JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Registration Started – Apply Online @ jeemain.nta.nic.in

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is officially inviting online applications for JEE (Main) 2026 Session 2. Candidates aspiring to appear for the Joint Entrance Examination (Main) 2026 for admission to undergraduate engineering, architecture, and planning programmes can now submit their application forms through the official website jeemain.nta.nic.in.

As per the notice released by NTA, the application process for Session 2 is being conducted entirely in online mode. Candidates are advised to rely only on official sources for information and avoid unofficial websites or intermediaries.

Editor’s Note: Based on interactions with aspirants and the nature of queries emerging after the January session, Session 2 is being widely seen by candidates as an important opportunity to improve performance. Applying early and staying informed about official instructions can significantly reduce last-minute stress during the registration process.

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JEE (Main) 2026 Session 2: Important Dates & Schedule

According to the official notice, the application window for JEE (Main) 2026 Session 2 opens on 01 February 2026. Candidates are advised to complete the registration process well before the last date to avoid last-minute technical issues or payment failures.

Event	Date & Time
Online Submission of Application Form	01 February 2026 to 25 February 2026 (up to 09:00 P.M.)
Last Date for Payment of Fee	25 February 2026 (up to 11:50 P.M.)
Dates of Examination (Session 2)	02 April to 09 April 2026 (Tentative)
Declaration of Session 1 Result	Expected by 12 February 2026

Note: These dates are provisional in nature and may be revised by NTA, if required.

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How to Apply: Instructions for New vs. Existing Candidates

NTA has provided two distinct methods for applying for Session 2, depending on whether you applied for the January session (Session 1). Please read this carefully to avoid creating duplicate applications.

1. Candidates Who Applied for Session 1 (January Session) If you already registered and applied for Session 1, you do not need to register again. You do not need to upload your documents or fill in your personal details from scratch.

• Step 1: Log in using your existing Application Number and Password from Session 1.
• Step 2: Select the Paper (Paper 1 or Paper 2), Medium of Examination, and State Code of Eligibility.
• Step 3: Choose your preferred Examination Cities for Session 2.
• Step 4: Pay the examination fee for Session 2.
• Step 5: Download the updated Confirmation Page.

2. New Candidates (Applying for the first time) If you did not apply for the January session, you must complete the full registration process.

• Step 1: Apply for Online Registration and generate an Application Number.
• Step 2: Fill out the Online Application Form containing personal and qualification details.
• Step 3: Upload scanned images of your Photograph, Signature, and PwD certificate (if applicable).
• Step 4: Pay the examination fee.
• Step 5: Download the Confirmation Page.

Important: Candidates who missed applying for the January session are fully eligible to apply for Session 2. This provision has been particularly reassuring for many aspirants who were unable to complete the registration earlier due to academic schedules or documentation delays.

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JEE (Main) 2026 Session 2 Examination Dates and Attempt Flexibility

As per the official FAQs and the Information Bulletin, the JEE (Main) 2026 Session 2 examination is tentatively scheduled to be conducted between 02 April and 09 April 2026. The detailed subject-wise and shift-wise schedule will be announced separately by NTA through a public notice.

Appearing in both sessions of JEE (Main) 2026 is not mandatory. Candidates may choose to appear in only one session or both sessions. If a candidate appears in both Session 1 and Session 2, the best of the two NTA scores will be considered while preparing the final merit list and rankings.

For many aspirants, the April attempt is being viewed as a meaningful second chance. Based on common concerns raised by students after the January examination, several candidates are planning to use Session 2 to improve accuracy, manage time better, and convert preparation into higher scores, especially since the best score policy ensures that no attempt goes wasted.

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Official Website and Contact Details

Candidates can apply for JEE (Main) 2026 Session 2 only through the official website.

• Official Website: jeemain.nta.nic.in
• JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Apply Link: Click Here to Apply (Link active from Feb 1)

For any clarification or assistance related to the application process, candidates may contact NTA using the following details:

• Helpline Number: 011-40759000
• Email ID: jeemain@nta.ac.in

Candidates are advised to use their own valid email ID and mobile number, as all important communications, including the confirmation page and score card, will be sent to the registered email addresses of the candidate as well as their parents.

