For the JEE Main 2026 academic cycle, the NTA has scheduled two sessions – January and April . With the Session 2 registration deadline set for March 13, 2026, candidates now have their final opportunity to apply and improve their scores .

This article provides a complete overview of JEE Main 2026 Session 2 registration, exam timeline, pattern, subject – wise strategy, and preparation tips for aspirants.

JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Registration Deadline

The NTA reopened the Session 2 registration window for 48 hours to accommodate candidates who missed the earlier deadline . This decision was taken after receiving requests from students facing technical or payment issues during the original application period.

• New candidates who did not apply earlier

• Candidates who appeared in Session 1 but did not select Session 2

• Applicants who failed to complete payment during the earlier registration phase

Candidates must complete the process through the official portal of JEE Main.

JEE Main 2026 Application Fees

The application fee depends on the candidate’s category and gender.

Payments can be made via :

• Debit card

• Credit card

• Net banking

• UPI

This digital payment system aligns with the NTA’s initiative toward a fully online and transparent examination process.

City Intimation Slip and Admit Card

After the registration process closes, the examination process moves to the logistical phase.

Expected Timeline

The city intimation slip informs candidates about their exam city and exam date. However, it does not include the exact exam center or shift timing.

The admit card, released a few days before the exam, will contain :

• Exam center address

• Exam shift timing

• Candidate details

• Important instructions

JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern

The exam pattern remains largely similar to previous years but includes some notable adjustments.

Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech)

• Total Questions : 75

• Subjects : Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics

• Total Marks : 300

• Exam Duration : 3 hours

Each subject includes:

• Section A : 20 Multiple Choice Questions

• Section B : 5 Numerical Value Questions (mandatory)

Marking Scheme

• Correct answer : +4 marks

• Incorrect answer : −1 mark

The removal of optional questions in the numerical section increases the overall difficulty level, requiring candidates to have strong preparation across the entire syllabus.

Subject – Wise Preparation Strategy

Mathematics : The Most Challenging Section

Mathematics has consistently been the toughest section in recent sessions. Questions often involve lengthy calculations and multiple concepts.

Key high – weightage topics include:

• Three – Dimensional Geometry

• Limits and Continuity

• Matrices and Determinants

• Vector Algebra

• Differential Equations

Candidates should dedicate 60 – 65 minutes to this section during the exam.

Physics: Concept + Formula Based

Physics questions typically combine conceptual clarity with formula application.

Important chapters include :

• Modern Physics

• Current Electricity

• Electrostatics

• Optics

• Thermodynamics

• Semiconductor Electronics

About 70 – 75% of the questions are formula-based, making regular revision essential.

Chemistry: The Scoring Subject

Chemistry remains the most scoring section if students follow NCERT textbooks thoroughly.

Topic weightage distribution :

• Physical Chemistry : 40%

• Organic Chemistry : 30%

• Inorganic Chemistry : 30%

High-priority chapters include :

• Coordination Compounds

• Chemical Kinetics

• Electrochemistry

• General Organic Chemistry (GOC)

Reading NCERT line by line is crucial for inorganic chemistry questions.

Preparation Strategy for Session 2

The time between Session 1 and Session 2 should be used strategically to improve performance.

1. Analyze Session 1 Performance

Students should evaluate their errors in three categories :

• Conceptual mistakes

• Calculation errors

• Time management issues

Maintaining an error notebook helps prevent repeating mistakes.

2. Practice Mock Tests

Experts recommend taking 2 – 3 mock tests per week. Attempt these tests during the same time slots as the actual exam to synchronize your biological clock.

After each mock test :

• Spend 1 – 2 hours analyzing mistakes

• Identify weak chapters

• Improve accuracy

3. Use Free Learning Platforms

The government-backed SATHEE Portal, developed with Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, provides free resources for JEE aspirants.

Features include :

• Live classes by IIT faculty

• AI-based performance analytics

• Daily practice questions

• Mentorship from IIT students

These tools help students optimize preparation during the final weeks.

Pathway to JEE Advanced

JEE Main also serves as the qualifying exam for the JEE Advanced, the entrance test for admission to the Indian Institutes of Technology – (IITs) .

Only the top 2,50,000 candidates in JEE Main are eligible to appear for JEE Advanced .

For final rankings, the NTA considers the better score from Session 1 or Session 2, giving candidates a valuable second chance to improve their percentile.

Final Thoughts

With the JEE Main 2026 Session 2 registration deadline falling on March 13, 2026, aspirants must ensure they complete the application process before the portal closes.

Once registration is complete, the focus should shift entirely toward mock test practice, revision of high – weightage topics and improving accuracy.

Success in JEE Main is not only about knowledge but also about strategy, discipline and consistency. By analyzing previous mistakes and using structured revision plans, candidates can significantly improve their performance in the April session and move closer to securing a seat in India’s top engineering institutes.

FAQs

1. What is the last date to apply for JEE Main 2026 Session 2?
   The final deadline to submit the JEE Main 2026 Session 2 application form is March 13, 2026 at 9:00 PM, while fee payment can be completed until 11:50 PM.

2. When will JEE Main 2026 Session 2 exams be conducted?
   The Session 2 exams are scheduled to be held from April 2 to April 9, 2026.

3. When will the JEE Main 2026 city intimation slip be released?
   The city intimation slip is expected to be released around March 20, 2026, before the admit card announcement.

4. How many questions are there in JEE Main Paper 1?
   JEE Main Paper 1 contains 75 questions across Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics with a total of 300 marks.

5. How is the final JEE Main 2026 score calculated?
   The best score from Session 1 or Session 2 is considered for the final percentile and ranking.