JEE Main 2026: NTA adds more test cities, releases revised syllabus and exam pattern
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has expanded the number of exam cities for JEE Main 2026 to improve accessibility for students across the country. With more centres now available in smaller towns and remote areas, candidates will have better chances of getting a test location closer to home, reducing travel stress during the exam period. Along with this change, NTA has also released the JEE Main 2026 syllabus and confirmed the exam pattern for both Paper 1 and Paper 2. Students appearing for engineering, architecture, or planning courses can now check the detailed syllabus on the official website — jeemain.nta.nic.in. The registration process for the January session has started and will remain open until November 27, 2025, giving students enough time to complete the application carefully.
More test cities added for JEE Main 2026
NTA has increased the number of test cities to 323 for the 2026 cycle, allowing wider reach for students from different regions. This step is expected to ease travel and accommodation difficulties for candidates and ensure more equitable access to the national-level exam.
Application window for January session
The registration process for the January session opened on October 31, 2025, and students must complete both the online form and fee payment by November 27, 2025. Applicants are advised to double-check their personal details, especially preferred test cities, before submission.Direct link to apply here.
How to apply for JEE Main 2026
Students must register for JEE Main 2026 through the official website — jeemain.nta.nic.in. Here is the step-by-step process:
- Visit the official website and click on the JEE Main 2026 registration link for the January Session.
- Register using basic details such as name, email ID, mobile number and create a secure password. A unique application number will be generated after successful registration.
- Fill in the online application form by entering personal information, academic qualifications, category details and selecting preferred test cities (in order of priority).
- Upload required documents, including a recent passport-size photograph, signature, and category/ PwD certificate (if applicable), as per the specified format and size.
- Pay the application fee through online modes such as debit card, credit card, net banking or UPI. Fees vary based on gender, category and number of papers selected.
- Download the confirmation page after successful payment and keep a copy for future reference. It is also advisable to save the submitted application form.
Students should regularly check their registered email ID and the official website for updates, including correction window dates and exam centre allocation details.
JEE Main 2026 exam dates
The January session of JEE Main 2026 will be conducted from January 21 to January 30, 2026. NTA will announce the exam city information in the first week of January. The result for Session 1 is expected to be declared by February 12, 2026.
