The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially released the detailed shift timings and exam day schedule for JEE Main 2026, scheduled to be conducted from April 2 to April 9, 2026 . This update is crucial for lakhs of engineering aspirants, as it includes exam timings, reporting rules, and strict entry guidelines.
Exam Schedule & Shift Timings
The exam will be conducted in two shifts daily:
Shift 1 (Morning): 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Shift 2 (Afternoon): 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
For Paper 2 (B.Arch & B.Plan), the morning session will extend until 12:30 PM.
Reporting Time & Gate Closing Rules
The NTA has implemented a strict no-entry policy for latecomers, so candidates must follow the reporting schedule carefully:
Morning Shift:
Reporting Time: 7:00 AM
Gate Closing Time: 8:30 AM
Afternoon Shift:
Reporting Time: 1:00 PM
Gate Closing Time: 2:30 PM
Candidates are required to report early to complete mandatory security procedures, including biometric registration, frisking, and document verification.
Important Instructions for Candidates
On the day of the exam, candidates must carry:
JEE Main 2026 Admit Card (with filled self-declaration form)
Two passport-size photographs
Valid photo ID proof
The admit card will include details such as exam centre, shift timing, and reporting schedule, and will be treated as the final authority for entry.
Candidates are advised to carefully check all instructions mentioned on their admit card and reach the exam centre well in advance to avoid any last-minute issues.