JEE Main Admission Updates

JEE Main 2026 at a Glance: Essential Information & Key Updates

JEE Main is the gateway exam for lakhs of engineering aspirants across India. In 2026, it will be held in two sessions  January and April. Nearly 1.5 million students are expected to appear, but only about 2.5 lakh will qualify for JEE Advanced, the next step toward securing one of 16,000–17,000 IIT seats across 23 campuses.

Key Update: Early Start for JEE Main 2026

For the first time, the JEE Main notification and application process will commence a month earlier in October 2025. This adjustment is critical for students as it allows them less time than usual to gather their documents. As such, ensuring all certificates and documents are in place before the application period begins is crucial to avoid last-minute complications.

Why Documents Matter as Much as Marks

While good preparation for the JEE Main exam is essential, valid documentation is equally important for the application and seat allocation process. Below are the key categories of documents that candidates need to focus on when applying for JEE Main 2026:

1. OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) Certificate

Eligibility for the OBC category is not determined solely by income. It also takes into account family occupation and government service rank. For example:

• Family Occupation: Children of senior government officials may not qualify for the OBC category, even if their family income falls within the prescribed limits.
  
  

• Certificate Validity: The OBC certificate must be valid during the time of application and seat allocation, so students must ensure that they apply for and receive the certificate well before the deadline.
  
  

2. Economically Weaker Section (EWS) Certificate

The EWS category benefits students whose annual family income is below ₹8 lakh. However, there are additional restrictions and considerations that students must be aware of:

• Land Ownership & House Size: The eligibility criteria for EWS candidates vary depending on land ownership and the size of the house. Urban and rural areas have different benchmarks, so students must ensure their family's assets meet the requirements.
  
  

• Exemptions: There are some exemptions for specific land types, such as small plots used for homesteads. To avoid confusion, always refer to the official guidelines for clarity.
  
  

3. PwD (Persons with Disability) Certificate

For candidates applying under the PwD category, the following are important considerations:

• Disability Requirement: Candidates must have at least 40% disability as certified by a competent authority.
  
  

• Permanent Certificate: The PwD certificate should be permanent and must be issued by an authorized government body.
  
  

• UID Linkage: The certificate should also be linked to a valid UID card to ensure proper verification during the application process.
  
  

4. Aadhaar & Other IDs

For Indian students, Aadhaar is the primary identification document required for the exam center. It is important that:

• The name, photo, and date of birth on the Aadhaar card match the details on your 10th mark sheet.
  
  

• Foreign Students: Indian students residing abroad can use their passport or other valid foreign IDs in place of the Aadhaar card.
  
  

5. Other Required Documents

Depending on the student's category, the following documents may be necessary:

• Class 10 and 12 Mark Sheets: Required for verification of educational qualifications.
  
  

• Category Certificate (if applicable): For OBC, EWS, SC, ST candidates.
  
  

• Passport/Valid ID for Foreign Students: For Indian students living outside India, proof of citizenship must be provided through valid foreign IDs or passports.
  
  

• Disability Certificate (for PwD applicants): For candidates applying under the PwD category.
  
  

Where to Get Certificates in Kerala

Getting the right documents is crucial, and students in Kerala can obtain them from the following sources:

• Online: Akshaya Centers offer an online platform for accessing most government certificates, including OBC, EWS, and PwD certificates.
  
  

• Offline: Students can also visit Village Officers or Tahsildars in their locality for assistance in obtaining physical copies of their certificates.
  
  

The JEE Main 2026 application process is set to begin earlier than usual in October 2025, so students must ensure that all required documents are in order to avoid delays. The documentation process can be complex, especially when dealing with categories like OBC, EWS, PwD, and Aadhaar, so starting the preparation early will ensure a smooth application experience.

Stay ahead of the curve and gather your documents now, so when the application process opens, you are fully ready to submit your application without any hassle.

Key Takeaways:

• Start document preparation early to avoid last-minute hurdles.
  
  

• OBC, EWS, and PwD certificates require specific validity and criteria.
  
  

• Aadhaar is the primary ID for Indian students — ensure details match your academic records.
  
  

• Check official guidelines regularly for updates on eligibility and documentation requirements.