JEE Main 2026 Registration: Highest Number of Applicants & Past Year Trends

JEE Main 2026: Registrations Hit Record High; Over 14.5 Lakh Students Apply for Session 1, Competition Tougher Than Ever

The registration process for JEE Main 2026 Session 1 has officially closed, and early trends indicate that the competition will be more intense than in previous years.
As per media reports, approximately 14.5 lakh candidates have registered for the first session of the exam, marking one of the highest participation figures recorded in recent years.

This year’s numbers show an increase of nearly 1.4 lakh applicants compared to last year's Session 1. The rising applicant turnout highlights the growing demand for engineering seats across the country and signals a challenging season ahead for aspirants.

JEE Main 2026 Registration Statistics: How This Year Compares

While the National Testing Agency (NTA) will release the official registration data only after the declaration of results, the provisional figures give a clear picture of the growing competition.

Past Years’ Registration Trend

*Media estimate; official NTA confirmation awaited.

According to reports, the 2026 cycle has seen one of the strongest turnouts in the last five years, indicating heightened interest and preparation intensity among engineering aspirants.

Does Higher Registration Affect Percentile? Here’s What Students Must Know

One of the most common concerns among candidates is whether the increase in registrations impacts percentile scoring. Experts reiterate that:

? Percentile scores depend ONLY on:

• The number of candidates appearing in a particular shift

• The relative performance of those candidates

X Percentile is NOT influenced by:

• Total number of registrations

• Applicants in other shifts

• Combined student count across sessions

However, a higher number of candidates naturally leads to greater competition for top ranks, especially for high-demand branches like CSE, ECE, and AI at premier institutes.

JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Exam Schedule

The National Testing Agency has confirmed that the first session of JEE Main 2026 will be conducted from:

January 21 to January 30, 2026

Important upcoming events include:

Students are advised to keep visiting jeemain.nta.nic.in for official updates.

Next Steps After Session 1 Registration

With the registration process completed, candidates should now focus on the following steps:

1. Application Correction Window

• Scheduled for December 1–2, 2025

• Candidates must verify and correct personal details, photographs, and category certificates.

2. City Intimation Slip Download

• Reveals exam city and date

• Helps candidates plan travel and strategy

3. Admit Card Release

• To be issued a few days prior to the examination

• Contains exam centre, timing, and reporting instructions

JEE Main 2026 Session 2: Important Dates

The second session offers another opportunity for candidates aiming to improve their percentile.

Check: https://smartachievers.online/good-score-in-jee-main-2026-marks-percentile-rank-guide

Rising Registrations Mean Rising Competition

With registrations touching the 14.5 lakh mark, experts caution students that the road to top NITs and IIITs will be more challenging this year. Aspirants must now shift their focus entirely to:

• Strengthening weak chapters

• Practicing mock tests in exam-like settings

• Improving speed and accuracy

• Mastering high-weightage topics in Physics, Chemistry, and Math

Ultimately, success in the January session will depend on consistent revision, smart strategy, and calm performance under pressure.

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