| Official Website | [https://jeemain.nta.nic.in/] |
| Download Admit Card | [https://examinationservices.nic.in/AdmitCardService/] |
| Exam City Details | [https://examinationservices.nic.in/JeeMainx2026/] |
| Application Correction | [https://examinationservices.nic.in/JeeMainx2026/] |
| NTA Official Website | [https://nta.ac.in/] |
How to Use the Official Website?
- Visit [https://jeemain.nta.nic.in/](https://jeemain.nta.nic.in/).
- Click on the latest notification (Admit Card, Exam City, Result).
- Log in with your Application Number & Date of Birth.
- Download the required document (Admit Card, Exam City Slip).
- Save a copy for future reference.
Disclaimer:
- This article is for informational purposes only.
- NTA reserves the right to change dates, eligibility, and exam patterns.
- Students are advised to verify all details on the official website before taking any action.
- No responsibility is taken for any errors or omissions in this article.
- Always refer to the official NTA JEE Main portal for the most accurate and updated information.
Best of luck for your JEE Main 2026 exam!
