JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Records 14.5 Lakh Applicants; Higher than previous year

The JEE Main 2026 Session 1 has set a new record by attracting close to 14.5 lakh registrations by 7 PM on Thursday, surpassing last year’s peak of 13.11 lakh and confirming its status as India’s largest engineering entrance exam. The surge in registrations continued past the official deadline, with students logging in until 9 PM on November 27, highlighting the strong demand for engineering seats. “The applicant pool has more than doubled in six years,” remarked Amit Ahuja, a career counselor at Allen Career Institute. He noted that in 2021, only 6.52 lakh students signed up, a figure that increased to 12.21 lakh in 2024. Ahuja expects that the number of unique candidates will exceed 16 lakh by the time of the April intake, significantly intensifying the competition for NITs and IIITs.

To assist candidates who made mistakes during registration, the National Testing Agency (NTA) will open a two-day correction window from December 1 to 2, providing applicants their only opportunity to rectify errors. Experts observe that technology is transforming the job market, and today’s tech graduates have access to better opportunities compared to those holding general degrees. In response, engineering colleges are expanding their intake each year to alleviate pressure on the most sought-after institutions. India now offers approximately 58,000 seats across IITs, NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs, an increase from 49,767 in 2021, with a massive private college network adding even more places for aspiring engineers.

Government programs aimed at skill development are attracting students from small towns and villages into the engineering field. A senior faculty member emphasized that skill-based employment initiatives are sending a clear message: “Get technical, get hired.” These programs are broadening access to engineering education while raising the standards, ensuring that, even with more available seats, the competition remains fierce. As the correction window approaches and the final applicant count approaches 16 lakh, prospective students must stay alert, double-check their forms, and prepare for an increasingly competitive landscape that offers both challenges and abundant opportunities for those with technical skills.

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