How many times is the JEE Main exam conducted in a year? Check the number of sessions, exam frequency, and key details for aspirants.
For engineering aspirants in India, the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE Main) is the gateway to some of the most prestigious technical institutions in the country, including NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs. As competition intensifies, understanding the structure and frequency of the exam is the first step toward a successful strategy.
If you are wondering about the JEE Main exam frequency, you aren't alone. The exam cycle has undergone several changes over the last few years to accommodate student needs and reduce academic pressure. This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about the 2026 structure and how to leverage the multiple-session format to your advantage.
JEE Main Attempts Per Year
For the academic year 2026, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has maintained a structure that allows for multiple JEE Main attempts per year. Specifically, the exam is conducted in two separate windows:
- Session 1: To be held on Jan 21-24, and 28-29, 2026
- Session 2: To be held from Apr 01-10, 2026
Candidates has the flexibility to appear in one session or both sessions. If a candidate chooses to appear in both, the NTA considers the highest of the two scores for the final ranking and cutoff for JEE Advanced. This policy ensures that a single bad day doesn't ruin a student's entire academic year.
Understanding the JEE Main Number of Sessions
The JEE Main number of sessions is strictly capped at two per year. While there was a brief period in previous years where four sessions were offered, the NTA has since stabilized the calendar to a biannual format.
Detailed JEE Main Exam Timeline for 2026
To plan your preparation effectively, keep the typical 2026 cycle in mind:
- Session 1 (January 2026): Registration usually opens in November 2025, with exams taking place between January 21 and January 30, 2026.
- Session 2 (April 2026): Registration typically re-opens in February, with exams scheduled between April 2 and April 9, 2026.
You can monitor the official JEE Main NTA portal for real-time updates and registration links.
More JEE Main Related Articles:
| JEE Main Syllabus 2026 | JEE Main Previous Year's Question Papers |
| JEE Main Exam Day Guidelines | JEE Main Eligibility Criteria |
| JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026 | JEE Main Mock Test 2026 |
Why is the Current JEE Main Exam Frequency Matters?
The current JEE Main exam frequency was designed with a student-centric approach. By holding the exam twice, the NTA provides several strategic advantages:
- Opportunity to Improve: Students can identify their mistakes in the first session and rectify them by the second.
- Board Exam Alignment: The January session allows students to secure a score before the heavy pressure of Class 12 Board Exams begins in February and March.
- Reduced Stress: Knowing there is a second chance just months away significantly lowers exam-day anxiety, leading to better performance.
Maximum Number of Attempts: The "3-Year Rule"
A common point of confusion is the difference between annual sessions and total lifetime eligibility. While the JEE Main number of sessions is two per calendar year, your eligibility window is time-bound.
- Consecutive Years: You can take JEE Main for three consecutive years starting from the year you pass your Class 12 (or equivalent) examination.
- Total Potential Attempts: Because there are two JEE Main attempts per year, a candidate can technically sit for the exam a maximum of six times across those three years.
Note: For JEE Advanced (the gateway to IITs), the rules are stricter. Candidates can only attempt JEE Advanced a maximum of two times in two consecutive years.
How to Decide: One Session or Both?
Many students ask, "Should I skip the January session and focus only on April?" The answer is almost always no.
The Case for Attempting Both
- Best Score Wins: Since only your best score is counted, there is no risk in attempting both.
- Percentile Logistics: Sometimes, the difficulty level or the number of high-scorers varies between sessions. Appearing in both maximizes your chances of landing in a "favorable" shift.
- Safety Net: If you fall ill or face a technical glitch during the April session, your January score acts as your backup.
Strategic Planning
Use the January session to identify which chapters you struggle with under time pressure. Use the gap in February and March to bridge those gaps while preparing for Board Exams, then give your 100% in the April session.
Essential Resources for Aspirants
- As you prepare for your 2026 attempts, keep these official resources bookmarked:
- NTA Official Site: nta.ac.in for general notifications.
- JEE Main Portal: jeemain.nta.nic.in for registration and results.
- Mock Tests: Use the NTA Quiz app for official practice.
Understanding that the JEE Main exam frequency is now fixed at twice a year allows you to build a more robust study plan. This two-session model is a golden opportunity for students to test their mettle, learn from their mistakes, and achieve the percentage required for their dream college. Ready to start your application? Ensure you have your documents ready and stay updated on the latest notifications for the 2026 cycle.
