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JEE Main 2026: Notification, Exam Dates, Registration, Eligibility, Syllabus & Exam Pattern

By rohit.pandey1

|

Updated on 4 Oct 2025, 14:11 IST

The Joint Entrance Examination Main (JEE Main) is one of the most popular engineering entrance exams in India. JEE Exam is conducted in two parts JEE Mains and JEE Advanced. JEE Main Exams is Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), it opens the door to B.E./B.Tech admissions, as well as B.Arch and B.Planning courses. 

Scores from the NTA JEE Main exam are accepted by NITs, IIITs, and other top colleges (GFTIs) through JoSAA counselling. JEE Main is also the qualifying exam for JEE Advanced, which is required for admission to the IITs. This makes JEE Main a crucial step for lakhs of students preparing for undergraduate engineering admissions every year.

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JEE Main 2026 Latest Updates

  • JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Registration: Expected to begin in November 2025. Students must fill the JEE Main application form online and complete the JEE Main registration process before the deadline.
  • JEE Main Syllabus 2026: The official syllabus is yet to be released by NTA. It is expected to be based on the updated Class 11 and Class 12 NCERT curriculum, covering JEE Main Physics syllabus, Chemistry syllabus, and Maths syllabus.
  • JEE Main Exam Date 2026: The official dates will be announced by NTA along with the exam schedule for both sessions.
  • NTA Advisory: Students are advised to keep their Aadhaar, category certificates, and documents ready for JEE Main registration.

What is the JEE Main Exam?

The JEE Main exam (Joint Entrance Examination Main) is a national-level engineering entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It is the gateway for undergraduate engineering admissions into top institutes like NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs. Apart from direct admissions, NTA JEE Main also acts as the qualifying exam for JEE Advanced, which is required for admission to the IITs. This makes JEE Main one of the most important exams for students preparing for B.E./B.Tech, B.Arch, and B.Planning courses. 

JEE Main exam is held in two sessions every year — January and April. Students can appear in one or both sessions, and the best score out of the two attempts is considered for ranking and admission. This system helps students improve their performance and reduce exam pressure.

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JEE Main 2026 Key Highlights

AttributesDetails
Exam NameJoint Entrance Examination Main (JEE Main 2026)
Conducting BodyNational Testing Agency (NTA)
Exam LevelNational-level Engineering Entrance Exam for B.E./B.Tech, B.Arch, and B.Planning admissions
Exam FrequencyConducted twice a year – Session 1 (January) and Session 2 (April)
Mode of ExamComputer-Based Test (CBT) mode (online)
PapersPaper 1: B.E./B.Tech (Physics, Chemistry, Maths) Paper 2A: B.Arch Paper 2B: B.Planning
Total MarksPaper 1: 300 marks Paper 2A (B.Arch): 400 marks Paper 2B (B.Planning): 400 marks
Marking Scheme+4 marks for correct answer, -1 mark negative marking for wrong answer (objective type)
Exam Duration3 hours (4 hours for candidates with both Paper 2A & 2B)
Official Websitenta.ac.in and jeemain.nta.ac.in

JEE Main 2026 Exam Dates

The following dates for JEE Main 2026 are tentative and based on the previous year’s schedule. The National Testing Agency (NTA) will release the official JEE Main exam dates on its website – jeemain.nta.ac.in. Students are advised to check regularly for updates on JEE Main registration, admit card, exam date, and result announcements.

