The National Testing Agency (NTA) will conduct the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 examinations starting tomorrow, January 21, 2026 . Exams will run through January 29, 2026 . The NTA has issued a critical advisory for all candidates appearing for the engineering entrance exam. This advisory details important instructions, required documents, and exam day protocols.
Admit Card Instructions
Candidates appearing for exams between January 21 and 24, 2026 , must download their JEE Main 2026 Session 1 admit cards. A clear, color printout on A4-size paper from the official NTA website is mandatory. Candidates must bring the hard copy to their designated exam center.
Verify all details on the admit card upon download. This includes the date of examination , shift and timings of the test, venue of test , reporting time at the center, and gate closing time .
Pre-Examination Requirements
Candidates should visit their examination center ahead of time. This familiarizes them with the location and aids timely arrival. Latecomers will not receive entry.
Candidates who did not register using Aadhaar, or chose non-Aadhaar authentication options, must report early. They need to arrive at least one hour before the gate closing time . This facilitates biometric recording at the exam center.
Report to the test venue strictly at the time specified on the admit card. Entry is prohibited after the center’s gate closing time.
Exam Day Essentials
Candidates must carry specific items to the examination hall:
- JEE Main 2026 Admit Card: A printed copy.
- Passport Photographs: At least two. One photo, identical to the one uploaded in the application, must be pasted on the attendance sheet.
- Valid Photo ID Proof: Original proof as uploaded during the online application process.
Special Provisions and Documents
Certain candidates require additional documents:
- Photo Mismatch/Other ID: Candidates whose live photograph did not match their Aadhaar photo, or who used other identity proofs, must carry a requisite certificate. This certificate must be in original, duly signed or attested. An authorized signatory can be a Principal, Head Master, Class-I Gazetted Officer (Tehsildar, Revenue Officer, SDM, DM), or Class-I Gazetted Officer of the Indian Embassy for NRI candidates. This format was shared via registered email and NTA Public Notice dated January 02, 2026 .
- PwD/PwBD Candidates: Carry the original PwD/PwBD certificate.
- Diabetic Students: Permitted to carry sugar tablets, fruits (e.g., bananas, apples, oranges), and transparent water bottles.
Inside the Examination Hall
Mandatory frisking and biometric attendance occur at entry. Candidates taking a bio-break or using the toilet must undergo frisking and biometrics again upon re-entry.
Blank A4-size paper sheets are provided for rough work inside the examination hall. Candidates must write their name and Roll Number at the top of each sheet. These sheets must be dropped in the designated drop box before leaving the hall. Failure to do so may result in non-evaluation of answers.
Candidates should ensure their Aadhaar biometric authentication is not locked on the examination day. This ensures smooth verification at the centers.
The duly filled-in admit card must also be deposited in the designated dropbox when exiting the examination hall. Failure to drop the admit card may also lead to non-evaluation.