How to Apply for JEE Main 2026: Complete Step-by-Step Application Guide for Indian Students
Last updated: November 1, 2025
Application Mode
Online
Estimated Time
30-45 minutes
Correction Window
28-29 November 2025
Applying for JEE Main 2026 is a crucial step toward your engineering dreams. This comprehensive guide walks you through the entire online application process, from registration to final submission. Follow these steps carefully to ensure your application is accepted without any issues.
⚠️ Important: Photo & Signature Requirements
Wrong photo/signature size can lead to application rejection. Use our free tool to format your documents perfectly.
Format My Photo Now →Quick Eligibility Check
You must have passed or be appearing in 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects. Age limit: 16-25 years for General/OBC (16-30 for SC/ST/PwD). Minimum 75% marks in 12th (65% for SC/ST) required for IIT/NIT admissions.
View detailed eligibility criteria →Step-by-Step Application Process
Visit the Official NTA JEE Main Website
Go to the official JEE Main 2026 registration portal at jeemain.nta.nic.in and click on the "New Registration" button.
- Open your browser and visit https://jeemain.nta.nic.in
- Click on "JEE Main 2026 Session 1" notification
- Click on "New Candidate Registration" button
Pro Tips:
- • Use a desktop or laptop for better experience
- • Keep a stable internet connection
- • Avoid using mobile phones for registration
Do not use auto-fill or password managers. Type all information manually to avoid errors.
Register with Basic Details
Create your account by providing your name, date of birth, email address, and mobile number. You will receive an OTP for verification.
- Enter your name exactly as per Class 10 certificate
- Provide your date of birth (DD-MM-YYYY format)
- Enter a valid email address (you will receive important updates)
- Enter your 10-digit mobile number
- Create a strong password (min. 8 characters with uppercase, lowercase, numbers)
- Enter the security code (captcha)
- Click "Submit" to receive OTP
Pro Tips:
- • Use an email address you check regularly
- • Use your own mobile number, not parents
- • Write down your password in a safe place
- • Check spam folder if OTP doesn't arrive within 5 minutes
Do NOT share your login credentials with anyone. NTA will never ask for your password.
Verify OTP and Complete Registration
Enter the OTP received on your email and mobile number. After verification, you will receive your Application Number and Password.
- Check your email and SMS for OTP codes
- Enter both OTPs in the respective fields
- Click "Verify" to complete registration
- Save your Application Number for future login
Pro Tips:
- • OTP is valid for 15 minutes only
- • Take a screenshot of your Application Number
- • Save the confirmation email
Login and Fill Application Form
Use your Application Number and Password to login. Fill all required details carefully including personal information, academic qualifications, and exam preferences.
- Login using Application Number and Password
- Fill Personal Details (address, nationality, category, etc.)
- Fill Academic Qualification (10th and 12th details)
- Choose your Paper: Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech), Paper 2A (B.Arch), Paper 2B (B.Planning), or combination
- Select your preferred exam centers (4 cities in order of preference)
- Choose medium of question paper (English, Hindi, or other)
Pro Tips:
- • Keep your Class 10 and 12 certificates handy
- • Choose exam centers nearest to your location
- • You can select exam centers from any state
- • Save your progress frequently using "Save & Next" button
Double-check all information. Name, DOB, and category cannot be changed later!
Upload Photo and Signature
Upload your scanned passport photograph and signature. These MUST meet the exact specifications or your application will be rejected.
- Prepare your photo: 276×354 pixels (3.5×4.5 cm at 200 DPI), JPEG format, 10-200 KB
- Prepare your signature: 276×118 pixels (3.5×1.5 cm at 200 DPI), JPEG format, 10-50 KB
- Use our free tool to format them perfectly
- Upload the formatted photo and signature
- Verify the preview before proceeding
Pro Tips:
- • Use a white background for photo
- • Ensure your face is clearly visible
- • Sign on white paper with black ink
- • Scan at 200 DPI resolution
⚠️ CRITICAL: Wrong photo/signature size is the #1 reason for rejection. Use our free formatting tool!
Pay Application Fee
Pay the application fee online through Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, or UPI. The fee varies based on your category and number of papers.
- Review your application form carefully
- Check the fee amount based on your category
- Click "Proceed to Payment"
- Choose your payment mode
- Complete the payment
- Save the payment receipt
Pro Tips:
- • Keep your payment card/UPI ready
- • Payment gateway timeout is 30 minutes
- • Save transaction ID for future reference
- • If payment fails, wait 24 hours before retry
Application fee is non-refundable. Ensure all details are correct before payment.
Submit Application and Save Confirmation
After successful payment, submit your application form. Download and print the confirmation page for your records.