JEE Main 2026 January Session 

EventTentative Dates
JEE Main 2026 Registration Start DateNovember 2025 (First Week)
JEE Main Registration End DateDecember 2025 (Last Week)
JEE Main Admit Card ReleaseJanuary 2026 (Second Week)
JEE Main Exam Date – January SessionThird to Fourth Week of January 2026
JEE Main Result Date (Session 1)First Week of February 2026

JEE Main 2026 April Session (Tentative Dates)

EventTentative Dates
JEE Main 2026 Registration Start DateFebruary 2026 (First Week)
JEE Main Registration End DateMarch 2026 (First Week)
JEE Main Admit Card ReleaseMarch 2026 (Last Week)
JEE Main Exam Date – April SessionFirst to Second Week of April 2026
JEE Main Result Date (Session 2)Last Week of April 2026

JEE Main 2026 Eligbility Criteria

Before filling out the JEE Main 2026 application form, students must carefully check the eligibility criteria released by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The JEE Main eligibility includes nationality, educational qualifications, subjects studied, and the number of attempts allowed.

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Nationality

  • The JEE Main exam is open to Indian nationals, OCI/PIO candidates, and foreign nationals.
  • Foreign candidates can apply for admission under NTA JEE Main rules for CFTIs, NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs.

Age Limit

  • There is no age limit for appearing in JEE Mains 2026.
  • However, students must have passed their Class 12 / equivalent exam in the specified years to be eligible.

Qualifying Examination

Candidates should have passed or be appearing in any one of the following:

  • Class 12 (10+2) from a recognized board (CBSE, ICSE, State Boards).
  • Intermediate or Pre-University Examination.
  • Final examination of the two-year course of the Joint Services Wing of the NDA.
  • Senior Secondary School Examination conducted by the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS).
  • Any public school, board, or university exam in India or abroad recognized as equivalent to 10+2.

Year of Appearance in Qualifying Examination

  • Students who passed Class 12 in 2024 or 2025, or those appearing in 2026, are eligible for JEE Main 2026.
  • Candidates who passed Class 12 in 2023 or earlier are not eligible.

Number of Attempts

  • Students can appear in JEE Main twice each year (January and April sessions).
  • The best score across both attempts is considered for ranking.
  • There is a maximum of three consecutive years of attempts from the year of passing Class 12.

Required Subjects in Class 12

  • For B.E./B.Tech admissions → Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry/Biology/Biotechnology/Technical Vocational Subject are required.
  • For B.Arch admissions → Mathematics is compulsory, along with Physics and Chemistry.
  • For B.Planning → Mathematics is mandatory.

How to Apply for JEE Main 2026? A Step-by-Step Guide

The JEE Main 2026 registration process will be conducted entirely online at the official website — jeemain.nta.ac.in. Candidates must carefully follow each step while filling out the JEE Main application form to avoid errors, as incomplete or incorrect details can lead to rejection.

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JEE Main 2026 Registration Process

Here is a clear, step-by-step guide to the JEE Main 2026 application process:

Step 1: Online Registration

  • Visit the official NTA JEE Main website.
  • Click on “New Candidate Registration”.
  • Enter details like name, date of birth, mobile number, and email ID.
  • Create a password and security question for future login.
  • After registration, you will receive a JEE Main application number.

Step 2: Filling the Application Form

  • Log in using your application number and password.
  • Fill in personal details (name, father’s/mother’s name, category, gender, etc.).
  • Enter academic details (Class 10 & 12 marks, school/board information).
  • Select your preferred exam centre city and exam medium (English/Hindi/Regional language).
  • Choose the paper you are applying for: Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech), Paper 2A (B.Arch), or Paper 2B (B.Planning).

Step 3: Uploading Scanned Documents

  • Upload a recent passport-size photograph (in JPEG/JPG format, as per NTA guidelines).
  • Upload your signature in the correct file size.
  • Reserved category candidates may also need to upload category certificates.

Step 4: Paying the Application Fee

  • Pay the JEE Main 2026 application fee online using credit card, debit card, net banking, or UPI.
  • The fee varies depending on gender, category (General/OBC/SC/ST), and choice of papers (one or both).
  • Download the payment receipt for your records.

Step 5: Printing the Confirmation Page

  • After successful payment, download and print the confirmation page.
  • This serves as proof of successful JEE Main registration.
  • Keep a copy safe until the end of the admission process.

JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern

The JEE Main exam pattern 2026, released by the National Testing Agency (NTA), defines the structure of the exam for all three papers — Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech), Paper 2A (B.Arch), and Paper 2B (B.Planning). Understanding the JEE Main question pattern, marking scheme, and subject-wise weightage helps students plan their preparation effectively.

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JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern for Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech)

Paper 1 is for candidates applying to B.E./B.Tech courses in NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs.

SubjectsNo. of Questions (MCQs + Numerical)Total Marks
Physics25 (20 MCQs + 5 Numerical Value)100
Chemistry25 (20 MCQs + 5 Numerical Value)100
Mathematics25 (20 MCQs + 5 Numerical Value)100
Total75 Questions300 Marks

Candidates have to attempt 25 questions per subject (20 MCQs + 5 numerical questions). Out of 10 numerical questions given, only 5 need to be attempted.

JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern for Paper 2A (B.Arch)

Paper 2A is for candidates seeking admission into B.Arch courses.

SubjectsNo. of QuestionsTotal Marks
Mathematics (Part I)25 (20 MCQs + 5 Numerical Value)100
Aptitude Test (Part II)50 MCQs200
Drawing Test (Part III – Offline)2 Questions100
Total77 Questions400 Marks

The drawing test for B.Arch is conducted offline (pen & paper mode), while the other sections are in computer-based mode.

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JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern for Paper 2B (B.Planning)

Paper 2B is for candidates applying to B.Planning courses.

SubjectsNo. of QuestionsTotal Marks
Mathematics (Part I)25 (20 MCQs + 5 Numerical Value)100
Aptitude Test (Part II)50 MCQs200
Planning-Based Questions (Part III)25 MCQs100
Total100 Questions400 Marks

The planning section tests logical thinking, design, and analytical ability specific to urban and regional planning.

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JEE Main 2026 Marking Scheme

The JEE Main marking scheme is the same across all papers.

  • +4 marks → For every correct answer.
  • -1 mark → For every incorrect MCQ (negative marking applies).
  • 0 marks → For unattempted questions.
  • For numerical value questions → +4 for correct answers, no negative marking for wrong or unattempted responses.

JEE Main 2026 Syllabus

The JEE Main syllabus 2026 is expected to be released by the National Testing Agency (NTA) along with the official information brochure. Just like previous years, the syllabus will be largely based on the Class 11 and Class 12 NCERT curriculum of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Since the exam is designed to test a student’s understanding of fundamental concepts taught in school, knowing the JEE Main syllabus helps aspirants plan their preparation strategy and focus on important topics with maximum weightage.

JEE Main 2026 Physics Syllabus

Physics plays a major role in the JEE Main Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech). Questions are asked from both Class 11 and Class 12 Physics NCERT topics.

  • Class 11 Physics Syllabus: Laws of Motion, Kinematics, Work, Energy & Power, Thermodynamics, Oscillations & Waves, Gravitation.
  • Class 12 Physics Syllabus: Current Electricity, Electromagnetism, Optics, Modern Physics, Semiconductor Electronics, Communication Systems.

Focus on Numerical Value Questions in Physics, as they test problem-solving skills.

JEE Main 2026 Chemistry Syllabus 

Chemistry is often considered the scoring subject in JEE Main due to its mix of theory and application.

  • Class 11 Chemistry Syllabus: Atomic Structure, Chemical Bonding, States of Matter, Equilibrium, Thermodynamics, Hydrocarbons.
  • Class 12 Chemistry Syllabus: Solid State, Electrochemistry, Chemical Kinetics, Coordination Compounds, Biomolecules, Polymers, Chemistry in Everyday Life.

Inorganic Chemistry from Class 12 NCERT is a high-weightage area in JEE Main Chemistry syllabus.

JEE Main 2026 Mathematics Syllabus 

Mathematics is crucial as it carries the highest weightage (100 marks) in the exam.

