CBSE Issues Directive for JEE Main 2026: Schools Must Give Class 11 Registration Numbers to Students Without Delay
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a renewed directive to all affiliated schools, making it mandatory to provide Class 11 registration numbers to Class 12 students applying for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026.
This announcement follows multiple complaints from students and parents who reported that some schools were withholding these registration numbers, creating difficulties in completing their JEE Main application forms.
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CBSE Responds to Student and Parent Complaints
CBSE clarified its position in an official circular dated November 4, 2025, noting that this requirement is not new. The directive had already been mentioned in the Board’s circular dated October 30, 2025, which included the Class 10 and 12 examination schedule.
The circular stated:
“In the Class X/XII Board Examination Date Sheet issued by the Board vide circular dated 30.10.2025, it was mentioned that NTA will require the registration number of Class XI students to be filled in the JEE (Main) application. Accordingly, all the schools are requested to provide the registration number of Class XI to their students applying for JEE (Main).”
Despite this, CBSE said it continues to receive complaints from parents and students. The notice added:
“Many parents and students have approached the Board with grievances that Class XII students appearing for the JEE 2026 exam are not getting their Class XI registration numbers from the respective schools. This matter has been seriously viewed by the Board.”
To address these issues, CBSE has instructed schools to comply immediately and without delay so that no student faces obstacles in completing their JEE Main 2026 registration.
Purpose Behind the Requirement
CBSE explained that the National Testing Agency (NTA) uses the Class 11 registration numbers to coordinate the JEE Main examination schedule with the CBSE board exam timetable.
This measure helps the NTA ensure that no dates overlap, allowing students to appear for both exams without conflict.
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Revised 2026 Exam Timetable to Avoid Clashes
In addition to this directive, CBSE has also adjusted the Class 12 Board Examination 2026 timetable to prevent clashes with the JEE Main exam dates. The last Class 12 paper is now set for April 9, 2026, while the second session of JEE Main will begin on April 10, 2026.
Several subject exams, including accountancy, psychology, geography, and business studies, have been rescheduled to minimize overlap. The Board stated that such planning reflects its commitment to supporting students preparing for both board and competitive exams.
JEE Main 2026: Key Details
According to the National Testing Agency (NTA), the JEE Main 2026 will be held in two sessions:
- Session 1: January 21 – 30, 2026
- Session 2: April 1 – 10, 2026
The application window opened on October 31, 2025, and will close on November 27, 2025.
JEE Main 2026 will include Paper 1 (for B.E./B.Tech admissions) and Paper 2 (for B.Arch and B.Planning).
The results for Session 1 will be declared on February 12, 2026.
JEE Main also serves as the eligibility test for JEE Advanced, which is conducted for admission to the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Issuing Authority | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Date of Circular | November 4, 2025 |
| Applicability | All CBSE-affiliated schools |
| Purpose | To ensure schools provide Class 11 registration numbers to students applying for JEE Main 2026 |
| Reason | Enables NTA to schedule JEE Main exams without clashing with CBSE board exams |
| JEE Main 2026 Session 1 | January 21 – 30, 2026 |
| JEE Main 2026 Session 2 | April 1 – 10, 2026 |
| Last Class 12 CBSE Exam Date | April 9, 2026 |
| Application Window | October 31 – November 27, 2025 |
| Results (Session 1) | February 12, 2026 |
| Official Websites | cbse.gov.in, jeemain.nta.ac.in |
| Key Officer | Joint Secretary (Coordination) – Agarwal |
| Key Instruction | Schools must immediately provide Class XI registration numbers to all eligible students. |
CBSE’s Reminder to Schools
The CBSE has urged all school principals and heads to ensure compliance and avoid unnecessary delays. The circular, signed by Joint Secretary (Coordination) Agarwal, emphasizes:
“It is once again reiterated that schools must invariably provide the Class XI registration number to students appearing for the JEE Exam 2026.”
Students and schools can access the official circular, exam timetable, and revised date sheets through the CBSE website (cbse.gov.in) and the NTA JEE Main portal (jeemain.nta.ac.in).
