JEE Main 2026 Registration Begins in October: Key Updates on Aadhaar, Category Certificates, and Application Process

The countdown has begun for engineering aspirants planning to appear for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially announced that the registration process for JEE Main 2026 will commence in October 2025. Candidates aiming to secure a seat in premier engineering institutes must prepare ahead by ensuring their essential documents, such as Aadhaar cards and category certificates, are updated and valid. This blog post covers everything you need to know about JEE Main 2026 registration, including important dates, eligibility, application procedures, and critical advisory notices from the NTA.

JEE Main 2026 Registration Window Opening Soon

The NTA is set to open the JEE Main 2026 online application window next month. The exam itself will be conducted in two sessions: the first session in January 2026 and the second in April 2026. This dual-session format follows the trend established in recent years, providing candidates with two opportunities to improve their scores and rank.

The official notification, released on September 29, 2025, emphasized the importance of document verification prior to registration. Candidates must pay close attention to this advisory to avoid any issues during the application or admission process.

Essential Document Updates: Aadhaar, UDID, and Category Certificates

A critical update from the NTA concerns the validity and accuracy of documents that candidates must submit while registering for JEE Main 2026. The agency has urged aspirants to verify that their Aadhaar cards, UDID cards (for persons with disabilities), and category certificates (including EWS, SC, ST, and OBC-NCL) are current and error-free.

Why Update These Documents?

Errors or outdated information in these key documents can lead to discrepancies during the application verification process, possibly resulting in application rejection or delays. Ensuring that details such as name, date of birth, photograph, and address are consistent across documents and with official records is crucial.

Aadhaar Card Accuracy

The Aadhaar card serves as a primary identity document for most candidates. NTA specifically highlighted that the following details should be meticulously checked and updated if necessary:

• Name: Must match the candidate's official records, especially the Class 10 certificate.
• Date of Birth: Should be consistent with the birth date recorded in educational documents.
• Photograph: Must be clear and recognizable.
• Address: Should be correct and up to date.
• Father’s Name: Should correspond with other documents submitted.

Candidates should ensure no mismatches or spelling errors exist in their Aadhaar card as such errors could complicate the application process.

UDID Card for Persons with Disabilities

Candidates applying under the Persons with Disabilities (PwD) category must verify that their Unique Disability ID (UDID) cards are valid and updated. Renewals should be completed well before the application window opens to avoid complications during document verification.

Category Certificates for Reserved Categories

For candidates applying under reserved categories such as Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL), it is mandatory that their certificates be current and compliant with NTA requirements. Expired or non-compliant certificates could result in the rejection of the application under reserved category benefits.

Important Dates and Sessions for JEE Main 2026

To plan effectively, candidates should mark these tentative timelines:

• Registration Start Date: October 2025 (exact date to be announced on official portals)
• First Session Exam: January 2026 (expected between January 22 to 30)
• Second Session Exam: April 2026 (expected between April 2 to 8)

These dates align with the previous year’s schedule, maintaining consistency and allowing aspirants to prepare accordingly.

Application Process Overview

While the detailed application procedure will be available on the official websites closer to the registration start date, here is a brief overview of the typical steps involved:

1. Visit the Official Portals: Candidates should regularly check nta.ac.in and jeemain.nta.nic.in for the latest updates, instructions, and notifications.
2. Registration: Create a login ID using a valid email address and mobile number.
3. Fill in Personal and Academic Details: Enter accurate information as per official documents.
4. Upload Scanned Documents: This includes photographs, signature, Aadhaar card, category certificate (if applicable), and disability certificate (if applicable).
5. Fee Payment: Pay the application fee online through the available payment methods.
6. Submit the Application: Verify all details before final submission to avoid errors.
7. Print Confirmation Page: Candidates should download and save the confirmation page and application form for future reference.

Why Regularly Monitor Official Updates?

The NTA’s advisory strongly encourages aspirants to stay informed by regularly visiting the official websites. Updates regarding application dates, corrections, city intimation slips, admit cards, and exam schedules will be released there. Missing out on critical notices could affect a candidate’s exam experience and admission chances.

Reflecting on JEE Main 2025: What to Expect?

Looking back at JEE Main 2025 offers a perspective on what candidates can anticipate this year:

• The January 2025 session was conducted from January 22 to 30.
• The April 2025 session took place between April 2 and 8.
• Registration for that cycle began on January 2, followed by the release of city intimation slips soon after.

Maintaining this schedule pattern, the JEE Main 2026 registration opening in October will give candidates ample time for preparation and documentation.

Final Words: Preparing for JEE Main 2026

The JEE Main is a critical stepping stone for engineering aspirants seeking admission into prestigious institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), and other centrally funded technical institutions. Starting your application journey well-prepared will help avoid last-minute stress and ensure a smoother admission process.

• Check Your Documents: Confirm that Aadhaar, UDID, and category certificates are accurate and valid.
• Stay Updated: Regularly visit nta.ac.in and jeemain.nta.nic.in.
• Prepare Early: Use the time before registration to gather all documents and plan your exam strategy.

By following these steps and keeping an eye on official updates, candidates can confidently navigate the JEE Main 2026 registration and exam process.