JEE Main Session 1 2026 (Started): Paper 1 (Jan 21-28), Exam Day Guidelines, Paper Analysis

The JEE Main session 1 exam commenced on Jan 21, 2026 at 9 am in designated exam centres. The exam will be held in two shift and the JEE Main exam analysis 2026 will be released after the exam is concluded. The JEE Main exam will be held between January 21-24, 28-29, 2026, as a computer-based examination. The authorities have released the JEE Main session 1 exam dates through an official notification on October 19, 2025. The JEE Main 2026 exam will be held in two sessions, and the JEE Main session 2 will be held from Apr 1-10, 2026.  JEE Main 2026 registration for session 1 commenced on the official website at jeemain.nta.nic. You must ensure to verify your personal details in the Aadhar card, such as name, gender, date of birth, and photo, as will be obtained from the Aadhaar database for the JEE Main application process 2026. 

In this article, we will highlight the important dates, exam pattern, syllabus, previous year exam analysis, and more for JEE Main Session 1 to help you with your JEE Main 2026 preparation.

JEE Main Session 1 Important Dates 2026

The authorities have announced the JEE Main session 1 exam dates through an official notification on October 19, 2025. The exam is scheduled to be held on January 21-30, 2026, as a computer-based test in the designated JEE Main exam centre, session 1:

JEE Main Session 1 Application Form 2026

The JEE Main session 1 application form 2026 will be available on the official website soon. Candidates are advised to read the official JEE Main information bulletin before applying for the JEE Mains Session 1 exam. The direct link to apply for JEE Main session 1 will be available below:

To apply for JEE Main 2026 Session 1 online, you can follow the steps given below:

Step 1. Registration: Choose one of the following options to register:

• Create a Digi Locker account through the NAD portal. 
• Create an Academic Bank of Credits ID (ABC ID) through the ABC ID.
• Use an Indian/Non-Indian Passport Number, PAN Card Number or Aadhaar Enrollment Number to log in. 
• Select an authentication option for the examination centre.

Step 2. Log in with the generated application number and complete the form with the following information: 

• Personal Details
• Educational Qualifications 
• Upload scanned images of your photograph, signature, and PwD certificate (if required). 

Step 3. Fee Payment: Pay the examination fee online through Net Banking, Credit Card, Debit Card, and UPI. Download and save the Confirmation Page of the Application Form after successful payment.

JEE Main Exam Day Guidelines 2026 for Session 1

For candidates appearing for the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 scheduled from Jan 21-24, 28-29, 2026, it is important to be mindful of the important guidelines. These JEE Main exam day guidelines are outlined below.

• To prepare for the exam, candidates should study the topics mentioned in the NTA JEE Main syllabus 2026. Concentrating on the crucial topics is important to perform well in the exam.
• Candidates should review the JEE Main 2026 exam pattern and plan a timetable accordingly. It is crucial to understand the important topics well and revise them within a fixed duration to score well in the exam.
• The JEE Main 2026 admit card for the exam will be released one week before the actual exam date. Candidates should regularly check the official website for updates on the release of the admit card.
• JEE Main 2026 will be conducted in two shifts, with morning and afternoon sessions. Candidates are advised to arrive at the exam centre at least an hour before the exam.
• You must arrive on time to avoid missing important instructions. Candidates are allotted seats; seat changes are not permitted.
• Candidates must verify subject alignment when the questions are displayed on the screen.
• Participation in two shifts on the same day will lead to candidature cancellation.

JEE Main Session 1 Counselling 2026

JEE Main 2026 counselling will have 6 rounds and 4 processes: JoSAA, CSAB Special, CSAB NEUT, and CSAB Supernumerary. Candidates need 50% marks in each of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, and 50% aggregate marks in the qualifying exam to participate in the JEE Main counselling 2026:

The JEE Main 2026 Counselling Date Session 1 has not been released yet. However, the tentative schedule, including the JEE Mains counselling date 2026, is provided below for reference.

JEE Main 2026 Session 1 exam is set to take place from January 21-30, 2026, and will be conducted as a computer-based test. With the official notification released on October 19, 2025, prospective candidates must stay informed and follow the necessary steps for registration, which will begin soon on the official NTA website.

The JEE Main session 1 2026 exam process includes important dates such as the release of admit cards, answer keys, and the final results, all of which will be critical for successful exam preparation.