  • Class 11 Maths Syllabus: Sets, Relations & Functions, Complex Numbers, Sequences & Series, Permutations & Combinations, Probability, Trigonometry.
  • Class 12 Maths Syllabus: Matrices & Determinants, Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus, Vectors, 3D Geometry, Probability Distributions.

Calculus and Algebra form the bulk of the JEE Main Maths syllabus.

Special Notes on JEE Main 2026 Syllabus

  • For B.Arch (Paper 2A) → In addition to Mathematics, candidates must study topics from Aptitude and Drawing/Design.
  • For B.Planning (Paper 2B) → Along with Mathematics, the syllabus includes Aptitude and Planning-based objective questions.
  • NTA may release minor changes or reductions in the syllabus depending on updates in NCERT Class 11 & 12 books.

Best Study Material for JEE Main 2026 Preparation

To score well in the JEE Main exam 2026, aspirants must follow the right study material, books, and mock test strategy. The National Testing Agency (NTA) sets the exam pattern, but preparation depends on how effectively students combine NCERT concepts, reference books, previous year question papers, and JEE Main mock tests. Best Books for JEE Main 2026 Preparation While NCERT textbooks form the backbone of the JEE Main syllabus, practicing from recommended reference books helps in building conceptual clarity and problem-solving speed.

SubjectRecommended Books for JEE Main 2026
Physics- Concepts of Physics Vol 1 & 2 by H.C. Verma - Fundamentals of Physics by Halliday, Resnick & Walker - NCERT Physics (Class 11 & 12)
Chemistry- Physical Chemistry by O.P. Tandon - Organic Chemistry by Morrison & Boyd - Concise Inorganic Chemistry by J.D. Lee - NCERT Chemistry (Class 11 & 12)
Mathematics- IIT Mathematics by M.L. Khanna - Objective Mathematics by R.D. Sharma - Problems in Calculus of One Variable by I.A. Maron - NCERT Mathematics (Class 11 & 12)

Start with NCERT books for theory, then move to reference books for advanced practice.

JEE Main Previous Year Papers & Mock Tests

  • Solving JEE Main previous year question papers helps students understand the exam pattern, difficulty level, and important chapters.
  • Practicing JEE Main mock tests improves time management, speed, and accuracy.
  • NTA also provides official mock tests on the NTA website in computer-based test format, which simulate the real exam environment.
  • Regularly attempting chapter-wise and full-length mock tests helps in analyzing strengths and weaknesses.

Aim to solve at least 10–12 full-length mock tests before the exam and review mistakes to avoid repeating them.

JEE Main 2026 Admit Card

The JEE Main 2026 admit card is a mandatory document required to enter the examination hall. The National Testing Agency (NTA) will release the admit card on the official website, jeemain.nta.ac.in, a few days before the scheduled exam date. Candidates must download their admit card and verify all details carefully.

How to Download the JEE Main 2026 Admit Card?

  1. Visit the official NTA JEE Main website.
  2. Click on the link titled “Download JEE Main 2026 Admit Card (Session 1/2)”.
  3. Log in using your Application Number and Date of Birth.
  4. Your admit card will appear on the screen.
  5. Download the admit card and print at least two copies for future reference.

Details to Check on Your Admit Card

  • Candidate’s Name and Photograph
  • Application Number and Roll Number
  • Exam Date and Reporting Time
  • Exam Centre Name and Address
  • Exam Day Instructions and Guidelines

If you find any discrepancy in your admit card details, you must contact the NTA helpline immediately for correction.

JEE Main 2026 Answer Key & Response Sheet

After you've taken the exam, the next big step is checking the JEE Main 2026 Answer Key and your personal Response Sheet. The National Testing Agency (NTA) releases these on its official website, jeemain.nta.ac.in, a few days after the exam concludes. This is your first and best opportunity to accurately calculate your score before the official results are out.

