If you’re wondering whether it’s possible to appear for the JEE Main Session 2 exam without attempting Session 1, the good news is: yes, you can. The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts JEE Main twice a year, in January and April, and both sessions are completely independent. This means you can register and appear for one or both sessions based on your convenience.
For candidates who missed the registration for Session 1, there’s no need to worry. You can directly apply for Session 2. The NTA is expected to open JEE Main 2026 Registration in October. The January session is scheduled from 21st to 30th January 2026, while the April session will take place from 1st to 10th April 2026.
Key Points About Appearing in JEE Main Sessions
Candidates can choose to appear in either one or both sessions of the JEE Main exam. The two sessions are designed to give aspirants an additional opportunity to improve their scores without waiting an entire year. Separate registration is required for each session. If you missed Session 1, you can still register and appear for Session 2 without any issue. Another advantage is that students who didn’t perform well in the first attempt can analyze their mistakes and prepare better for the second session. This helps in boosting confidence and improving accuracy. On the other hand, those satisfied with their Session 1 scores can skip Session 2 entirely. So, even if you skip the January exam, you can still participate in the April session and compete for admission to top engineering institutes across India.
- Candidates can choose to appear in either session or both.
- Separate registration is required for each session. If you missed Session 1, you can still register for Session 2.
- If a candidate appears in multiple sessions, the best NTA score among the sessions will be considered for the final merit list.
- The registration fee must be paid for each session you choose to appear in.
JEE Main 2026: Important Dates
It’s crucial for aspirants to keep track of all the important dates related to the JEE Main 2026 exam to avoid missing any deadlines. The National Testing Agency (NTA) releases separate schedules for both sessions, including registration, exam dates, and result announcements. Keeping these dates handy helps students plan their preparation, revision, and exam strategy effectively. Here’s a quick look at the key dates for both sessions of JEE Main 2026:
How to Register for JEE Main 2026
The registration process is entirely online. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Visit the official JEE Main website: jeemain.nta.nic.in.
- Click on “New Registration” and fill in your basic details.
- Create a strong password and submit. Login credentials will be sent to your registered email or phone.
- Use the credentials to log in and complete the application form, including document uploads.
- Pay the application fee through the available payment options.
- Submit the form and download a copy for your reference.
Important Notes:
- If you applied for Session 1, you can use the same login credentials for Session 2.
- A combined application for both sessions is also possible.
Takeaway
JEE Main’s dual-session system offers flexibility to candidates. You aren’t required to appear for Session 1 to give Session 2, and your best score across sessions will count toward your rank. This makes it easier for aspirants to plan their preparation and attempt the exam without pressure.
