JEE Main 2026: Application Process Now Open

New Delhi: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially opened the online application process for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026. The application window is active from October 31 to November 27. The first exam session is scheduled for January 21 to 30, with results to be announced on February 26.

The NTA has introduced several new features to enhance the examination experience. Among them is an onscreen virtual calculator designed for basic calculations, which will be available throughout the computer-based test (CBT). This calculator allows for essential functions such as addition, subtraction, division, multiplication, square root, and percentage calculations.

Students have expressed appreciation for this initiative, which is expected to improve accuracy and reduce exam-related stress. Ayush Awasthi, a JEE aspirant, noted that while he had seen the calculator icon in previous tests, he avoided using it due to uncertainty about its legitimacy. Now, with formal acknowledgment from the NTA, he feels more confident in utilizing it during practice.

Another aspirant, Shivain Dutta, stated he plans to incorporate the calculator into his practice tests going forward. Experts in the field, such as Jeevan Jyoti Agarwal from Allen Career Institute, welcomed this move, emphasizing that it encourages conceptual understanding rather than manual computation.

In addition to the calculator, the NTA has made strides in accessibility for Persons with Disabilities (PwD). New features include a dark mode, an adjustable screen magnifier with up to 4x zoom, and options for font and cursor size adjustments. These enhancements are intended to benefit all candidates, while also focusing on the needs of PwD and Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD) candidates.

The NTA has also addressed scheduling conflicts that arose last year when exam dates clashed with those set by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). Discussions with CBSE have led to measures to avoid such issues, ensuring that students do not face overlapping exam dates.

Furthermore, the number of test cities has increased from 299 in 2025 to 323 in 2026, allowing candidates a wider selection of locations for their examinations. Students can choose up to four preferred cities, though assignments may vary based on logistical considerations.

JEE Main is conducted twice a year, with Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) being a fully computer-based test consisting of 75 questions worth a total of 300 marks. Paper 2A (B.Arch) includes both computer-based and pen-and-paper sections, while Paper 2B (B.Plan) is entirely computer-based. Each correct answer earns 4 marks, and 1 mark is deducted for incorrect responses. Additionally, PwD candidates receive 20 minutes of extra time for each hour of the exam.

In recent years, JEE Main has seen an increase in participation, with approximately 14.15 lakh students in 2024 and around 14.75 lakh in 2025.