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Important Updates: Live Photograph & Document Uploads

NTA has introduced strict measures to ensure identity verification. Please note the following regarding document uploads:

1. Live Photograph: During the application process, you may be required to capture a "Live Photograph" using your webcam or mobile camera. Ensure you are in a well-lit room with a plain white background behind you.
2. DigiLocker Validity: NTA has clarified that documents available in DigiLocker are valid and can be utilized during the application process.
3. Category Certificates: Candidates belonging to reserved categories are not required to upload category certificates at the time of registration. Instead, they must enter details such as the certificate number, date of issue, and issuing authority. The original certificate will be required during document verification at the time of admission.

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Important Instructions Related to the Application Form

Candidates who are appearing for improvement examinations or reappearing in one or more subjects of the Class 12 examination are required to select the option “Passed” in the qualification section of the application form if they have already passed the exam previously, or "Appearing" if they are sitting for all subjects again.

Can Candidates Change Category in Session 2? (General to OBC/EWS/SC/ST)

A common query among aspirants is whether they can change their category from General (Session 1) to OBC-NCL, EWS, SC, or ST (Session 2) if they have recently acquired the necessary documents.

The answer is Yes. However, the process depends on the application window settings:

1. During Registration: When existing candidates log in to apply for Session 2, they should check if the "Category" field is editable. If the system allows the change, they can update it immediately by providing the relevant certificate details (Certificate Number, Date of Issue, etc.).
2. Correction Window: If the category field appears locked or uneditable during the registration phase, candidates need not panic. They should proceed with the application as is. NTA invariably opens a Correction Window after the registration process concludes (tentatively in late February). During this specific window, candidates are officially allowed to modify their category.

Note on Fees: If a candidate changes their category from General to a reserved category, the excess fee paid earlier is usually not refunded. Conversely, if a candidate switches from a reserved category to General, they will be required to pay the balance fee amount.

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Aadhaar Verification and Identity-Related Clarifications

During Aadhaar verification, candidates must ensure that the mobile number linked with Aadhaar is active to receive the OTP. NTA has clarified that a minor mismatch in the candidate’s name between the Aadhaar card and the Class 10 marksheet will not affect candidature for JEE (Main) 2026, provided the identity can be verified.

Live photographs captured during the application process will be reviewed by NTA. In cases of major discrepancy, candidates will be informed through email or text message for further action. It has also been clarified that the APAAR ID is not mandatory for applying to JEE (Main) 2026.

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Guidelines for Candidates Appearing in April Attempt

After the January session, many candidates have expressed concerns about being able to attempt fewer questions despite adequate preparation. From an examination standpoint, the April attempt allows candidates to reassess their approach by focusing on question selection, accuracy, and strengthening familiar topics rather than attempting to cover entirely new areas at the last moment.

At this stage, candidates often search for “important chapters” for the April attempt. While NTA does not release any official chapter-wise weightage, it is generally advisable to prioritise revision of previously studied topics, analyse mistakes from the January session, and focus on consistency and precision rather than volume of attempts.

Must See: Sure-Shot 40 Marks: The Easiest “Do-Or-Die” Chapters for JEE Main 2026 (Physics & Chem)

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Class 12 Board Result Timing and Eligibility

Candidates from boards where Class 12 results are declared later, including ISC and certain state boards, need not be concerned. NTA allows candidates who are appearing in the Class 12 examination to apply for JEE (Main), provided they fulfil the eligibility conditions at the time of admission. Such candidates should fill in their qualification details carefully as per the instructions provided in the Information Bulletin.

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Exam Day Rules and General Instructions

The use of calculators, electronic devices, or any unfair means is strictly prohibited in the JEE (Main) examination. Candidates are not allowed to leave the examination centre before the conclusion of the test, even if they finish answering the paper early.

The examination date, shift, and slot are allotted randomly by the computer system, and requests for changes are not entertained. Once allotted, the examination centre cannot be changed under any circumstances.

Also See:

• 5 Topics That Appear Every Year in JEE Main (Based on PYQs)
• Class 11 JEE Preparation – How to Build a Strong Foundation in Physics, Chemistry & Maths
• CUET UG vs JEE Main – Which Exam Should You Choose?
• CUET UG vs JEE Main vs NEET – Which is Better?
• Dress Code and Prohibited Items for JEE Main 2026 Exam Centre

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Final Advisory for Candidates

The information provided above is based on the official notice and FAQs released by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for JEE (Main) 2026. Since certain dates and instructions are tentative, candidates are strongly advised to regularly visit the official website jeemain.nta.nic.in for the latest updates.

With careful attention to application details and a focused preparation strategy, candidates can make effective use of the Session 2 opportunity while avoiding unnecessary administrative issues.