JEE Main 2026 Session 2: The "Last Chance" Registration Guide
Published February 2026 | National Testing Agency Updates
1. Introduction: Why Session 2 Matters
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially commenced the registration for JEE Main 2026 Session 2 (April Attempt). For many, this is the final opportunity to improve their NTA score before the JEE Advanced cutoff is declared. Whether you missed the January window or want to better your percentile, this guide covers every detail you need to stay ahead.
2. Critical Deadlines & Exam Dates
| Event | Important Dates |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start | February 1, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | February 25, 2026 (9:00 PM) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | February 25, 2026 (11:50 PM) |
| Exam Dates | April 1 to April 15, 2026 |
3. Eligibility & Number of Attempts
Candidates can appear in JEE Main for three consecutive years. For 2026, this includes students who passed Class 12 in 2024, 2025, or those appearing in 2026. Note that there is no age limit for appearing in JEE Main, but individual institutes (NITs/IIITs) may have specific criteria.
4. Step-by-Step Registration (Two Categories)
- For Existing Candidates: Log in using your Application Number and Password from Session 1. You only need to choose the paper medium, state code of excellence, and exam cities.
- For New Candidates: You must complete the full registration via the NTA portal. This includes generating an application number, filling in personal details, and uploading all required documents.
- Aadhaar Verification: It is mandatory to use Aadhaar, Digilocker, or ABC ID for identity verification to ensure a smooth authentication process at the exam center.
5. Digital Document Checklist
Keep the following scanned copies ready to avoid last-minute session timeouts:
- Photograph: 10kb – 200kb (80% face coverage, white background).
- Signature: 4kb – 30kb (Black ink on white paper).
- Category Certificate: Scanned PDF (Required for SC/ST/OBC/EWS).
- PwD Certificate: If applicable, must be in PDF format.
6. Examination Fee Details
The fee must be paid online via Net Banking, Credit Card, Debit Card, or UPI.
| Category | Male (Gen/OBC) | Female / SC / ST / PwD |
|---|---|---|
| In India | ₹1000 | ₹500 |
| Outside India | ₹5000 | ₹2500 |
7. Pro-Tips: Avoiding Form Rejection
Many students face issues during the "Correction Window." Avoid these from the start:
2. Do not upload blurry photos; NTA is strict about biometric matching.
3. Double-check your Category; you cannot change it to a reserved category later if you select General now.
8. Success Strategy for the April Attempt
With roughly 60 days left, your focus should shift from learning new topics to refining what you know:
Phase 2 (March 15 - April 1): One Mock Test every second day. Practice PYQs from 2024 and 2025 specifically.
