How will JEE Mains 2026 be conducted? Things to carry, exam day guidelines

National Testing Agency (NTA) will begin the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026 exam from today, January 21. The JEE Main 2026 exam is scheduled to be conducted on January 21, 22, 23, 24, and 28 in two shifts for the BE, BTech programme. The exam for BArch, BPlan will be conducted on January 29 in a single shift. JEE Main 2026 live updates

The testing agency states that biometric authentication through Aadhaar will be carried out for identity verification. Candidates will have to ensure that their Aadhaar biometric authentication is not locked on the day of the examination to avoid entry-related issues. Attendance will be recorded through biometric verification and physical attendance sheets.

During the exam , candidates should verify that the question paper displayed on the computer screen matches the subject and medium opted for, as mentioned on the admit card. In case of any discrepancy, the issue should be reported to the invigilator. Rough work sheets of A4 size will be provided in the examination hall, and candidates will have to write their name and roll number on each sheet. All used rough sheets must be deposited in the designated drop box before leaving the hall.

The JEE Main 2026 admit card for the January 21 to 24 exams has already been issued on the official website at jeemain.nta.nic.in. Engineering aspirants can download the admit card by entering their application number and password. The JEE Main 2026 first shift will be held from 9 am to 12 pm, while the second shift will take place from 3 pm to 6 pm.

JEE Main 2026 will be conducted in online mode at designated exam centres across India and abroad. Candidates are allotted exam centres based on their preferences filled during the application process. Entry to the exam hall is permitted only after verification of the admit card and valid photo identity proof, followed by mandatory biometric verification.

Things to carry to the exam centre

Candidates can bring the following documents to the JEE Main 2026 exam centre.

• Printed copy of the JEE Main admit card downloaded from the official website.
• One valid photo identity proof such as Aadhaar card, passport, voter ID, PAN card, or driving licence.
• One passport-size photograph, preferably the same as uploaded in the application form.
• PwD certificate issued by a competent authority, if applicable.
• Transparent ballpoint pen, if permitted as per the admit card instructions.

Also read JEE Main Session 1 Exams 2026: What the last 5 years' analysis reveals about paper difficulty level

JEE Main 2026: Exam day guidelines

Candidates appearing for JEE Main 2026 should follow the exam day instructions issued by the NTA to ensure smooth conduct of the exam. Entry, verification, and conduct inside the exam hall are regulated as per the guidelines mentioned on the admit card.

• Candidates should report to the exam centre as per the reporting time mentioned on the JEE Main admit card.
• Entry to the exam centre will not be permitted after the gate closing time.
• Candidates should undergo biometric verification and identity checks before entering the exam hall.
• If a candidate leaves the examination hall for a bio-break, biometric verification and frisking will be carried out again before re-entry.
• Electronic devices such as mobile phones, calculators, smart watches, and Bluetooth-enabled items are not allowed inside the exam hall.
• Candidates should not carry bags, books, papers, or personal belongings to the exam centre.
• Rough work should be done only on the sheets provided at the centre.
• Any unfair means or violation of exam rules may lead to disqualification.