JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Result Date: The National Testing Agency (NTA) is expected to declare the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 result on February 12, 2026, approximately 7-10 days after the examination concludes. Session 2 results are anticipated around April 20, 2026. Candidates can download their scorecards from the official website jeemain.nta.nic.in using their application number and date of birth.
The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main serves as the gateway for lakhs of engineering aspirants seeking admission to premier institutions including NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the JEE Main 2026 result declaration process, expected cutoffs, and counseling procedures.
JEE Main 2026 Exam Overview
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Authority | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Name | Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026 |
| Official Websites | jeemain.nta.nic.in, jeemain.nta.ac.in |
| Result Declaration Mode | Online |
| Document Format | PDF Scorecard |
| Notification Method | Website + Email |
JEE Main 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Session 1 | Session 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Dates | January 22-31, 2026 | April 1-8, 2026 |
| Answer Key Release | Early February 2026 | Mid-April 2026 |
| Objection Window | 2-3 days after answer key | 2-3 days after answer key |
| Final Answer Key | February 10, 2026 | April 18, 2026 |
| Result Declaration | February 12, 2026 | April 20, 2026 |
| Scorecard Availability | Same day as result | Same day as result |
Understanding Your JEE Main Scorecard
When the JEE Main result 2026 is declared, candidates will receive a comprehensive scorecard containing crucial information:
Key Components of JEE Main Scorecard:
- Application Number and Personal Details
- Raw Marks Obtained in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics
- NTA Percentile Score for each subject and overall
- All India Rank (AIR) – Only for qualified candidates
- Category Rank – For reserved category students
- Qualifying Status – Pass/Fail indication
Important Note: The NTA sends the final scorecard via registered email. Additionally, candidates can download it from the official portal by logging in with their credentials. The scorecard does not contain actual marks—only percentile scores are displayed for ranking purposes.
JEE Main 2026 Expected Cutoff Percentile
Based on historical trends from 2019-2025, here are the expected qualifying cutoffs for JEE Main 2026:
| Category | Expected Cutoff Percentile | Approximate Marks (Out of 300) |
|---|---|---|
| General (UR) | 88-90 percentile | 88-92 marks |
| EWS | 66-70 percentile | 68-72 marks |
| OBC-NCL | 68-72 percentile | 70-74 marks |
| SC | 46-50 percentile | 48-52 marks |
| ST | 36-40 percentile | 38-42 marks |
| PwD | 0.01 percentile | 1-2 marks |
Historical Cutoff Trends (2019-2025):
The JEE Main qualifying cutoff has remained relatively stable over the past six years, with minor fluctuations:
- 2025: General – 89.75 percentile | OBC – 70.24 percentile | SC – 46.88 percentile
- 2024: General – 90.38 percentile | OBC – 72.89 percentile | SC – 48.56 percentile
- 2023: General – 87.89 percentile | OBC – 68.02 percentile | SC – 44.33 percentile
- 2022: General – 88.41 percentile | OBC – 70.23 percentile | SC – 46.82 percentile
These percentiles determine eligibility for JEE Advanced and participation in JoSAA counseling for admission to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs.
JEE Main Marks vs Rank Analysis 2026
Understanding the correlation between marks and expected rank helps candidates set realistic targets and plan their college preferences effectively:
| Marks Range (Out of 300) | Expected Percentile | Expected AIR Range |
|---|---|---|
| 336-360 | 100 percentile | 1-20 |
| 310-335 | 99.98-99.99 percentile | 21-100 |
| 285-309 | 99.90-99.97 percentile | 101-500 |
| 260-284 | 99.75-99.89 percentile | 501-2,000 |
| 235-259 | 99.50-99.74 percentile | 2,001-5,000 |
| 210-234 | 99.00-99.49 percentile | 5,001-10,000 |
| 185-209 | 98.00-98.99 percentile | 10,001-20,000 |
| 160-184 | 96.50-97.99 percentile | 20,001-35,000 |
| 135-159 | 94.00-96.49 percentile | 35,001-60,000 |
| 110-134 | 90.00-93.99 percentile | 60,001-1,00,000 |
Pro Tip: Use the eCareerPoint JEE Main Rank Predictor to get personalized rank predictions based on your expected scores. This tool analyzes previous year trends and provides accurate forecasts to help you strategize your college choices.
