JEE Main 2026 Application: Latest Updates and New Changes This Year

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The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially opened the application window for the first session. We've gathered all the latest updates and important new changes you need to know.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) made the application forms for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026 available on October 31.

The last date to register for the JEE Main 2026 January session exam is November 27 (9 pm). Fees can be paid through credit, debit cards, net banking, or UPI until November 27, 11:50 pm. The official website for JEE Main is jeemain.nta.nic.in.

Here are the key dates to mark on your calendar:

Session 1 Registration: October 31, 2025 – November 27, 2025
Session 1 Exam Dates: January 21 – 30, 2026
Session 2 Registration (Expected): Last week of January 2026
Session 2 Exam Dates (Expected): April 1 – 10, 2026

What’s New? Key Changes for JEE Main 2026

The NTA has introduced a few important changes this year to make the application process smoother and more secure.

Mandatory Aadhaar/Digilocker Verification: To apply, you must now verify your identity using either your Aadhaar or a Digilocker account. This is a new, mandatory step for all candidates.
Live Photo Capture: During the application, you'll need to upload a live photograph. This means you'll use your computer's webcam or your mobile phone's camera to take a picture on the spot.
APaar ID Option: You will also see a new, optional field to enter your APAAR ID (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry).
More Exam Cities: Good news for accessibility! The NTA has increased the number of exam cities to 323, making it easier for students in more remote areas to find a nearby center.

JEE Main 2026 New Application Process

This year, the registration process for JEE Main has been divided into three major steps: registration, application form, and fee payment.

1. Registration Form

Candidates must first register on the official JEE Main portal to generate a system-generated application number. During registration, they must create a password, choose a security question, and provide personal details. This application number will be valid for both sessions of JEE Main 2026, making future logins easier.

2. Application Form

Applicants can log in using their application number and password to fill out the detailed application form.

They must perform the following tasks:

Fill in personal and academic details
Select the exam city
Upload documents and live photos

For the first time, NTA has made it mandatory to upload live photos, which candidates can take directly by scanning a QR code using a webcam or mobile camera.

Document Upload Requirements:

Document	Format	Size
Recent passport-size photograph (80% face visible, no mask, white background)	JPG/JPEG	10-200 kb
Signature	JPG/JPEG	10-100 kb
Class 10 Certificate/Marksheet	PDF	50-300 kb
Identity Proof (if not using Aadhaar/DigiLocker)	JPG/JPEG	10-200 kb
PwD/UDID Certificate (if applicable)	PDF	50-300 kb

Candidates are advised to upload their photograph and signature correctly, as no correction facility will be provided later. Any tampering or uploading of incorrect documents will be considered unfair means (UFM). NTA has also urged students to update their Aadhaar details before applying.

The brochure clarifies that candidates can use other methods of identity proof besides Aadhaar/DigiLocker. However, there is no option to select these in the Identity Details section of the form.

3. Fee Payment

There is no change in the JEE Main registration fee this year. Candidates can pay the fee online through credit/debit card, net banking, or UPI. Processing fees and GST will be applicable and will be borne by the candidate. After successful payment, candidates will be required to download a confirmation page as proof of submission.

Key Features of the New Registration Guidelines

Live photo upload feature introduced for the first time.
Only two identity documents: Aadhaar/DigiLocker.
There is no correction window for uploaded documents.
The details of the PwDs will be auto-verified from the UDID portal.

JEE Main & Advanced Study Material

JEE Main & Advanced Study Material
JEE Main Study Material 2026	JEE Main Mock Test
JEE Main Previous Year Question Paper	JEE Main DPP
JEE Main Chapterwise Previous Year Question	JEE ADV Chapterwise Previous Year Question