Think of it this way:

  • Response Sheet: This is a digital copy of exactly what you marked in the exam.
  • Answer Key: This is the NTA's official set of correct answers for your specific exam paper and shift.

By comparing the two, you can get a clear picture of your performance.

How to Calculate Your Score Using the Answer Key

Calculating your score is simple. Follow these steps to get an accurate estimate of your performance:

  1. Download Your Files: Log in to the NTA JEE Main portal using your application number and date of birth. Download both the provisional answer key for your session and your recorded response sheet.
  2. Compare Your Answers: Carefully go through your response sheet, question by question, and compare your marked answers with the correct answers in the official key.
  3. Use the Official Marking Scheme:
    • +4 Marks: For every correct answer.
    • -1 Mark: For every incorrect MCQ. (There is no negative marking for incorrect numerical value questions).
    • 0 Marks: For any question you did not attempt.

How to Challenge the JEE Main Answer Key

Sometimes, you might find an answer in the official key that you believe is incorrect. The NTA provides a short "challenge window" (usually 2-3 days) to raise objections.

  • The Process: You can challenge a specific question by logging into the NTA portal, selecting the question ID you wish to challenge, and uploading supporting documents or justifications.
  • Challenge Fee: A non-refundable processing fee (around ₹200) is charged for each question you challenge.
  • What Happens Next? If your challenge is accepted by NTA's subject matter experts, the answer key is revised. This revised, final answer key is then used to calculate the results for all candidates. If your challenge is successful, the fee for that question is typically refunded.

JEE Main 2026 Marks vs. Percentile vs. Rank Analysis

Understanding the relationship between marks, percentile, and rank is crucial for predicting your admission chances. The JEE Main result is declared as a percentile score, which indicates your relative performance compared to all other candidates.

What is a Percentile Score?

A percentile score is not the same as a percentage of marks. It represents the percentage of candidates who scored equal to or below you in the exam. For example, a 99 percentile means you have scored more than 99% of the test-takers.

Expected Marks vs. Percentile for JEE Main 2026

Based on previous years' trends, this table provides an estimated marks vs. percentile analysis for JEE Main 2026. Please note this is an approximation and can vary based on the exam's difficulty level.

Marks Range (out of 300)Expected Percentile
280 - 30099.9+
250 - 27099.8 - 99.9
200 - 24099.0 - 99.7
150 - 19096.0 - 98.5
120 - 14093.0 - 95.5
90 - 11088.0 - 92.0
70 - 8080.0 - 85.0

Many students use a JEE Main rank predictor tool after the exam by entering their expected score to get an idea of their potential All India Rank (AIR).

JEE Main Cutoff and Result Analysis

The JEE Main result 2026 will be released by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for each session (January & April). Along with the result, NTA publishes the JEE Main cutoff — the minimum score or percentile required for qualifying JEE Advanced and for admissions into NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs. Understanding the cutoff trends and the result calculation process helps students estimate their chances of admission and plan accordingly.

Understanding JEE Main Cutoff

There are two types of JEE Main cutoff every candidate must know:

  1. JEE Main Qualifying Cutoff (Eligibility for JEE Advanced):
    • Released by NTA along with the result.
    • It is the minimum percentile required to qualify for JEE Advanced.
    • Varies category-wise (General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS, PwD).
  2. JEE Main Admission Cutoff (For NITs, IIITs & GFTIs):
    • Released by JoSAA (Joint Seat Allocation Authority) after counselling.
    • Refers to the closing ranks/percentiles at which candidates are admitted to specific institutes and branches.
    • Changes every year depending on difficulty level, number of candidates, and seat availability.

JEE Main Previous Years’ Qualifying Cutoff (Category-Wise)

The table below shows the JEE Main qualifying cutoff percentiles for the last three years (2025, 2024, and 2023). This trend helps predict the expected cutoff for JEE Main 2026.