How to Check JEE Main 2026 Result
Follow these step-by-step instructions to download your JEE Main scorecard:
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Navigate to jeemain.nta.nic.in or jeemain.nta.ac.in
Step 2: Locate the Result Link
Click on “JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Result” link on the homepage
Step 3: Enter Login Credentials
- Input your Application Number
- Enter Date of Birth (DD/MM/YYYY format)
- Complete the Security Pin/Captcha
Step 4: Submit and Download
- Click “Submit” button
- Your JEE Main scorecard will appear on screen
- Download and save the PDF file
- Take multiple printouts for future reference
Step 5: Verify Details
Carefully check all information including:
- Personal details
- Percentile scores
- Category rank (if applicable)
- Qualifying status
Important: If you notice any discrepancies in your scorecard, immediately contact NTA through the official helpline or email within 7 days of result declaration.
JEE Main 2026 Toppers List
The NTA releases comprehensive topper lists showcasing exceptional performers across multiple categories:
Types of Topper Lists Released:
1. All India Toppers (100 Percentile Scorers)
- Typically 20-30 students achieve perfect 100 percentile
- Names, photographs, and basic details published
- Separated by Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) and Paper 2 (B.Arch/B.Planning)
2. State-wise Toppers
- Top performers from each state and Union Territory
- Helps identify regional talent distribution
- Historically strong states: Rajasthan, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh have produced the highest number of 100-percentile scorers
3. Category-wise Toppers
- Separate lists for OBC-NCL, SC, ST, EWS, and PwD categories
- Recognizes excellence across diverse backgrounds
- Encourages representation from underrepresented communities
4. Gender-wise Toppers
- Male and female category toppers
- Highlights achievements of women in engineering entrance exams
- Promotes gender diversity in technical education
Historical Trend: In recent years, states like Rajasthan and Telangana have consistently produced multiple 100-percentile scorers, reflecting strong coaching infrastructure and student preparation levels in these regions.
Note: Complete topper details including names, scores, and photographs are published on the official NTA website within 2-3 days of result declaration.
JEE Main 2026 Seat Matrix for NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs
Understanding the available seats across different institution types helps candidates make informed choices during counseling:
| Institution Type | Total Seats | Open Category | Reserved Category | Female Supernumerary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NITs (31 Institutes) | 23,399 | ~11,700 | ~11,699 | ~2,340 |
| IIITs (25 Institutes) | 5,841 | ~2,920 | ~2,921 | ~584 |
| GFTIs (Other Central) | 6,078 | ~3,039 | ~3,039 | ~608 |
| Total Seats | 35,318 | ~17,659 | ~17,659 | ~3,532 |
Reservation Breakdown:
The Government of India mandates specific reservation percentages for various categories:
- Scheduled Castes (SC): 15% of total seats
- Scheduled Tribes (ST): 7.5% of total seats
- Other Backward Classes – Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL): 27% of total seats
- Economically Weaker Sections (EWS): 10% of total seats
- Persons with Disabilities (PwD): 5% horizontal reservation across all categories
- Female Candidates: Supernumerary seats (additional to regular capacity)
Important: These seats are filled through JoSAA (Joint Seat Allocation Authority) counseling, which conducts multiple rounds to ensure optimal seat allocation based on candidate preferences and merit.
JoSAA Counseling 2026: Complete Process
After the JEE Main result 2026 declaration, qualified candidates participate in JoSAA counseling for admission to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs. Here’s the comprehensive process:
Phase 1: Registration (Mid-June 2026)
Step 1: Online Registration
- Visit josaa.nic.in official website
- Register using JEE Main Application Number
- Create password and verify email/mobile
- No registration fee required
Step 2: Document Upload
- Class 10th marksheet (Date of Birth proof)
- Class 12th marksheet and passing certificate
- JEE Main admit card and scorecard
- Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS)
- PwD certificate (if applicable)
- Passport-size photographs
Step 3: Payment of Seat Acceptance Fee
- General/OBC-NCL/EWS: ₹45,000
- SC/ST/PwD: ₹20,000
- Payment mode: Credit/Debit Card, Net Banking, UPI
Phase 2: Choice Filling and Locking (Late June 2026)
Step 1: Branch and College Selection
- Browse through 100+ participating institutes
- Select preferred branches (Computer Science, Electronics, Mechanical, etc.)
