The JEE Main application is filled online at the NTA JEE Main portal, in two separate windows — one for Session 1 (usually November–December) and one for Session 2 (usually February). Fees run roughly ₹1,000 for General male candidates for one session, less for female and reserved-category candidates, and more for both sessions or for Paper 2. The single most important thing: your photo and signature specifications cause more rejections than anything else.
The two windows #
| Session 1 | Session 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Registration opens | ~November | ~February |
| Exam held | ~January | ~April |
| Separate form? | Yes | Yes — but re-uses your Session 1 login |
| Can you apply for both together? | Yes, at registration | Yes |
Applying for Session 1 does not automatically register you for Session 2; you must opt in and pay again.
What you need before you start #
| Document | Specification |
|---|---|
| Photograph | Recent colour, 10–200 KB, JPG, white background, name and date printed below |
| Signature | 4–30 KB, JPG, on white paper, black ink |
| Class 10 certificate | For date of birth |
| Class 12 details | Board, roll number, year |
| Category / PwD / EWS certificate | In the prescribed format, current year |
| Aadhaar or other ID | For identity verification |
| Address and bank details | For fee payment and correspondence |
- Photo and signature rejections are the number one application problem. Read the exact pixel and KB limits in the information bulletin; do not reuse an old school photo.
- Choose four exam cities in order of preference, and pick realistically — you travel there yourself.
- Your name, date of birth and parents' names must match your Class 10 certificate exactly. A middle name present on one document and absent on another causes real problems at the centre.
- Keep the confirmation page PDF and the transaction receipt. There is no other proof of a successful application.
- A correction window opens after the form closes, but not every field is editable.
Fees, indicatively #
| Category | One session (Paper 1) | Both papers |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS — male | ~₹1,000 | Higher |
| General / OBC / EWS — female | ~₹800 | Higher |
| SC / ST / PwD / Third gender | ~₹500 | Higher |
| Outside India | Substantially higher | — |
Step 1: Register and note your application number #
It is your identity for the whole cycle, including results and counselling.
Step 2: Fill the form in one sitting #
The portal times out. Have every document and detail ready before opening it.
Step 3: Upload to exact specification #
Photo, signature, and category certificate. Re-check the preview rather than trusting the upload.
Step 4: Pay and download the confirmation page #
An unpaid form is not an application. Download the PDF immediately.
JEE Main application form — frequently asked questions
When does the JEE Main application form come out?
What is the JEE Main application fee?
Do I need to apply separately for Session 2?
What are the photo and signature requirements for JEE Main?
Can I correct my JEE Main form after submitting?
Verified fees, centres and reviews.
Disclaimer: Fees, dates and specifications follow the current NTA information bulletin and change each cycle. Verify before applying.
