All About JEE Main 2026: Your Gateway to IITs, NITs, and Top Engineering Colleges

Are you an aspiring engineer looking to secure a seat in India’s premier institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), or Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs)? The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), is the critical first step in your engineering journey.

This comprehensive guide provides a clear overview of the JEE Main 2026 exam, eligibility, pattern, and everything you need to know to begin your preparation.

JEE Main 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Understanding the JEE Main eligibility is crucial before filling out the application form.

  • Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed Class 12 or an equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) as compulsory subjects from a recognized board.

  • Age Limit: There is no upper age limit for appearing in the JEE Main exam.

  • Number of Attempts: A candidate is allowed a maximum of 3 consecutive attempts for the JEE Main examination (two sessions are conducted each year).

    • Example: If you passed 12th in 2025, you can attempt the exam in 2025, 2026, and 2027.

Note: The exam is typically conducted in two sessions (Session 1 and Session 2) to provide students with multiple opportunities to achieve their best score.

Why JEE Main is Important?

The Joint Entrance Examination (Main) is one of the most competitive exams in India. Securing a high score is essential for:

  1. NIT, IIIT, and GFTI Admissions: Your rank is directly used for admission into various B.Tech, B.Arch, and B.Planning courses in 31 NITs, 25 IIITs, and 38 GFTIs.

  2. Qualifying for JEE Advanced: The top 2,50,000 successful candidates from JEE Main are eligible to appear for JEE Advanced, the final stage for admission into the prestigious IITs.

Next Steps for Aspiring Candidates

To ace the NTA JEE Main, you must begin a strategic preparation plan now.

  • Download the Official Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the exact topics in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.

  • Practice with Mock Tests: Get comfortable with the Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode and manage your time effectively.

  • Stay Updated: Regularly check the official NTA JEE Main website for the latest notifications and dates.