- Add up to 200+ choices in order of preference
- Pro Tip: Use eCareerPoint College Predictor to identify realistic options based on your rank
Step 2: Choice Prioritization
- Arrange choices based on preference (not just rank-wise)
- Consider factors: location, branch, institute reputation
- Higher preference choices get priority during allotment
Step 3: Lock Choices
- Review all selections carefully
- Lock your choices before deadline
- Changes allowed until locking deadline
Phase 3: Seat Allotment (Multiple Rounds)
Round 1 (Early July 2026):
- Seat allotment based on rank and choice priority
- Result announced on josaa.nic.in
- Check allotted institute and branch
Round 2-6 (July-August 2026):
- Multiple rounds conducted (typically 6 rounds total)
- Vacant seats from previous rounds filled
- Candidates can upgrade to better options
Phase 4: Acceptance and Reporting
Step 1: Online Acceptance Choose one of three options:
- Accept and Freeze: Confirm admission, exit counseling
- Accept with Upgrade: Hold current seat, participate in next round
- Reject and Quit: Withdraw from counseling
Step 2: Physical Reporting
- Visit allotted institute during specified dates
- Submit original documents for verification
- Complete admission formalities
- Pay remaining fee
Step 3: Final Admission
- Receive admission confirmation
- Attend orientation programs
- Begin academic session
Important Deadlines: Missing the acceptance deadline results in forfeiture of allocated seat. Set reminders for each counseling round to avoid losing your seat.
What is a Good JEE Main Score in 2026?
The definition of a “good score” varies based on your target institution and branch preference:
For Top NITs (CS/IT Branches):
- Required Percentile: 99.5+ percentile
- Expected Rank: Under 5,000 AIR
- Target Marks: 240+ out of 300
For Mid-Tier NITs (Core Branches):
- Required Percentile: 97-99 percentile
- Expected Rank: 10,000-25,000 AIR
- Target Marks: 180-230 out of 300
For IIITs and GFTIs:
- Required Percentile: 95-98 percentile
- Expected Rank: 20,000-50,000 AIR
- Target Marks: 150-200 out of 300
For JEE Advanced Qualification:
- Minimum Requirement: Top 2.5 lakh candidates
- Safe Percentile: 90+ percentile
- Target Marks: 110+ out of 300
Reality Check: With over 11 lakh candidates appearing annually, even a 95 percentile score places you in the top 5% of test-takers—a commendable achievement that opens doors to numerous quality institutions.
How Many Students Qualify for JEE Advanced?
Based on JEE Main 2026 performance, approximately 2.5 lakh top rankers qualify for JEE Advanced, which serves as the gateway to IITs. The qualification criteria include:
General Category Requirements:
- Must be among top 2,50,000 JEE Main rankers
- Includes all category candidates for this count
- Approximately 89-90 percentile cutoff
Category-wise Distribution:
- General (UR): ~96,250 seats (38.5%)
- EWS: ~25,000 seats (10%)
- OBC-NCL: ~67,500 seats (27%)
- SC: ~37,500 seats (15%)
- ST: ~18,750 seats (7.5%)
- PwD: ~5,000 seats (2% horizontal)
Important: Qualifying for JEE Advanced doesn’t guarantee admission to IITs. Students must appear for JEE Advanced and secure ranks according to IIT cutoffs for final admission.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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1. Is JEE Main 2026 result declared?
The JEE Main 2026 Session 1 result is expected to be declared on February 12, 2026. Session 2 results will be announced around April 20, 2026. Keep checking the official website jeemain.nta.nic.in for updates and notifications.
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2. How can I check my JEE Main 2026 result?
Visit jeemain.nta.nic.in, click on the result link, enter your application number and date of birth, and download your scorecard. The NTA also sends scorecards via registered email addresses provided during application.
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3. What is the qualifying percentile for JEE Main 2026?
The expected qualifying percentiles are:
- General: 88-90 percentile
- EWS: 66-70 percentile
- OBC-NCL: 68-72 percentile
- SC: 46-50 percentile
- ST: 36-40 percentile
These percentiles make candidates eligible for JEE Advanced and JoSAA counseling.
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4. Will both session scores be considered?
Yes, if you appear in both sessions, the best of two NTA scores (percentile scores) will be considered for ranking and counseling purposes. There’s no averaging—only your highest percentile counts.
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5. What if I’m not satisfied with my JEE Main result?
