The JEE Main 2026 January session has witnessed a massive surge in applications, indicating intense competition for engineering aspirants this year. According to official data, 14.50 lakh candidates have registered across the country for the January session alone.
This figure marks an increase of nearly one lakh applications compared to the January session last year. The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the JEE Main examination twice a year, in January and April, for admission to BTech, BArch, and BPlanning courses.
Applications Rise Sharply
In 2025, around 13.80 lakh candidates applied for the January session. However, registrations have steadily increased over the last three years. Experts now estimate that total registrations across both sessions in 2026 may touch 24 lakh.
Moreover, nearly 96 percent of registered candidates actually appear for the exam. Therefore, competition is expected to be tougher than ever, especially for seats in NITs, IIITs, and other centrally funded institutions.
Exam Schedule and Admit Cards
The NTA has already announced that the JEE Main 2026 January session exams will be held from January 21 to 30. The exams will take place in online CBT mode at multiple centers in India and abroad.
Meanwhile, city intimation slips are expected to be released this week. The admit cards will be available from January 18, four days before the exam.
Exam Pattern and Languages
JEE Main 2026 will include two papers. Paper 1 is for BE/BTech admissions and carries 300 marks. Paper 2 is for BArch and BPlanning courses and carries 400 marks.
The exam will be conducted in two shifts daily, from 9 am to 12 pm and 3 pm to 6 pm. Notably, the test will be held in 13 languages, including Telugu and English.
The January session results are expected by February 12, giving candidates clarity before the April attempt.
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