JEE Main 2026 Exam Dates (Session 1 & 2), Eligibility and Exam Pattern — Complete Guide

Planning for JEE Main 2026? It’s your gateway to top engineering colleges like IITs, NITs, and IIITs, with over 10 lakh students competing each year for B.Tech, B.Arch, and B.Planning seats. The exam, run by the National Testing Agency (NTA), comes in two sessions for flexibility, Session 1 in January and Session 2 in April, giving you a chance to improve your score. As of October, 2025, NTA has confirmed the two-session format, with registration for Session 1 expected to start in the second week of October (likely October 15-20), though exact dates are pending the official bulletin. No major changes from 2025, but remember the new rule, Exam centres will be assigned based on your Aadhaar address, no more choosing preferences.

At VVT Coaching Centre in Chennai, Tamilnadu ranked #1 Best NEET institute by Times Now, we are expanding our JEE preparation to match this demand, with our proven 96.6% success rate helping students ace competitive exams. This detailed guide, based on NTA’s latest advisories as of October, covers dates, eligibility, pattern, and tips, solving key worries like “when to register?” or “how to handle the new centre rule?” with clear strategies.

JEE Main 2026: A Quick Look at What’s Ahead

JEE Main is the first step to JEE Advanced for IITs, qualifying top 2.5 lakh for that. Session 1 (January) lets you test waters, Session 2 (April) lets you peak. NTA merges best scores for rankings. With 2025 two sessions seeing 12 lakh+ unique takers, expect similar volume.

Expected Exam Dates and Registration Timeline for JEE Main 2026

NTA hasn’t dropped the full bulletin yet, but based on 2025 and advisories, here’s the projected schedule, watch jeemain.nta.nic.in for confirmations.

Session 1 (January 2026)

• Registration: October 15-30, 2025 (expected; fee ₹1,000 boys, ₹800 girls for Paper 1).
• Correction Window: November 5-10, 2025.
• Admit Card: December 25, 2025.
• Exam Dates: January 22-31, 2026 (CBT mode, 3 hours/paper).
• Result: February 10, 2026.

Session 2 (April 2026)

• Registration: February 10-25, 2026.
• Correction Window: March 5-10, 2026.
• Admit Card: March 25, 2026.
• Exam Dates: April 20-29, 2026.
• Result: May 10, 2026.

NTA Advisory: Candidates must ensure Aadhaar card details match Class 10 records for verification. You will still select your preferred exam cities during registration.

For a clear view, here’s a table of the timeline, VVT tips included.

Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Take JEE Main 2026?

NTA’s rules are straightforward, no age cap, but attempts limited to 3 consecutive years (6 total). Key points for 2026:

• Educational: Pass Class 12 or appearing in 2026 with Physics, Chemistry, Math (PCM)—75% aggregate for NITs/IIITs/GFTIs (65% SC/ST).
• Attempts: Up to 2 per year (sessions), 6 lifetime.
• Nationality: Indian or OCI/PIO/foreign (separate quotas).
• Subjects: PCM compulsory for B.Tech; Math/Aptitude for B.Arch/B.Planning.

No changes from 2025, but Aadhaar must match Class 10 details.

JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern: What’s New and How to Tackle It

Pattern stays CBT, 3 hours, 300 marks, Paper 1 (B.Tech) has 90 questions (75 attempts, MCQs + numerical). Papers 2A (B.Arch) and 2B (B.Planning) add drawing/planning.

• Paper 1: Physics/Chemistry/Math—20 MCQs + 10 numerical each (5 attempts).
• Marking: +4 correct, -1 wrong (MCQs/numerical).
• Languages: 13 Indian + English.

The only change is an NTA advisory emphasizing that all documents (Aadhaar, Category Cert.) must match Class 10 details to prevent verification issues.

Table of pattern breakdown—VVT preparation tips.

JEE Main 2026 is your engineering launchpad, VVT’s courses cover eligibility checks, pattern practice, and date-aligned plans. Our AI analyzes mocks concept-wise, with remedy classes for fixes. Small batches and hostels ensure focus.

Gear Up for JEE Main 2026 with VVT

JEE Main 2026 dates, eligibility, and pattern are set to start prepping today. At VVT’s Chennai centres, we make it achievable. Enroll at www.vvtcoaching.com or call +91 8122122333 for scholarships up to 100% through the VVTSAT exam. Your engineering future is calling, answering with VVT.

Get to Know VVT’s Three Friendly Campuses: Always Nearby and Welcoming

VVT has three spots across Chennai, each easy to reach and full of support. No matter where you live, one is close by. Our campuses mix bright classrooms, helpful teachers, and a warm feel to keep you going. Here’s a quick look at each, with a focus on how they help with NEET and staying options.

Adyar Campus: Easy Access and Positive Vibes

Right on busy L.B. Road next to Adyar Ananda Bhavan, this spot is super convenient. Step inside, and you’ll see big, airy rooms where learning feels fun. Staff greet you with smiles, and the energy pushes you to turn weak areas like tough Physics problems into strengths.We also offer hostel facilities here for boys, with clean rooms, meals, and support to make your stay comfortable and focused. No distractions, just a safe place to rest and review after classes.

Adyar Campus (VVT Coaching Centre): “Nibav Buildings”, 4th & 5th Floor, No.23, Old No.11, L.B. Road, Adyar, Chennai – 600020. (Next to Adyar Ananda Bhavan)

Get Directions: Open in google maps!

Anna Nagar Campus: Focus in the City Centre

In Shanthi Colony, Anna Nagar, this campus feels like an extension of home. Good bus links make it simple for city kids. There is no on-site hostel, but nearby options are plentiful for those who need them.

Anna Nagar Campus (VVT Coaching Centre): No.1621, 9th Main Road, Shanthi Colony, Block AI, AI Block, Anna Nagar, Chennai – 600040.

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Pallikaranai Girls Campus: Your Safe Place with Full Hostel

This is our special girls-only residential campus in a quiet area. It’s built as a true home away from home, with clean dorms, healthy meals in the canteen, and round-the-clock help.
We offer full hostel facilities here, clean rooms, study areas, and a community of girls supporting each other. It’s perfect if you’re from outside Chennai or just want a focused, safe space.

Pallikaranai (Saraswathi Girls Residential Campus): Plot No. 395 & 396, 1st Main Road, Kamakoti Nagar, Pallikaranai, Chennai – 600100.

Get Directions: Open in google maps!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When should I start preparing for JEE Main 2026 Session 1?
Start by October 2025, right when registration opens. That gives you 3 full months to revise.

2. What if I miss the Session 1 registration deadline?
Don’t panic, you can still apply for Session 2 (April 2026). Many toppers only write Session 2 after refining their concepts using their January mock results.

3. How many attempts should I give, one or both sessions?
Always attempt both sessions. The best score out of the two counts for your final rank.

4. What if my Aadhaar address is different from my school address?
That’s common, but update Aadhaar before registration to avoid verification rejection. VVT counselling team helps you verify document details and fix mismatches before you apply.

5. How do I decide between B.Tech, B.Arch, or B.Planning?
Check which subjects you’re strong in, PCM for B.Tech, Math + Aptitude + Drawing for B.Arch, Math + Aptitude + Planning for B.Planning.