The National Testing Agency (NTA) will soon release the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 admit cards. Students who have registered for the exam can expect their admit cards around January 17 or 18, 2026. This is typically 3 to 4 days before the exams begin. The JEE Main 2026 Session 1 exams are set to start from January 21, 2026. Candidates must download their admit card from the official website, jeemain.nta.nic.in, using their application number and password or date of birth. Without a printed admit card and a valid government ID, no student will be allowed to enter the exam centre.
How to Download Your JEE Main 2026 Admit Card
Follow these steps to get your admit card:
- Go to the official JEE Main website: jeemain.nta.nic.in.
- Look for the link that says "JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Admit Card Download" and click on it.
- A new page will open. Enter your application number and password (or date of birth).
- Click on the "Submit" or "Login" button.
- Your admit card will appear on the screen.
- Check all the details carefully.
- Download and print a copy of the admit card. You must carry this printout to the exam hall.
Important Rules for Exam Day
On the day of the exam, it is very important to carry two things:
- A printed copy of your JEE Main 2026 admit card.
- A valid government photo ID proof, such as an Aadhaar card, PAN card, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving License.
Students will not be allowed to enter the exam hall without these essential documents. Make sure to reach the exam centre on time as mentioned in your admit card.
City Intimation Slip vs. Admit Card: What's the Difference?
The NTA released the JEE Main 2026 city intimation slip on January 8, 2026. Many students confuse this with the admit card, but they are different. The city intimation slip tells you only the exam city and date where you will take your exam. It helps you plan your travel and stay.
The admit card, on the other hand, is the main document. It has all the final details including the exact exam centre name and full address, your roll number, reporting time, exam shift, and your photo and signature. It also contains important instructions for the exam day.
Past Year Release Dates for JEE Main Session 1
Here is a look at when the city slips and admit cards were released in previous years:
| Year | City Intimation Slip Release Date | Admit Card Release Date | Exam Start Date |
| 2026 | January 8 | January 17 or 18 (expected) | January 21 |
| 2025 | January 6 | January 18 | January 22 |
| 2024 | January 12 | January 20 | January 24 |
| 2023 | January 18 | January 20 | January 24 |
Why NTA Releases City Slip and Admit Card Separately
The NTA issues the city intimation slip and the admit card at different times for good reasons:
- Planning Travel: Many students get exam cities far from their homes. Releasing the city slip early helps them book tickets and arrange for accommodation in advance.
- Finalising Centres: The NTA needs more time to confirm exact exam centre addresses and shift timings. The city slip allows them to share basic city information quickly.
- Reducing Website Load: Releasing documents separately prevents too many students from trying to download the full admit card all at once, which can slow down the website.
What Your Admit Card Shows
Once the NTA releases the JEE Main 2026 admit card, you will find all the confirmed details for your exam. The admit card will clearly show:
- Your name and roll number
- Your photograph and signature
- The exact name and full address of your exam centre
- Your reporting time to the centre
- Your exam shift (morning or afternoon)
- Important instructions for the exam day
Remember, the admit card is a compulsory document for entering the exam hall.
Help for PwD Candidates: Registering a Scribe
Students with physical disabilities who find it difficult to write can get help from a scribe (writer). This option is for eligible PwD (Persons with Disability) candidates. To register for scribe assistance for JEE Main 2026, follow these steps:
- Visit the official JEE Main website: jeemain.nta.nic.in.
- Click on the link titled “Register Scribe Details for JEE Main 2026”.
- Log in using your application number and password.
- Upload your medical certificates for your disability category (PwD certificate or UDID, as required).
- Fill in the scribe’s personal information according to the guidelines.
- Review all details and then save and submit the form.
