The National Testing Agency (NTA) has commenced the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 examinations, which began on Wednesday, January 21, and will continue on January 22, 23, 24, 28, and 29. Paper 1 is scheduled across two shifts on January 21-24, with the morning session from 9 am to 12 pm and the afternoon session from 3 pm to 6 pm.
Paper 2 will be conducted on the final day of the exam window, running from 9 am to 12:30 pm in a single shift.
With the exams underway, candidates often seek guidance on crucial instructions for the examination day. Key concerns include which documents to carry, items permitted inside the exam hall, and the dress code. To assist aspirants, we have compiled a detailed guide of essential dos and don'ts for JEE Main 2026 Session 1.
JEE Main 2026: Items candidates must carry
- A printed copy of the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 admit card is mandatory.
- An original photo ID proof must accompany the admit card.
- Candidates should ensure a recent photograph is affixed to the admit card and are advised to carry two additional copies.
- One passport-size photograph, identical to the one submitted with the application, is required for the attendance sheet.
JEE Main 2026: Prohibited items in the exam hall
The following items are strictly banned inside the examination centre: instruments, geometry boxes, pencil cases, handbags, purses, paper or stationery, textbooks, food and drinks, mobile phones, earphones, pagers, microphones, calculators, docupens, slide rules, log tables, cameras, metallic objects, and any electronic gadgets.
JEE Main 2026: Dress code for candidates
- Avoid accessories containing metal, including rings, earrings, and bracelets.
- Footwear with thick soles is not allowed.
- Wear simple, comfortable clothing.
- Scarves are not permitted.
JEE Main 2026 Session 1: Additional NTA guidelines
- For the drawing section in Paper 2, candidates must bring their own geometry box set, pencils, erasers, and colour pencils or crayons; watercolours are not permitted.
- Diabetic candidates may carry essential eatables such as sugar tablets and fruits like bananas, apples, or oranges, along with a transparent water bottle. Packaged foods such as chocolates, candy, or sandwiches are prohibited.
- After the exam, the JEE Main admit card must be submitted in the designated drop box; failure to do so will result in the candidate's answers not being evaluated.
Candidates facing issues in downloading the JEE Main 2026 admit card can contact the NTA helpline at 011-40759000 between 10 am and 5 pm.