Lakhs of students across India are getting ready for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026 Session 1 exam. This important national-level engineering exam is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) . The exams will begin on January 21, 2026 .
The NTA announced that JEE Main 2026 Session 1 exams will be held from January 21 to January 29, 2026 . This exam is for students who want to study engineering (B.E./B.Tech), architecture (B.Arch), and planning (B.Planning) courses in various colleges.
Paper 1 , for B.E./B.Tech courses, will be held on January 21, 22, 23, 24, and 28, 2026 . This paper will have two shifts each day. Paper 2 , for B.Arch and B.Planning courses, is scheduled for January 29, 2026 .
JEE Main 2026 Admit Card Details
The NTA has already released the admit cards for exams taking place from January 21 to January 24 . Students can download their admit cards from the official website. The admit cards for exams on January 28 and January 29 are expected to be released on January 24, 2026 .
The admit card is a very important document. Students must download it using their application number and password . It contains details like the student's name, exam center address, and exam shift timings.
What to Carry to the Exam Centre
- Students must bring a coloured printout of their admit card .
- A printed copy of the self-declaration form .
- Passport-size photographs (same as uploaded in the application form).
- A valid photo ID proof (like Aadhaar card, PAN card, driving license, passport, voter ID).
- If the NTA sent an email asking for a photo verification certificate , students must carry that too.
Without these documents, students will not be allowed to enter the exam hall.
JEE Main Exam Timings
The JEE Main 2026 Paper 1 exam will be conducted in two shifts every day. Students must check their specific reporting and shift timings on their admit card. The general timings for both shifts are:
| Event | Shift 1 (Morning) | Shift 2 (Afternoon) |
| Reporting & Entry | 7:00 AM - 8:30 AM | 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM |
| Last Entry Allowed | 8:30 AM | 2:30 PM |
| Instructions by Invigilator | 8:30 AM - 8:50 AM | 2:30 PM - 2:50 PM |
| Log in to Read Instructions | 8:50 AM | 2:50 PM |
| Test Commences | 9:00 AM | 3:00 PM |
| Test Concludes | 12:00 PM | 6:00 PM |
Important Exam Day Rules
Students must follow these rules on the exam day:
- Visit the Exam Centre: It is good to visit your exam center one day before the exam. This helps you know the exact location and how long it takes to reach there.
- Reach On Time: Reach the exam center at least one hour before the reporting time mentioned on your admit card. The gate will close at the last entry time, and no one will be allowed in after that. There are many checks and processes to complete before the exam.
- Rough Sheets: Students must write their name and roll number at the top of all rough sheets. They must return these sheets along with the admit card to the invigilator before leaving the exam hall.
- Attendance Sheet: Fill in all required details on the attendance sheet clearly. Paste your coloured passport-sized photograph (the same as in the application form) and put your left-hand thumb impression and signature in the correct places.
No Calculator Allowed in JEE Main 2026
Students often ask if calculators are allowed. The NTA has clearly stated that calculators are NOT allowed in JEE Main 2026. Earlier, there was a mention of an on-screen calculator in the information brochure, but NTA later clarified this was a mistake. This feature does not apply to the JEE Main exam.
What if Admit Card is Not Showing?
Some students are facing issues where their admit card is not visible even after logging in. This usually happens when the admit card for a specific date (like January 28 or 29 ) has not been officially released yet. Students should wait patiently and avoid repeatedly refreshing the page, as this can cause temporary technical problems.
