NTA has released the details regarding the number of attempts for JEE Main 2026. According to the JEE Main eligibility criteria for 2026, candidates can attempt the exam six times over three consecutive years. Specifically, candidates must have completed their class 12th in 2024, 2025, or 2026. Furthermore, there is no upper age limit for appearing in the JEE Main 2026 exam.
The authority will conduct the JEE Mains 2026 exam in two sessions. The first session is scheduled from January 21 to 30, 2026. Meanwhile, the second session will take place from April 2 to 9, 2026. It is important to note that the exam will be conducted in online mode.
In a single year, candidates can appear for the exam only twice. Therefore, students aspiring for admission in NITs, IIITs, or IITs often discuss the number of attempts for JEE Main 2026. This means they can take the exam twice each year for three consecutive years.
In this article, we will look into the number of attempts for JEE Main 2026 as per NTA guidelines.
How Many Number of Attempts in JEE Main 2026 for the Candidates?
The NTA has defined the number of attempts in JEE Main 2026 on its official website. As per the JEE Main 2026 eligibility criteria, candidates can appear for JEE Mains six times in three consecutive years. This means that candidates who qualified or are appearing for Class 12th in the last three years are eligible to take the JEE Main exam. Furthermore, the NTA JEE Main exam 2026 will be conducted in two sessions.
Notably, candidates attempting the JEE Main exam for the first time in 2026 will also be eligible to take the test in 2026 and 2027. In addition, for students in the general category, the number of attempts in JEE Mains is limited to three consecutive years from the year of passing their Class 12.
JEE Main 2026 Exam Schedule
Below is the JEE Main 2026 exam schedule. Through this, you can have a better understanding of the attempts for JEE Main 2026.
| Events | JEE January Dates (Session 1) | JEE April Dates (Session 2) |
| Start date for JEE Main registration | October 31, 2025 | Last week of January 2026 |
| Last date for JEE Main registration | November 27, 2025 | February 2026 |
| JEE Main 2026 exam correction date | December 1 to 2, 2025 | February 2026 |
| Release of Advanced city intimation slip | January 2026 | March 2026 |
| JEE Main January 2026 admit card release date | January 2026 | March 2026 |
| JEE Main 2026 exam dates, session 1 | January 21 to 30, 2026 | April 2 to 9, 2026 |
| Answer key release date | February 2026 | April 2026 |
| Last date to challenge the provisional answer key | February 2026 | April 2026 |
| Release date of JEE Main answer key | February 2026 | April 2026 |
| JEE Main 2026 session 1 result date | February 2026 | — |
| JEE Main 2026 session 2 result date | — | April 2026 |
What are the Advantages of 2 Attempts for JEE Main 2026?
Candidates have the following benefits under the two sessions for JEE Main, i.e., two attempts for JEE Main 2026.
1. Candidates will have the opportunity to improve their scores on the second attempt. This applies particularly if they are not satisfied with their IIT JEE Main 2026 first session result.
2. Additionally, the second attempt will allow candidates to overcome any mistakes made in session one.
3. Consequently, this will reduce the probability of needing to drop a year. Therefore, candidates do not have to waste an entire year preparing again.
4. Moreover, if any candidate misses the first session, they will not have to wait another year to appear for the JEE Main exam.
To make the most of the second attempt and improve scores in a short time, many students opt for a structured JEE Main crash course for focused revision and exam-oriented practice.
JEE Main 2026 Attempt Limit for Different Categories
Understanding the JEE Main 2026 attempt limit is important for candidates to strategize their JEE Main 2026 preparation. Moreover, the attempts for JEE Main 2026 differ according to the categories. This information helps students plan their examination attempts effectively in a competitive environment.
Along with knowing the attempt limits for each category, candidates should also understand the JEE Main reservation criteria 2026 to check seat allocation benefits and relaxations.
1. Attempts for JEE Main 2026: General Category
For the JEE Main exam, candidates from the general category are allowed a maximum of 6 attempts. This regulation ensures fairness among all participants. Additionally, it provides ample opportunities for aspiring engineers. As a result, candidates can effectively showcase their aptitude. Ultimately, this system helps secure admissions to esteemed institutions across the country.
2. Attempts for JEE Main 2026: OBC Category
Candidates belonging to the OBC (Other Backward Classes) category are granted a maximum of six attempts for the JEE Main 2026 exam. This allowance is spread over three consecutive years. Consequently, this provision ensures that OBC candidates have equitable opportunities. As a result, they can better showcase their potential and secure admissions to top-notch engineering institutions in the country.
What is the Validity of the JEE Main Score 2026?