Category2025 Qualifying Cutoff (Percentile)2024 Qualifying Cutoff (Percentile)2023 Qualifying Cutoff (Percentile)
General90.7790.7890.77
EWS75.6275.6275.62
OBC-NCL73.6173.6173.61
SC51.9751.9751.97
ST37.2337.2337.23
PwD0.0010.0010.001

These are the qualifying cutoffs for JEE Advanced. The admission cutoffs for NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs vary across institutes and branches.

How to Check the JEE Main Result?

Candidates can check their JEE Main result 2026 on the official NTA website: jeemain.nta.ac.in. Steps to Download the JEE Main 2026 Result:

  1. Visit the official NTA JEE Main result page.
  2. Log in using your Application Number and Password/Date of Birth.
  3. Click on “View Result/Scorecard”.
  4. The screen will display your subject-wise scores, NTA percentile, and overall score.
  5. Download and print the JEE Main scorecard for counselling and admission purposes.

Understanding the NTA Percentile Score

  • The JEE Main result is not given in raw marks but in the form of a percentile score.
  • The NTA percentile reflects the relative performance of a candidate compared to all other test-takers.
  • It is not the same as percentage marks — even a student with fewer raw marks can get a higher percentile if the exam was tough.
  • The best of the two session scores (January & April) will be considered for ranking.

What After JEE Main Result? The JoSAA Counselling Process

Once the JEE Main result 2026 is declared, the next step for students is JoSAA Counselling (Joint Seat Allocation Authority). JoSAA manages the centralized counselling process for admission into NITs, IIITs, GFTIs, and IITs (for students who qualify JEE Advanced). Through JoSAA, candidates can apply for seats, lock preferences, and secure admission based on their JEE Main rank, category, and cutoff trends.

Role of JoSAA in JEE Main Counselling

  • Acts as the single counselling platform for all NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs.
  • Conducts seat allocation in multiple rounds based on the JEE Main rank list.
  • Ensures transparency in seat distribution and prevents duplicate admissions.
  • Provides students with access to seat matrix, cutoff ranks, and allotment results.

Step-by-Step JoSAA Counselling Process 2026

  1. Online Registration & Login
    • Candidates must log in at josaa.nic.in using their JEE Main application number and password.
    • Registration usually starts soon after the JEE Main result announcement.
  2. Choice Filling & Locking
    • Candidates select their preferred NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs (and IITs if eligible).
    • Choices must be arranged in order of preference.
    • Once finalized, candidates must lock their choices to prevent changes later.
  3. Seat Allotment (Round-wise)
    • JoSAA conducts 6–7 rounds of seat allotment.
    • Seat allocation is based on JEE Main rank, seat availability, category, and preferences filled.
    • Candidates can accept, freeze, float, or slide their seat allotment.
  4. Document Verification & Reporting
    • Candidates who accept a seat must upload required documents online.
    • After verification, students must report to the allotted institute for final admission.
  5. Upgradation & Withdrawal Options
    • If unsatisfied, candidates can wait for further rounds for a possible upgraded seat.
    • Withdrawal options are available before the final round.

Important Documents Required for JoSAA Counselling 2026

  • JEE Main 2026 scorecard & admit card
  • Class 10 & 12 mark sheets
  • Category certificate (if applicable)
  • Passport-size photographs
  • Photo ID proof (Aadhaar / Passport / Voter ID)

Key Highlights of JoSAA Counselling 2026

  • Institutes Covered: 31 NITs, 25 IIITs, 28 GFTIs, and 23 IITs (for JEE Advanced qualifiers).
  • Mode: Entire process is online at josaa.nic.in.
  • Rounds: Usually 6–7 rounds of counselling.

Stay connected with us at Infinity Learn to be updated on all the latest changes. Moreover, Infinity Learn also provides JEE coaching and IIT JEE Main books to boost your preparation and help students get admission into their desired colleges.

