The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the admit cards and the full exam schedule for JEE Main 2026 Session 1. Students who registered for the exam can now download their admit cards. The first session of the Joint Entrance Examination (Main) 2026 will take place from January 21 to January 29, 2026 .
Your admit card is a very important document. It shows your exact exam date, shift timings, reporting time, and specific instructions for the exam day. All registered students must download their admit cards from the official JEE Main website by using their application number and date of birth.
JEE Main 2026 Session 1: Exam Dates and Shifts
Here is the detailed schedule for the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 exams:
| Date | Paper | Shift and Time |
| January 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 2026 | Paper 1 (BE/BTech) | First Shift: 9 AM to 12 Noon Second Shift: 3 PM to 6 PM |
| January 29, 2026 | Paper 2A (BArch) and Paper 2B (BPlanning) | First Shift: 9 AM to 12:30 PM |
Paper 1 is for students seeking admission to Bachelor of Engineering (BE) or Bachelor of Technology (BTech) courses. Paper 2A is for Bachelor of Architecture (BArch), and Paper 2B is for Bachelor of Planning (BPlanning).
Reporting and Gate Closing Times
Students must reach their exam centre on time. Entry will be denied once gates are closed. Arrive at the reporting time on your admit card to complete all checks.
| Event | Shift 1 (Morning) | Shift 2 (Afternoon) |
| Reporting Time at Centre | 7:00 AM - 8:30 AM | 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM |
| Gate Closing Time at Centre | 8:30 AM | 2:30 PM |
| Instructions by Invigilator | 8:30 AM - 8:50 AM | 2:30 PM - 2:50 PM |
| Login to Read Instructions | 8:50 AM | 2:50 PM |
| JEE Main Exam Start Time | 9:00 AM | 3:00 PM |
| JEE Main Exam End Time | 12:00 PM | 6:00 PM |
Exam Duration for Different Papers
The total time for your exam depends on which paper you chose:
| Paper | Exam Duration |
| Paper 1 (BE/BTech) | 3 Hours |
| Paper 2A (BArch) or Paper 2B (BPlanning) | 3 Hours |
| Both Paper 2A & Paper 2B | 3 Hours 30 Minutes |
Morning exams run from 9 AM to 12 PM. Afternoon exams are from 3 PM to 6 PM. Some architecture or planning papers might end at 12:30 PM or 6:30 PM due to longer duration.
Important Rules for Exam Day
All students appearing for JEE Main 2026 Session 1 must follow these rules:
What You Must Carry (Dos):
- Carry a printed copy of your JEE Main admit card .
- Bring one original and valid photo ID (e.g., Aadhaar Card, Passport, PAN Card, Driving License, Voter ID ).
- Carry passport-size photographs as specified on your admit card.
- Reach the exam centre before reporting time for security checks.
- Listen to invigilator's instructions and fill details on the attendance sheet correctly.
What You Must Not Carry (Don'ts):
- Do not enter the centre after the gate closing time. Latecomers are not allowed.
- Do not bring electronic devices (mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators), bags, or food items.
- Avoid talking loudly or disturbing others in the exam area.
- Do not forget essential items like admit card, photo ID, and allowed stationery.
How to Download Your Admit Card
To get your JEE Main 2026 Session 1 admit card, follow these steps:
- Go to the official JEE Main website.
- Find and click the "Download Admit Card for JEE Main 2026 Session 1" link.
- Enter your application number and date of birth.
- Download your admit card and take a clear printout.
Check all details on your admit card carefully. If you find any errors or have trouble downloading it, contact the NTA helpline immediately for help.
