JEE Main 2026 Exam Day rules: The National Testing Agency (NTA) is set to conduct the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 examination across multiple days later this month. With the exam window beginning on January 21, aspirants are gearing up for one of the most crucial entrance tests for engineering admissions in the country.
JEE Main 2026 Session 1 will be held on January 21, 22, 23, 24, 28 and 29. Paper 1 will take place from January 21 to 24 in two shifts each day. The morning shift will run from 9 am to 12 pm, while the afternoon shift will be conducted from 3 pm to 6 pm. Paper 2 is scheduled for the final day of the examination window, January 29, and will be held in a single shift from 9 am to 12:30 pm.
What candidates must carry to the exam centre
As the exam dates approach, candidates are advised to carefully follow the exam-day instructions to avoid last-minute issues. A printed copy of the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 admit card is mandatory, along with an original valid photo identity proof.
Candidates must ensure that a recent photograph is affixed to the admit card. It is also advisable to carry two additional copies of the same photograph. One passport-size photograph, identical to the one uploaded during the application process, is required for the attendance sheet at the exam centre.
Items barred and dress code rules
The NTA has clearly outlined a list of items that are strictly prohibited inside the exam centre. These include instruments, geometry boxes, pencil boxes, handbags, purses, any paper or stationery, textual material, food and water, mobile phones, earphones, microphones, pagers, calculators, docupens, slide rules, log tables, cameras, tape recorders, metallic items, and all electronic gadgets or devices.
Candidates must also adhere to the prescribed dress code. Accessories containing metal such as rings, bracelets, or earrings should be avoided. Footwear with thick soles is not allowed, and students are advised to wear simple, comfortable clothing. Scarves are not permitted inside the examination hall.
Special instructions from NTA for candidates
For the drawing section of Paper 2, candidates must bring their own geometry box set, pencils, erasers, and colour pencils or crayons. The use of watercolours on the drawing sheet is not allowed.
Diabetic candidates are permitted to carry essential eatables such as sugar tablets and fruits including bananas, apples, or oranges, along with a transparent water bottle. However, packed food items like chocolates, candies, or sandwiches are not permitted.
The NTA has also instructed that the JEE Main Session 1 admit card must be dropped in the designated drop box while leaving the exam hall. NTA said the answers would not be evaluated if the candidates failed to deposit their admit cards.
Candidates who are unable to download their admit cards from the official website can contact the NTA helpline at 011-40759000 between 10 am and 5 pm for assistance.
With strict guidelines in place, aspirants are advised to reach their exam centres well in advance and carefully follow all instructions to ensure a smooth examination experience.