JEE Main 2026 Exam Day Guidelines: National Testing Agency recently released advisory and instructions for downloading of admit cards for Joint Entrance Examination (Main) – 2026 Session 1. The exams for January session is all set to be conducted on 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 28th & 29th January 2026.
| JEE Main Latest Update: NTA has released JEE Main 2026 January Admit Cards, Download Here |
Candidates who are going to take JEE Main 2026 Session 1 are mandatorily required to follow the exam day guidelines. They must also follow the dress code rules and other regulations set by NTA.
What Is JEE Main Exam Day Checklist & Essentials?
We have provided the JEE Main 2026 exam day guidelines along with the checklist. We have also included essentials required to be brought by candidates at the exam centres.
What documents are required at the JEE Exam centre?
On the JEE exam day, aspirants have to carry –
- Printout of JEE Main admit card (clearly visible)
- 2 recent passport-size photographs (as uploaded in application form),
- Valid photo id proof
- Photo verification certificate (those who have got mail by NTA)
Also, students must follow the guidelines recently in the notice of JEE Main admit card saying – “The candidates are also required to ensure that the QR Code and the barcode is available on the Admit card while downloading. All candidates should bring the photo ID as uploaded in online application form and also mentioned in the Admit Card for proof of identity.”
Must Note: The ID that is required to be carried by candidates should be the photo ID as uploaded in the JEE main Registration form.
Candidates who belong to PwD category or have applied for the scribe facility are required to carry a PwD certificate and scribe details. Without these documents, candidates will not be allowed to enter the examination centre.
What is JEE Main Reporting Time
JEE paper 1 will be held in 2 shifts, the morning shift is 9:00 to 12:00 Noon, and the second shift is 3:00 to 06:00 PM. Paper 2 shift timing is 9:00 to 12:30.
| Exam Dates | Papers | Shifts |
| 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th & 28th January 2026 | Paper 1 (B.E/ B.Tech) | 1st Shift – 9 am to 12 noon 2nd Shift – 3 pm to 6 pm |
| 29th January 2026 | Paper 2A (B.Arch), 2B (B.Plan) and 2A and 2B (B.Arch & B.Plan both) | 1st Shift – 9 pm to 12.30 pm |
| Also Read: Is JEE Main 2026 January Session Dates Postponed? Check Revised Dates |
Candidates are required to reach the exam centre 30 minutes or 1 hour before the exam start time. After reaching the exam centre, aspirants go through the document and security check. Since there are going to be thousands of students, candidates are required to arrive early. This will help them avoid any delay.
If the exam starts at 9:00 AM, try the exam centre by 8:00 AM, if your exam is second shift, from 3:00 PM so reach the exam centre by 2:00 PM. Only after the complete checking, candidates will be required to enter the exam hall.
JEE Main what to carry what not to Carry
Along with the required documents, candidates are required to carry their own Geometry Box Set, Pencils, Erasers, and Colour Pencils or Crayons for the Drawing Test—Part III of B.Arch. If any candidates want to carry a water bottle or a stationary pouch, then it should be transparent.
➡ JEE Main Prohibited Items: Candidates cannot carry bags, purses, calculators, or any electronic device (mobile phone, smartwatch, earphones, etc.), or food items.
Only diabetic candidates who have permission from the authority are allowed to bring sugar tablets, fruits, and transparent water bottles, but no packed food inside the exam hall.
What is JEE Main Dress Code?
NTA has not released a specific dress code for the examination. However, candidates are required to follow some general JEE dress guidelines for girls and boys.
Punishment For Cheating in JEE Main
If any candidate breaks JEE instructions or becomes a part of any activity that disrupts the exam’s decorum, the exam will be canceled. Candidates will not be allowed to take the examination for 3 years.
Legal action and criminal proceedings can be taken in several cases where candidates attempted to cheat, impersonate, or engage in malpractices. Therefore, candidates are required to avoid any actions that could result in JEE Main exam disqualification.
JEE Main 2026 session 2 examination will be held from 2nd- 9th April 2026. The mode of exam will be computer based test (CBT) mode. Registration for April session will begin in first week of February 2026.
We wish you good luck for JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Examination!
Candidates with any queries or doubts regarding the JEE Main 2025 Exam Instructions feel free to ask below in the comment section.