JEE Main 2026 Document Checklist: Why Students Shouldn’t Ignore It

It would be quite a mistake to treat the JEE Main 2026 application as just another form-filling, as it can result in your application being rejected from the exam. To be very particular about it, you need to be very careful with your documents while submitting the JEE Main application form. A mistake in uploading a file or a discrepancy may lead to the delay of your application, or worst still, your application being rejected. Therefore, one should be aware of the JEE Main document requirements, not only to know how it is formatted but also to be familiar with the document upload instructions of JEE Main 2026.

If it is a picture of you, your signature, or the category certificate for JEE Main, every file needs to be prepared as per the given specifications. Here, we will take you through the complete checklist of documents, highlight the kind of errors that you should not make, and provide you with some clever tips that will help you get your application approved at the very first ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌attempt.

JEE Main Required Documents 2026

The​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ candidate should have the following documents ready to present before the application process:

Note: The Aadhaar card should contain the same name as the Class 10 certificate. In case names differ, the application may be rejected.

JEE Main 2026: Photo and Signature Details

You must upload your photo and signature in the right manner. These are the new requirements:

Photograph Guidelines

• A picture should be a recent one and taken after September 1, 2025. 

• A white background is preferred.

• No goggles or caps should be worn.

• The face should be the main focus of the photo.

• File format: JPG/JPEG

• Size: 10 KB to 200 KB

• Dimensions: 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm

Signature Guidelines

• The signature must be done in black ink on white paper

• Signature scanning should be clear.

• File format: JPG/JPEG

• Size: 4 KB to 30 KB

• Dimensions: 3.5 cm x 1.5 cm

JEE Main 2026 Category Certificate: Who Needs It?

Candidates under the categories of SC, ST, OBC-NCL, or EWS who are going to apply must upload a valid certificate that has been issued by a proper authority. The certificate should:

• Be in the format prescribed by NTA.

• Be issued only after April 1, 2025

• Indicate the name of the candidate and the category.

• The information on the certificate must be identical to the information completed in the application form.

If the candidate is a person with a disability, he/she must have a UDID card and a category certificate for JEE Main

JEE Main 2026 File Size and Format

Before beginning the uploading process, ensure that your files are in line with the requirements of uploading to the document uploading section of the JEE Main 2026. Among the most common causes of the rejection of an application is the wrong file size or format. To be error-free:

• Scan your passport-size photo and signature at 150 DPI for clarity.

• Use free tools to change the file size.

• Ensure that your files are either in JPG/ JPEG or PDF which as stated in the specifications of photos and signature.

• Before uploading, it is always best to verify the size and format by checking the file properties.

• Following these guidelines, you will be in a position to fill the JEE Main checklist without any problem.

JEE Main 2026 Document Upload Process

Once you have successfully collected your documents, you should be aware that you have accomplished the following ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌steps:

• Visit the location jeemain.nta.nic.in and choose the option of JEE Main 2026 Registration.

• Enter your basic details along with your educational details.

• Make sure to upload your photo and signature as per the given instructions.

• The category certificate (if you have one) should be uploaded.

• Review all your documents and then submit the form.

• The application fee should be paid.

• Save the printed copy of the confirmation page.

Common Upload Errors to Avoid

Incorrect file formats and mismatched details are the main reasons behind problems that are faced by a great number of candidates. Here is a list of major mistakes:

• Using an old or unclear photo

• Poorly scanned signatures

• Files that are too large

• Wrong file format (for instance, PNG instead of JPG)

• The name on Aadhaar does not match that on the Class 10 certificate.

• Uploading out-of-date category certificates

Pro Tip: Before you upload your files, you can resize and change the format of your files by means of various online ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌tools.

Final​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Checklist Before Submission

Before the final submission, one should again check and compare each and every document that he/she intends to upload in accordance with the official JEE Main 2026 guidelines on document upload. Using this checklist, you ensure that your photo and signature meet the requirements, that your category certificate of the JEE Main is valid, and that all your files are of the correct format and size.

• Recent passport-size photograph (JPG, 10-200 KB)

• Clear signature (JPG, 4-30 KB)

• Valid Aadhaar or Govt ID

• Class 10 marksheet

• Category certificate for JEE Main (if applicable)

• PwD certificate or UDID card (if applicable)

• All documents match the application details.

Conclusion

Completing and submitting the JEE Main 2026 online application forms correctly is the very first step that will take you to India‘s best engineering colleges, among which the IITs and the NITs stand out. The error in the documents, file format mismatch, or failure to follow the upload guidelines should not be the reasons for the termination of your journey. 

Your adherence to this comprehensive list of JEE Main 2026 document-related activities, observation of the current specifications for the photo and signature, and compliance with the document upload guidelines will be the reasons for a registration that will be devoid of errors and will go smoothly.