Table of Contents
JEE Main 2026 Sessions
As per the existing pattern, JEE Main is conducted in two sessions every year:
Session 1: Usually in January
Session 2: Usually in April
This two-session format helps candidates by reducing exam pressure, giving them two chances in the same year, and ensuring that external factors such as illness or anxiety do not completely affect their final performance.
JEE Main 2026 Application Form Dates (Expected)
The application process for JEE Main is fully online through the NTA’s official portal: jeemain.nta.ac.in. Candidates must fill in personal details, upload documents, and pay the application fee within the specified time frame.
Session 1 Application Form: Expected release in November 2025
Last Date to Apply for Session 1: Likely December 2025
Session 2 Application Form: Expected in February 2026
Last Date to Apply for Session 2: Likely March 2026
🔹 Candidates can apply for both sessions together or separately. If you apply in Session 1 and wish to appear again in Session 2, you will have the option to log in and reapply without registering again.
JEE Main 2026 Exam Dates (Expected)
The exam is held in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode across multiple centers in India and abroad.
Session 1 Exam: Expected in the second or third week of January 2026
Session 2 Exam: Expected in the first or second week of April 2026
Each session is usually conducted over multiple days and shifts to accommodate the large number of candidates.
JEE Main 2026 Admit Card Release
Admit cards are typically released 3–5 days before the exam. Candidates must download them from the official website using their application number and date of birth/password.
Session 1 Admit Card: Likely in January 2026 (second week)
Session 2 Admit Card: Likely in April 2026 (first week)
JEE Main 2026 Answer Key Release
After the exams, NTA releases the provisional answer key along with response sheets, allowing candidates to challenge any discrepancies. Once objections are reviewed, the final answer key is published.
Session 1 Provisional Answer Key: Expected by last week of January 2026
Session 1 Final Answer Key: First week of February 2026
Session 2 Provisional Answer Key: Expected by mid-April 2026
Session 2 Final Answer Key: Third week of April 2026
JEE Main 2026 Result Dates (Expected)
The results are announced in the form of NTA Scorecards (normalized percentile scores). After both sessions are completed, a combined rank list is prepared based on the best of the two scores.
Session 1 Result: Expected in first week of February 2026
Session 2 Result: Expected in third or fourth week of April 2026
Final Rank List & All India Rank (AIR): Declared after Session 2, most likely in April 2026 end
The AIR is crucial for admission into NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs through JoSAA counselling, and it also determines eligibility for JEE Advanced 2026.
JEE Main 2026 Counselling
Following the declaration of results, JoSAA (Joint Seat Allocation Authority) conducts centralized counselling for admissions. Counselling usually begins in June 2026 after JEE Advanced results are also declared.
Why Knowing the Dates is Important
Time Management: Helps students align their preparation with exam milestones.
Revision Planning: With tentative dates, students can schedule multiple rounds of revision before exams.
Application Accuracy: Missing application deadlines means losing an attempt, so tracking dates is critical.
Stress Management: A clear timeline reduces anxiety and provides clarity.
JEE Main 2026 Expected Timeline (Quick Glance)
| Event | Session 1 (Expected) | Session 2 (Expected) |
|---|---|---|
| Application Form Release | November 2025 | February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | December 2025 | March 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | January 2026 (2nd week) | April 2026 (1st week) |
| Exam Dates | Jan 2026 (2nd/3rd week) | April 2026 (1st/2nd week) |
| Provisional Answer Key | Last week of Jan 2026 | Mid-April 2026 |
| Final Answer Key | First week of Feb 2026 | Third week of April 2026 |
| Result Declaration | First week of Feb 2026 | Last week of April 2026 |
| Final AIR & Rank List | – | End of April 2026 |
| JoSAA Counselling Begins | – | June 2026 |
Final Thoughts
The JEE Main 2026 dates for the application process, exam, answer key, and result declaration are expected to follow the same pattern as previous years. While official notifications from NTA are awaited, candidates can use this tentative timeline to prepare effectively.
Remember:
Session 1 (January 2026) – Good for early attempts and practice.
Session 2 (April 2026) – Final chance in the same year to improve your score.
By keeping track of deadlines, maintaining a strong study plan, and attempting both sessions strategically, aspirants can maximize their chances of securing a high score and admission into top engineering institutions in India.