JEE Main 2026 Exam Day Guidelines

To ensure a smooth and fair examination process, the NTA has set strict exam day guidelines. All candidates must adhere to these rules at the exam centre.

What to Carry to the Exam Centre?

  • A clear printout of the JEE Main Admit Card.
  • One passport-size photograph (same as uploaded in the application form).
  • A valid original Photo ID proof (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, etc.).
  • A transparent water bottle.
  • A simple transparent ballpoint pen.

What is Prohibited in the JEE Mains Exam Hall?

  • Electronic devices like mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, or Bluetooth devices are strictly forbidden.
  • Any kind of study material, notes, or paper.
  • Handbags, wallets, or metallic items.
  • Food items (except for diabetic candidates with prior permission).

Candidates are advised to reach the exam centre at least 60-90 minutes before the reporting time mentioned on their admit card for security checks and verification.

Top Colleges Accepting JEE Main Score in India (2026): NITs, IIITs & GFTIs List

JEE Main score is the key that opens the doors to some of India’s best engineering colleges, including NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs. These institutes are among the most sought-after destinations for aspiring engineers who want a strong academic foundation and top-tier placements.

Admissions to these colleges are conducted through the JoSAA (Joint Seat Allocation Authority) Counselling Process, based on your JEE Main rank and category-wise cutoff. Let’s look at the complete list of institutions that accept JEE Main scores and understand how admission works.

Do IITs Accept JEE Main Score?

No — IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology) do not offer admission based on JEE Main results. Instead:

  • JEE Main acts as a qualifying exam for JEE Advanced.
  • Only the top 2,50,000 candidates from JEE Main are eligible to appear for JEE Advanced.
  • Admission to IITs is solely based on JEE Advanced rank and JoSAA counselling.

So, while JEE Main is your first step toward IITs, your score in JEE Advanced determines your final selection.

National Institutes of Technology (NITs) in India

NITs are among India’s most prestigious public engineering universities and are recognized as Institutes of National Importance. A good JEE Main percentile can secure your seat in one of the 31 NITs, known for their:

  • Excellent placement opportunities
  • Modern infrastructure
  • Strong alumni network

List of 31 NITs in India Accepting JEE Main Score:

Dr. B R Ambedkar NIT, JalandharMalaviya NIT, JaipurNIT Calicut
Motilal Nehru NIT, AllahabadMaulana Azad NIT, BhopalNIT Durgapur
NIT AgartalaNIT DelhiNIT Goa
NIT Arunachal PradeshNIT HamirpurNIT Jamshedpur
NIT Karnataka, SurathkalNIT ManipurNIT Meghalaya
NIT MizoramNIT NagalandNIT Patna
NIT PuducherryNIT RaipurNIT Rourkela
NIT SikkimNIT SilcharNIT Srinagar
NIT Tiruchirappalli (Trichy)NIT UttarakhandNIT Warangal
Sardar Vallabhbhai NIT, SuratVisvesvaraya NIT, NagpurNIT Andhra Pradesh

Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs)

IIITs specialize in Information Technology, Computer Science, and Electronics, offering cutting-edge programs designed for the digital era. There are 26 IIITs that participate in JoSAA counselling and accept JEE Main scores.

List of IIITs Accepting JEE Main Score:

Atal Bihari Vajpayee IIIT & Management, GwaliorIIIT AllahabadIIIT Bhagalpur
IIIT BhopalIIIT Chittoor, Sri CityIIIT Design & Manufacturing, Jabalpur
IIIT Design & Manufacturing, KancheepuramIIIT KurnoolIIIT Dharwad
IIIT GuwahatiIIIT HyderabadIIIT Kalyani, West Bengal
IIIT Kota, RajasthanIIIT KottayamIIIT Lucknow
IIIT ManipurIIIT NagpurIIIT Pune
IIIT RaichurIIIT RanchiIIIT Sonepat, Haryana
IIIT SuratIIIT TiruchirappalliIIIT Una, Himachal Pradesh
IIIT VadodaraIIIT Agartala 

Government-Funded Technical Institutes (GFTIs)

Apart from NITs and IIITs, there are 35+ Government-Funded Technical Institutes (GFTIs) that also accept JEE Main ranks. These colleges are diverse in specialization, offering unique programs in architecture, planning, and applied sciences.

