The NTA JEE Main 2026 Session 1 (January attempt) is a national-level entrance exam for admission to B.E./B.Tech, B.Arch, and B.Planning programs in NITs, IIITs, GFTIs, and other top engineering/architecture colleges. It’s conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in two sessions per year (Session 1 in January and Session 2 in April).
Latest Update (as of February 24, 2026):
- Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) result and final answer key were released on February 16, 2026.
- Paper 2 (B.Arch/B.Planning) result was declared on February 24, 2026 (available now).
- Candidates can check scores, percentiles, and ranks on the official site.
- Session 2 (April) registration is ongoing and closes tomorrow (February 25, 2026). If you missed Session 1 or want to improve your score, apply soon!
This is a golden opportunity for 12th pass/appearing students aiming for engineering/architecture careers.
Key Highlights
- Exam Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT) for Paper 1 & most parts; Pen & Paper for B.Arch Drawing.
- Papers:
- Paper 1: B.E./B.Tech (Physics, Chemistry, Maths).
- Paper 2A: B.Arch (Maths, Aptitude, Drawing).
- Paper 2B: B.Planning (Maths, Aptitude, Planning).
- Attempts: Up to 3 consecutive years (6 attempts possible over 2 sessions/year).
- Qualifying for JEE Advanced: Top ranks in Paper 1 qualify for IITs.
Important Dates for Session 1 (January 2026)
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | October 31, 2025 |
| Online Application Start | October 31, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | November 27, 2025 |
| Fee Payment Last Date | November 27, 2025 (11:50 PM) |
| Application Correction Window | December 1–2, 2025 |
| Exam City Intimation Slip | January 8, 2026 (approx.) |
| Admit Card Release | 3–4 days before exam date |
| Exam Dates (Session 1) | January 21–29, 2026 (revised) |
| Provisional Answer Key | February 4, 2026 |
| Final Answer Key (Paper 1) | February 16, 2026 |
| Result Declaration (Paper 1) | February 16, 2026 |
| Result Declaration (Paper 2) | February 24, 2026 (OUT NOW) |
Note: Session 2 (April) exam: April 2–9, 2026. Registration ongoing till February 25, 2026.
Eligibility Criteria (Simple Summary)
- Age Limit: No upper age limit (as per NTA rules).
- Qualification:
- Passed/appearing in Class 12 (or equivalent) in 2024, 2025, or 2026.
- For B.E./B.Tech: Physics + Maths compulsory + one of Chemistry/Biology/Biotech/Technical Vocational subject.
- Minimum 75% marks in Class 12 (65% for SC/ST) for admission to NITs/IIITs/GFTIs (not for appearing in exam).
- Appearing candidates are eligible, but must meet criteria at admission time.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee (Boys) | Fee (Girls) | Fee (Transgender) |
|---|---|---|---|
| General / Gen-EWS / OBC-NCL | ₹1000 | ₹800 | ₹500 |
| SC / ST / PwD | ₹500 | ₹500 | ₹500 |
- Fees for India centers (higher for abroad). Paid online via card/net banking/UPI.
How to Check Result (Paper 1 & Paper 2 – Now Available)
- Visit official website: https://jeemain.nta.nic.in/
- Click on “Results” or relevant link (e.g., Session-1 Paper-1 or Paper-2).
- Enter Application Number + Password / Date of Birth.
- Download scorecard (shows NTA score, percentile, All India Rank if applicable).
- For Paper 2 result (released today): Check for B.Arch/B.Planning scores.
Important Links
- Official NTA JEE Main Website: https://jeemain.nta.nic.in/
- Check Results & Download Scorecard: https://jeemain.nta.nic.in/ (Results section)
- Public Notices & Updates: https://jeemain.nta.nic.in/public-notices/
- Session 2 Registration (Ongoing): https://jeemain.nta.nic.in/ (Apply now before Feb 25!)
- Information Bulletin (Detailed PDF): Search on official site or check archived notifications.
Tips: Always verify from the official NTA portal for any last-minute changes. Prepare well for Session 2 if needed, or use your Session 1 score for JoSAA counselling (starts soon after results). Good luck to all aspirants! Stay focused and check official sources regularly.
