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 has released JEE Main 2026 Registration on 31 October 2025 for session 1 .The January session is scheduled from 21st to 30th January 2026, while the April session will take place from 1st to 10th April 2026.
Table of Contents
JEE MAIN Session 2 Dates ( Tentative)
| Exam Event | Tentative Dates |
| Official Notification Release | November 2025 |
| Registration Start Date | Last week of January 2026 |
| Registration Last Date | March 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | March 2026 |
| Admit Card Release Date | March 2026 |
| Exam Dates | April 2 – April 9, 2026 |
| Result Declaration | April 2026 |
Read JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 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.
To Read About JEE Main Registration 2026 Click here
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.
What if I’m appearing for both sessions of JEE MAIN 2026? Which score counts?
If you appear for both JEE Main 2026 sessions, the best NTA score out of the two will be considered for your final rank and admission purposes. This means you don’t have to worry about which session is better you can focus on doing your best in both, and only the higher score will be taken into account. Each session requires separate registration and fee payment, but the advantage is that you get a second chance to improve your performance.
Conclusion
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.