List of Top GFTIs in India:

Assam University, Silchar
Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra
Gurukula Kangri Vishwavidyalaya, Haridwar
Indian Institute of Carpet Technology, Bhadohi
Institute of Infrastructure, Technology, Research and Management, Ahmedabad
Institute of Technology, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, Bilaspur
J.K. Institute of Applied Physics & Technology, Allahabad
National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology, Aurangabad
National Institute of Foundry & Forge Technology, Ranchi
School of Engineering, Tezpur University
School of Planning & Architecture (Bhopal, Delhi, Vijayawada)
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra
PEC University of Technology, Chandigarh

Other Colleges Accepting JEE Main Scores (Beyond JoSAA)

Your JEE Main result is not limited to JoSAA colleges. Many state-level and private universities also accept JEE Main scores for B.Tech admissions.

1. State-Level Counselling

Several states conduct their own counselling processes based on JEE Main ranks:

  • Haryana (HSTES Counselling)
  • Punjab (PTU Counselling)
  • Madhya Pradesh (DTE MP Counselling)
  • Uttar Pradesh (UPTAC Counselling)

2. Private Universities Accepting JEE Main Scores

Top private universities in India that consider JEE Main scores include:

  • Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, Patiala
  • Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Noida
  • Nirma University, Ahmedabad
  • Amity University, Noida
  • SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai

These universities often combine JEE Main scores with their own admission tests or merit-based rounds, giving students more flexibility and options.

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FAQs: JEE Main 2026

How many times can I attempt the JEE Main exam?

The NTA JEE Main exam is conducted twice a year – in January and April sessions. Students can appear in both sessions, and the best score is considered for ranking. In total, candidates can attempt JEE Mains for three consecutive years from the year they pass Class 12.

Is NCERT enough to crack JEE Main?

NCERT books are essential for building strong concepts in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, especially for Inorganic Chemistry and basic theory. However, to crack JEE Main, you must also practice from reference books (like H.C. Verma, RD Sharma, Morrison & Boyd) and solve previous year question papers and mock tests for advanced problem-solving.

What is the difference between JEE Main and JEE Advanced?

JEE Main: Conducted by NTA, it is the qualifying exam for admission into NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs. It also acts as the eligibility test for JEE Advanced.

JEE Advanced: Conducted by the IITs, it is exclusively for admission into the 23 IITs in India. Only candidates who clear the JEE Main cutoff are eligible to appear.

What is a good score/percentile in JEE Main for getting into an NIT?

A 90–95 percentile score in JEE Main is generally considered good enough for admission into lower NITs. For top NITs like NIT Trichy, NIT Surathkal, or NIT Warangal, candidates usually need a 97–99 percentile or above. The exact cutoff varies by category, branch, and institute.

Is there negative marking for numerical value questions in JEE Main?

No. For numerical value type questions in JEE Main, there is no negative marking. However, for MCQs, you get +4 for every correct answer and -1 for every wrong answer.

Can a dropper appear for JEE Main 2026?

Yes. Droppers are fully eligible for JEE Main 2026 as long as they meet the eligibility criteria (passed Class 12 in 2024, 2025, or appearing in 2026). There is no age limit for appearing in JEE Mains.

How is the JEE Main percentile score calculated?

The NTA percentile score is not the same as percentage marks. It reflects a candidate’s relative performance compared to all other candidates. Even with lower raw marks, students can get a high percentile if the exam is tough. The best of the two session scores is considered for the final ranking.