Unfortunately, there’s no provision for re-evaluation or re-checking of JEE Main answer sheets as the exam is objective (MCQ-based). However, you can challenge the answer key during the objection window before final results are declared.
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6. When will JoSAA counseling 2026 begin?
JoSAA counseling typically begins in mid-June 2026, approximately 4-6 weeks after the JEE Advanced examination. The exact dates will be announced on josaa.nic.in after JEE Advanced results.
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7. Can I appear for JEE Main again after seeing my result?
No, once you’ve appeared in both sessions (January and April) of the same year, you cannot retake the exam until the next year. Plan your preparation accordingly before appearing for the exams.
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8. What documents are required for JoSAA counseling?
Essential documents include:
- Class 10th and 12th certificates
- JEE Main scorecard and admit card
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- Passport-size photographs
- Identity proof
- Seat acceptance fee payment receipt
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9. Is there any age limit for JEE Main?
As of 2026, there is no upper age limit for appearing in JEE Main. However, candidates must have completed their 12th standard or equivalent examination to be eligible.
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10. What is the difference between JEE Main rank and percentile?
Percentile indicates your performance relative to other candidates (e.g., 95 percentile means you scored better than 95% of candidates). Rank is your actual position among all candidates based on percentile scores. Higher percentile = Better rank.
Next Steps After JEE Main Result 2026
Once you receive your JEE Main scorecard, here’s your action plan:
Immediate Actions (Within 24 Hours):
1. Download and Verify Scorecard
- Check all personal details
- Verify percentile and rank
- Take multiple printouts
- Save digital copies
2. Analyze Your Performance
- Compare with expected cutoffs
- Identify qualifying status
- Assess JEE Advanced eligibility
- Review subject-wise performance
3. Use Prediction Tools Use eCareerPoint’s comprehensive prediction tools:
- JEE Main Rank Predictor: Get accurate rank estimation
- College Predictor: Discover realistic college options
- Cutoff Analyzer: Compare with previous year trends
- Counseling Guidance: Expert support for choice filling
Short-term Planning (1-2 Weeks):
1. JEE Advanced Preparation (If Qualified)
- Start focused preparation immediately
- Attend coaching classes or online sessions
- Practice previous year papers
- Take mock tests regularly
2. Research College Options
- List preferred NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs
- Research branch-specific placements
- Check campus facilities and location
- Read student reviews and experiences
3. Prepare for Counseling
- Gather all required documents
- Get category certificates verified
- Arrange seat acceptance fee
- Understand counseling process thoroughly
Long-term Planning (1-3 Months):
1. Alternative Options Consider parallel options:
- State-level engineering entrance exams
- Private engineering colleges
- BITSAT, VITEEE, SRMJEEE for private institutes
- Diploma to Degree (lateral entry) programs
2. Financial Planning
- Estimate total education costs
- Explore scholarship opportunities
- Research education loans
- Compare fee structures across institutes
3. Career Counseling
- Consult mentors and seniors
- Attend college orientation programs
- Join online communities and forums
- Make informed decisions about branch selection
Your Journey Ahead
The JEE Main 2026 result marks a significant milestone in your engineering career journey, but remember—it’s just the beginning. Whether you’ve achieved your target score or faced challenges, every result offers valuable insights and opportunities for growth.
Key Takeaways:
✓ Stay Updated: Regularly check jeemain.nta.nic.in for result announcements and counseling notifications
✓ Use Resources Wisely: Leverage eCareerPoint’s prediction and guidance tools to make informed decisions
✓ Keep Options Open: Explore multiple pathways including state exams, private universities, and alternative courses
✓ Stay Positive: Success in engineering depends on consistent effort throughout your academic journey, not just entrance exam scores
✓ Seek Guidance: Don’t hesitate to consult mentors, career counselors, and seniors for advice during counseling
Your Success Partner: eCareerPoint
At eCareerPoint, we’re committed to supporting your engineering aspirations beyond just exam preparation. Our comprehensive suite of tools and resources includes:
- Real-time Rank Predictors for accurate forecasting
- College Predictor Tools based on historical data
- Counseling Guidance from experienced mentors
- Scholarship Information and financial aid resources
- Career Path Mapping for long-term planning
Remember: Your JEE Main score is one factor among many that will shape your engineering career. Focus on continuous learning, skill development, and making choices aligned with your interests and strengths.
We wish you the very best for your JEE Main 2026 results and your future engineering endeavors!
