The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced new important rules for students taking the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 exam. These exams start tomorrow, January 21, 2026 . The exams will also be held on January 22, 23, 24, 28, and 29, 2026 . All students must follow these new guidelines at their exam centres. The main update is about Aadhaar-based fingerprint checks.
Mandatory Aadhaar Biometric Verification
On exam day, all students will undergo an Aadhaar-based fingerprint verification process at every exam centre. It is very important that your Aadhaar biometrics are UNLOCKED before you go to the exam. If your biometrics are locked, the verification process will not work smoothly, which can cause delays. You can check and unlock your Aadhaar biometrics through the official UIDAI website or M-Aadhaar app. This step helps to ensure that only the correct student takes the exam.
Students must also remember that if they leave the exam hall for a short break, like to use the washroom, they will need to go through the fingerprint check and a body search again when they return.
Reporting Time for Students Without Aadhaar Registration
When students filled out their JEE Main application form, they had an option to register using their Aadhaar number. Some students chose not to register with Aadhaar or used other identity options. If you are one of these students, you must arrive at the exam centre much earlier than others. These students need to report at least one hour before the gate closing time . This extra time is needed to record their fingerprints at the exam centre without using Aadhaar.
Photo Mismatch: Carry Verification Certificate
The NTA found that for some students, the live photo taken during application did not match the photo on their Aadhaar card. The NTA sent emails to these students about this issue. These students were asked to upload a special photo verification certificate by January 15 . If you received such an email, you must bring the original certificate to the exam centre. This certificate needs to be signed by a Principal, Head Master, or any Class-I government officer like a Tehsildar or SDM. NRI students must get it signed by a Class-I Gazetted Officer of the Indian Embassy. The NTA shared the correct format for this certificate in the email.
What to Carry on Exam Day
Students must bring specific items to the exam centre. Without these, entry might be denied. Photocopies or images on mobile phones are not allowed for identity proof.
| Item | Details |
| Admit Card | Downloaded from NTA website, clear printout (A4 size, color preferred). |
| Photo ID Proof | Original valid photo ID as uploaded in the application form (e.g., Aadhaar, Passport, Driving License, PAN Card, Voter ID). |
| Photographs | At least two passport-size photos . One must be pasted on the attendance sheet at the centre. It should be the same photo uploaded with the application form. |
| PwD/PwBD Certificate | Required if applicable. |
| For B.Arch Drawing Test | Geometry Box Set, Pencils, Erasers, Colour Pencils or Crayons. Watercolors are NOT allowed. |
| For Diabetic Students | Sugar tablets, fruits (like bananas, apples, oranges), transparent water bottle. Packed foods (chocolates, candy, sandwiches) are NOT allowed. |
Dress Code and Entry Rules
The NTA has already mentioned some rules about what students should wear on the admit card. Students should avoid:
- Shoes with thick soles .
- Clothes with large buttons .
Sikh students are allowed to wear religious items like a Kara and a Kirpan . All students must reach the exam centre on time. Entry will not be allowed for any student who reports after the gate closing time of the centre. Make sure you check your admit card for the exact gate closing time for your shift.
