The National Testing Agency (NTA) has shared important rules for what students should wear for the upcoming JEE Main 2026 exam. These guidelines were released on January 20, 2026, for the exam starting tomorrow, January 21, 2026. The main goal of these rules is to make sure the security checks at the exam centres are quick and easy for everyone.
While the NTA has not given a full list of clothes, it has set some clear rules. Students must avoid shoes with thick soles and clothes with large buttons. These items can make the security check (frisking) difficult. If a student wears these, it might slow down their entry into the exam hall.
One special rule applies to Sikh candidates. They are allowed to wear their religious items, the " Kara " (a steel bracelet) and the " Kirpan " (a small dagger). Other than these specific points, the NTA has not mentioned any other official dress code in the admit card or information brochure.
General Dress Code Guidelines
To have a smooth exam day, students should remember these simple guidelines:
- Wear comfortable and light clothes.
- Avoid multiple layers of clothing.
- Do not wear clothes that cover a lot of the body, making security checks hard.
- Keep accessories to a minimum.
For Female Candidates
Girls taking the JEE Main 2026 exam should follow these points:
- Choose a light sweater, a thin sweatshirt, or a simple cardigan. Pick clothes made from light materials like thin wool or cotton fleece.
- Plain jeans (without metal studs or chains), simple trousers, or warm leggings/jeggings are allowed.
- Wear simple slippers or open flat sandals.
- If you wear socks for warmth, choose thin cotton socks that are easy to check.
- Avoid heavy jackets, padded coats, long coats, or hoodies with thick inner linings. Also, do not wear many thick layers of clothes.
- Do not wear sweaters or cardigans that have metal zippers, big decorative buttons, or metal embroidery.
- Caps, hats, mufflers, stoles, and scarves should not be worn inside the exam centre unless told otherwise by the staff.
- Do not wear any jewellery. This includes rings, bracelets, watches (digital or analogue), and neck chains.
- Avoid underwired bras, as they might cause issues during security checks.
For Male Candidates
Boys taking the JEE Main 2026 exam should follow these points:
- Choose a light sweater or a thin sweatshirt. Pick clothes made from light materials like cotton fleece or thin wool, which are easy to check.
- Plain jeans or simple trousers are allowed. Make sure they are basic and do not have many pockets, metal studs, or heavy chains.
- Wear simple slippers, floaters, or open-toe sandals with low soles. You can wear thin cotton socks if needed.
- Avoid heavy jackets, padded coats, long coats, or hoodies with thick inner linings.
- Do not wear any clothes that have metal zippers, big decorative buttons, badges, or metal embroidery.
- Avoid all accessories like caps, mufflers, scarves, stoles, and belts.
- Do not wear any jewellery. This includes rings, bracelets, watches (digital or analogue), and neck chains.
Why These Rules?
The main reason for these dress code rules is to make the security process easier and faster for all students. This helps prevent cheating and ensures a fair exam for everyone. Students should cooperate with the exam centre staff and follow all instructions given on the exam day.
