JEE Main 2026: Over 7.70 lakh candidates appeared so far; entry via Aadhaar-based biometric

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has shared an official update on Joint Entrance Examination JEE (Main) 2026 Session 1 examination progress as of January 23, 2026. A total of 8,01,326 candidates applied for the exam so far. Of these, 7,70,441 candidates have appeared, recording an overall attendance of 96.15%.

The agency reported that 7,40,412 candidates have completed Aadhaar verification, accounting for 96.10% of the candidates who appeared till date. A total of 2,563 PwD candidates have been registered for the ongoing session.

The agency noted that the examination has been conducted smoothly so far, crediting “seamless cooperation” from State and District authorities, along with disciplined participation by candidates, for ensuring orderly conduct at exam centres.

JEE (Main) is conducted for admission to undergraduate engineering programmes and also serves as a qualifying exam for JEE Advanced.

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JEE (Main) 2026 is currently ongoing, with examinations being conducted from January 21. The tests are scheduled on January 21, 22, 23, 24 and 28 in two shifts for BE, BTech candidates. The BArch and BPlan examination will be held on January 29 in a single shift.

JEE Main 2026 is being conducted in online mode at designated exam centres across India and abroad

JEE Main 2026: Aadhaar biometrics and ID rules

Aadhaar-based biometric authentication is being used to verify candidates’ identities at exam centres. Candidates have been advised to keep their Aadhaar biometric authentication unlocked on the exam day to avoid any entry problems. Attendance will be marked through biometric checks as well as physical attendance sheets.

On identity checks, the NTA has stated that candidates must carry an original, valid photo ID—the same document uploaded during the application process. It clarified that photocopies or ID images saved on mobile phones will not be accepted.

Candidates are also required to bring the JEE Main admit card downloaded from the official website, jeemain.nta.nic.in. The agency advised taking an A4-size printout, preferably in colour.

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In addition, candidates should carry at least two passport-size photographs, matching the one uploaded in the online application. One photograph will be affixed to the attendance sheet at the exam centre.

If the photograph on the application form does not match the one produced on the exam day, candidates may be asked to submit the required certificates in original or attested copies signed by the principal, headmaster, or a Class-1 gazetted officer.