The score of JEE Main is valid for the current year only. This means that if a candidate appears for JEE Main 2026, he or she can apply for admission to the institute solely for the academic year 2026–27. Additionally, candidates will be able to check the qualifying marks for JEE Main 2026 online. To do this, students must use the JEE Main login 2026 to access their scores.
JEE Main 2026 Eligibility Criteria
The authority released the JEE Main 2026 eligibility criteria online. Therefore, candidates need to check the information bulletin for detailed eligibility criteria. The eligibility criteria for JEE Main 2026 consist of various factors, including educational qualifications, number of attempts, nationality, and more.
While understanding eligibility, students preparing for multiple engineering entrances can also compare the JEE Main syllabus vs Assam CEE syllabus to plan a focused study strategy.
JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2026
According to the JEE Main eligibility criteria 2026, the eligibility conditions for JEE Main 2026 are as follows.
| Eligibility Criteria | Details |
| JEE Main 2026 Number of Attempts | NTA will conduct the JEE Mains 2026 in two sessions – January and April. Students will be able to appear in the exam two times a year. Also, students can appear in JEE Main for three consecutive years from the year of passing their class 12 exam. |
| Age Criteria for JEE Main 2026 | NTA has not mandated any criteria for the age of candidates appearing for the JEE Main. Students of any age can appear in the exam, but only for three consecutive years after passing their class 12. |
| Criteria for Subjects in Class 12 | Students who are aiming for B.Tech admission must have studied Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects along with any one subject among Chemistry/Biotechnology/Biology/Technical Vocational subjects in class 12 and must have passed each subject. B.Arch aspirants must have passed class 12 or its equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. For B.Plan, candidates must have Mathematics in class 12. No Diploma holder is eligible for the entrance exam. Rest the eligibility criteria remain the same as B.Tech aspirants. |
| Criteria of Percentage of Marks in Class 12 | Candidates must have secured at least 75% marks in the Class 12 examination conducted by the respective Boards. For SC/ST candidates, the qualifying marks would be 65% in Class 12/qualifying examination. The candidate is also required to pass each of the subjects of the Class 12/qualifying examination. |
| Criteria of Year of Appearance in JEE Main 2026 | Students appearing in JEE Main 2026 must have passed class 12 not earlier than 2023. |
JEE Main Application Form 2026
The NTA will release the JEE Main 2026 application form separately for both sessions. Therefore, candidates must complete their application forms at jeemain.nta.ac.in. This step is crucial, as it must be done before the deadline. Only then will candidates be eligible for both the January and April sessions of JEE Main 2026.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the attempts for JEE Main 2026 provide aspiring engineers with a structured opportunity. Specifically, there are six attempts available over three consecutive years. This dual-session format allows candidates to enhance their scores. Moreover, it gives them a chance to rectify mistakes, ultimately improving their chances of admission to top institutions.
By understanding the eligibility criteria and attempt limits, students can effectively plan their preparation. Additionally, as the exam dates approach, staying informed is important. Equally important is maintaining motivation throughout the process.
With the right strategy, consistent practice, and expert guidance from SPM & Lalans Coaching, students can maximize every JEE Main attempt and move closer to their engineering goals.
Therefore, best of luck to all future JEE aspirants!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many attempts for JEE Main 2026?
A candidate can appear in the JEE Main exam 6 times in 3 three consecutive years after the 12th class.
2. How many times is the JEE Main conducted in a year?
The JEE Main exam is conducted twice a year, with sessions scheduled for January and April 2026.
3. What is the benefit of extra attempts in the JEE Main exam?
Extra attempts will help the candidates to overcome the mistakes from session one if any, improve their scores, reduce the probability of dropping a year, and more.
4. What is the validity of the JEE Main scorecard?
The JEE Main scorecard is valid for the current year only. It means if a candidate appears for JEE Main 2026, then he/she can apply for admission in the institutes for the academic year 2025-26.
5. What is the age criterion for JEE Main 2026?
NTA has not mandated any criteria for the age of candidates appearing for the JEE Main.
6. What is the criterion for the percentage of marks in class 12th?
Candidates must have secured at least 75% marks in the Class 12 examination. SC/ST candidates must have 65% in the Class 12/qualifying examination. The candidate is also required to pass in each of the subjects of the Class 12 / qualifying examination.
7. How many times is JEE Mains conducted in a year?
JEE Mains 2026 will be conducted twice this year, once in January and again in April.
8. What is the JEE Main 2026 attempt limit?
JEE Main aspirants are allowed to attempt the entrance exam for 3 consecutive years. JEE Main 2026 is likely to be conducted twice this year, and the candidates can appear in both sessions. Both attempts of the JEE Main exam 2026 for a single academic year will be considered as a single attempt.
