The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026 Session 1 exams are set to begin on January 21 . The National Testing Agency (NTA) will soon release the official admit cards (hall tickets) for these exams. Students and their parents should prepare now, as the admit cards are expected within the next few days.
NTA already shared the exam city details (city intimation slip) on January 8 . The admit card will have more specific information like your exact exam centre, exam shift timings, and your roll number. It is expected that the JEE Main 2026 admit card will be released on January 17 or 18 . NTA had earlier stated that admit cards would be out 3 to 4 days before the exam date .
Here are important things students and parents must do while waiting for the admit card.
Key Dates for JEE Main 2026 Session 1
The JEE Main 2026 Session 1 exams for Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) and Paper 2 (B.Arch/B.Planning) are scheduled as follows:
| Event | Date |
| JEE Main 2026 City Intimation Slip Release | January 8, 2026 |
| Expected Admit Card Release | January 17 or 18, 2026 |
| JEE Main 2026 Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) Exams | January 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 2026 |
| JEE Main 2026 Paper 2 (B.Arch/B.Planning) Exam | January 29, 2026 |
What Students Must Prepare Now
Do not wait for the admit card to start getting things ready. Take action on these points:
- Keep Passport-size Photos Ready: Find 2 to 3 copies of the same passport-size photograph you used when you filled out your application form. You will need to paste one of these photos onto your admit card once it is released. It is good to have extra copies ready.
- Prepare ID Proof: Make sure your original Aadhaar card or any other government-issued photo ID is easy to find and ready. Remember, photocopies or scanned images of your ID will not be accepted at the exam centre gate. Only the original document will be checked.
- Plan Your Dress Code: While NTA does not have a very strict dress code, it is best to wear simple and comfortable clothing. Avoid clothes that are too fancy or have many pockets. Wear T-shirts, simple jackets with few or no pockets, and light trousers without big pockets. For footwear, slippers or open sandals are best. Do not wear shoes with thick soles, and avoid any jewellery or metal items, as these might cause issues during security checks.
Important Advice for Parents
Parents play a big role in helping students on exam day. Here are some tips:
- Arrange Travel and Stay: If the exam city shown in the JEE Main 2026 city slip is far from your home, quickly arrange for travel and accommodation. Book tickets and finalize all arrangements well before the exam day to avoid stress later.
- Check Exam Centre Location: Once the admit card is out, find the exact location of the exam centre. If possible, consider visiting the venue one day before the exam. This "test run" will help you understand traffic patterns and the best route to take, so you can reach on time without any hurry on exam day.
- Maintain a Calm Home: The time leading up to the exam can be stressful. Keep the atmosphere at home light and positive. Avoid talking too much about mock test scores or comparing your child’s progress with other students. A calm home environment helps your child stay focused and reduces anxiety.
Remember, it is mandatory to carry a printed copy of your JEE Main admit card to the exam centre. Entry inside the exam hall will only be allowed if you have your downloaded admit card.
