The National Testing Agency (NTA) has opened registration for its 2026 entrance exams, marking the start of another big academic year.
From engineering to management and research, lakhs of students are preparing to take exams like JEE Main, CMAT, and UGC-NET. This time, the process is more streamlined, digital, and student-friendly.
Key Takeaways
- Over 1.5 crore students are expected to apply for NTA exams in 2026, a 15% rise from 2025.
- New demo portal launched to help students practice form-filling before applying.
- Improved normalization process for exams with multiple shifts like JEE Main.
- Mandatory Aadhaar/UDID verification for all candidates.
- Online registration and payment system to reduce errors and delays.
Step-By-Step: How To Apply
- Visit the official NTA exam portal (e.g., cmat.nta.nic.in).
- Click “New Registration” and create your profile.
- Enter personal, academic, and contact details.
- Upload documents such as photo, signature, and ID proof.
- Pay the examination fee online using UPI, card, or net banking.
- Download and save the confirmation page for future use.
Tip: Try the demo portal before registering to avoid mistakes, and apply early to prevent server issues. In case of problems, you can contact the NTA helpline at 011-40759000 or email the specific exam helpdesk.
NTA Registration 2026 Highlights
NTA has started rolling out registration portals for major exams covering undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional courses.
This year, more students are entering the system due to post-pandemic academic recovery and the shift to fully online Computer-Based Tests (CBTs).
The rise in numbers shows how students are adapting faster to online formats and national-level competitive exams.
NTA Major Exams And Deadlines
| Exam | Registration Start | Last Date To Apply | Fee Payment Deadline | Exam Session |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CMAT 2026 | Oct 17, 2025 | Nov 17, 2025 | Nov 18, 2025 | May 2026 (TBA) |
| UGC-NET Dec 2025 | Oct 7, 2025 | Nov 7, 2025 | Nov 7, 2025 | Dec 2025–Jan 2026 |
| JEE Main 2026 | Oct 20–25, 2025 (Expected) | Nov 2025 (Tentative) | Nov 2025 (Tentative) | Jan & Apr 2026 |
| NIFT 2026 | Nov 1, 2025 (Expected) | Nov 2025 | Nov 2025 | Jan–Feb 2026 |
| CSIR-UGC NET 2026 | Dec 2025 (Expected) | Jan 2026 | Jan 2026 | Feb–Mar 2026 |
What’s New In 2026
1. Demo Portal For Practice
NTA has introduced a new demo site (demo.nta.nic.in) that allows students to experience the form-filling process. This move is expected to reduce application errors by up to 20%.
2. Fair Scoring System
The normalization process for multi-shift exams has been improved to ensure that every student gets a fair score, no matter which shift they attempt.
3. Updated Verification Rules
It is now mandatory to use Aadhaar or UDID for identity verification. Candidates are advised to check all details carefully before submission.
4. Revised Fee Structure
General and OBC candidates will pay between ₹1,000 and ₹2,000, while SC, ST, PwD, and female candidates will pay ₹500–₹800, depending on the exam type.
Students’ Reactions
Social media platforms are buzzing with mixed reactions. More than 5,000 posts on X in the past month reflect excitement about early registration and system upgrades.
However, some students faced server issues during UGC-NET registration and delays due to Aadhaar verification. Many users appreciated NTA’s fair scoring initiative, calling it a major step for transparency.
Why It Matters
For students aiming for IITs, IIMs, or top design and research institutes, these exams are the first big step.
With more than 1.2 million candidates expected for JEE Main 2026, competition will be intense. Early preparation and correct documentation can make all the difference.
Keep checking official NTA portals for updates, and don’t miss the registration deadlines. Every second counts when it comes to securing your dream institute.