- Verify all details one last time
- Click "Final Submit"
- Download the Confirmation Page (PDF)
- Take printout of confirmation page
- Save a digital copy in your email
Pro Tips:
- • Print at least 2 copies of confirmation page
- • Keep printout safe until admission process completes
- • Save PDF in cloud storage (Google Drive, etc.)
Correction Window (Optional)
If you made any mistakes, you can correct them during the correction window (28-29 November 2025). Note: Some fields like Name and DOB cannot be changed.
- Login to your application portal
- Click on "Correction Window"
- Make necessary corrections
- Submit the corrected application
- Download the revised confirmation page
Pro Tips:
- • Correction window is usually 48 hours only
- • No fee for corrections
- • Limited fields can be corrected
Name, Date of Birth, and Category CANNOT be corrected. Verify these carefully during initial submission!
Documents Required
Mandatory Documents
Passport Size Photograph
Recent colored photograph with white background
Examples:
- Head should be centered
- Face should be 70-80% of photo area
- No spectacles with dark frames
- No hat or cap (unless religious reasons)
Signature
Signature on white paper with black ink
Examples:
- Sign on white A4 paper
- Use black or blue pen only
- Signature should be within the box
- Should match signature on documents
Class 10 Certificate
For Date of Birth verification
Examples:
- CBSE/ICSE/State Board certificate
- School leaving certificate
Class 12 Marksheet or Admit Card
If passed: Marksheet. If appearing: Admit Card or School Certificate
Optional/Conditional Documents
Category Certificate
For SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwD candidates
Examples:
- Government issued certificate
- Valid for current year
- From competent authority
Application Fee
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
General/OBC-NCL (All Genders) - One Paper Payment: Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, UPI | ₹1,000 |
General/OBC-NCL (Female/Third Gender) - One Paper Payment: Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, UPI | ₹800 |
SC/ST/PwD/EWS - One Paper Payment: Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, UPI | ₹500 |
General/OBC-NCL (All Genders) - Both Papers Payment: Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, UPI | ₹1,800 |
General/OBC-NCL (Female/Third Gender) - Both Papers Payment: Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, UPI | ₹1,600 |
SC/ST/PwD/EWS - Both Papers Payment: Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, UPI | ₹900 |
💡 Note: Application fee is non-refundable. Pay only through official payment gateway. Keep payment receipt for future reference.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Wrong Photo/Signature Size
✅ Solution:
Use our free formatting tool to get exact pixel dimensions (276×354 for photo, 276×118 for signature). Do NOT manually resize in Paint or other software.
❌ Name Mismatch with Class 10 Certificate
✅ Solution:
Enter your name EXACTLY as it appears on your Class 10 certificate. Do not abbreviate or change spelling. This cannot be corrected later!
❌ Wrong Date of Birth Format
✅ Solution:
Enter DOB in DD-MM-YYYY format only. Double-check against your Class 10 certificate. This field cannot be corrected.
❌ Selecting Only One Exam Center
✅ Solution:
Select 4 exam centers in order of preference. This increases your chances of getting a center near you.
❌ Not Saving Confirmation Page
✅ Solution:
Download and print the confirmation page immediately after submission. Save a digital copy in email and cloud storage.
❌ Using Invalid Email ID
✅ Solution:
Use an email address you check daily. All important updates (admit card, result) will be sent to this email.
❌ Waiting Until Last Day
✅ Solution:
Apply at least 3-4 days before the deadline. Last-minute rush can cause server issues and payment failures.
❌ Not Reading Instructions
✅ Solution:
Read the official information bulletin carefully before filling the form. Most mistakes happen due to not reading guidelines.
Pro tip: Double-check everything before final submission. Most mistakes can be avoided by careful reading of instructions.
Important Links
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I edit my application after submission?
Yes, but only during the correction window (28-29 November 2025). However, some fields like Name, Date of Birth, and Category cannot be edited even during correction window.
What if my payment is deducted but application shows pending?
Wait for 24 hours. If the status does not update, contact NTA helpdesk with your transaction ID. Do not make duplicate payment.
Can I apply for both Paper 1 and Paper 2?
Yes, you can apply for one or both papers. The fee will be higher if you choose both papers.
Is Aadhaar card mandatory for JEE Main application?
No, Aadhaar is not mandatory. However, you must provide a valid photo ID proof during exam.
Can I change my exam center after submission?
NTA may allow center change during correction window. However, it is subject to availability.
Ready to Apply?
Follow the steps above carefully and apply before the deadline. Good luck!
⚠️ Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only. Always refer to the official National Testing Agency (NTA) website and notification for the most accurate and up-to-date information. We are not responsible for any errors or changes in the application process.