The countdown has begun for one of India’s most anticipated academic marathons: JEE Main 2026 . Engineering hopefuls across the country are sharpening pencils, logging practice hours on mock tests, and mentally bracing themselves for what has become the ultimate gateway to undergraduate engineering, architecture and planning programmes. With the first session kicking off on January 21, 2026, the National Testing Agency (NTA) is all set to orchestrate another nationwide examination extravaganza, spanning multiple cities and thousands of test centres.
This year, the stakes are higher and the digital interface sleeker. Candidates will navigate a fully computer-based test environment, while NTA rolls out enhancements designed to make registration, city allocation, and exam logistics more transparent than ever. The two-session format, with the second session scheduled for April 1 to April 10, offers students a chance to recalibrate and reattempt if needed, turning the high-pressure exam into a carefully strategised journey.
Exam schedule and application highlights
The NTA has introduced an online application process linked to Aadhaar authentication in order to reduce manual entry errors. The registration window for Session 1 opened in October 2025 and will run until the end of November 2025. Meanwhile the second session’s registration will begin in the last week of January 2026. The first session will be conducted fully in computer-based test (CBT) mode across multiple exam cities, and the agency will expand the number of test centres to enhance accessibility.
Other major exams by NTA
Apart from JEE Main, the NTA conducts a wide range of national-level entrance and eligibility examinations. Many of these cater to undergraduate, postgraduate, research and certificate programmes across a variety of disciplines. Below is a table summarising some of these important examinations:
* Application periods are indicative and may vary; candidates must check the latest notification from NTA.
Significance of the broader portfolio
The agency’s portfolio demonstrates the breadth of its mandate. While JEE Main is among the most-publicised exams, the NTA also oversees tests in management, pharmacy, agriculture, hotel management and research eligibility. For example, the SWAYAM semester examinations were held by NTA for the July 2025 semester between December 11 and December 14.
The Times of India
Such variety ensures that the NTA remains integral to the national higher-education and professional-admission ecosystem.
Preparation and planning pointers
Candidates appearing in JEE Main 2026 are advised to carefully check eligibility criteria, document requirements and the schedule of exam city allotment. An advisory issued by the NTA emphasised that all aspirants should verify their Aadhaar, category and disability credentials in advance of applying.
Get the application submitted on time, stay updated on examination centre details and allow ample time for revision and mock tests across sessions.
This year, the stakes are higher and the digital interface sleeker. Candidates will navigate a fully computer-based test environment, while NTA rolls out enhancements designed to make registration, city allocation, and exam logistics more transparent than ever. The two-session format, with the second session scheduled for April 1 to April 10, offers students a chance to recalibrate and reattempt if needed, turning the high-pressure exam into a carefully strategised journey.
Exam schedule and application highlights
The NTA has introduced an online application process linked to Aadhaar authentication in order to reduce manual entry errors. The registration window for Session 1 opened in October 2025 and will run until the end of November 2025. Meanwhile the second session’s registration will begin in the last week of January 2026. The first session will be conducted fully in computer-based test (CBT) mode across multiple exam cities, and the agency will expand the number of test centres to enhance accessibility.
Other major exams by NTA
Apart from JEE Main, the NTA conducts a wide range of national-level entrance and eligibility examinations. Many of these cater to undergraduate, postgraduate, research and certificate programmes across a variety of disciplines. Below is a table summarising some of these important examinations:
* Application periods are indicative and may vary; candidates must check the latest notification from NTA.
Significance of the broader portfolio
The agency’s portfolio demonstrates the breadth of its mandate. While JEE Main is among the most-publicised exams, the NTA also oversees tests in management, pharmacy, agriculture, hotel management and research eligibility. For example, the SWAYAM semester examinations were held by NTA for the July 2025 semester between December 11 and December 14.
The Times of India
Such variety ensures that the NTA remains integral to the national higher-education and professional-admission ecosystem.
Preparation and planning pointers
Candidates appearing in JEE Main 2026 are advised to carefully check eligibility criteria, document requirements and the schedule of exam city allotment. An advisory issued by the NTA emphasised that all aspirants should verify their Aadhaar, category and disability credentials in advance of applying.
Get the application submitted on time, stay updated on examination centre details and allow ample time for revision and mock tests across sessions.
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