The National Testing Agency (NTA) will commence the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026 Session 1 on January 21 . This session marks the start of the year’s engineering and architecture entrance examinations. Exams for Bachelor of Engineering (BE) and Bachelor of Technology (BTech) programs are scheduled to take place on January 21, 22, 23, 24, and 28 , conducted over multiple shifts. The Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) and Bachelor of Planning (BPlan) exam is set for a single day, January 29 , comprising one shift.
Candidates appearing for JEE Main 2026 must ensure they download their official admit cards. These are available on the dedicated website, jeemain.nta.nic.in. Possessing a valid admit card is mandatory for entry to the examination center. The BE/BTech examinations will be conducted across two shifts each day, allowing broad access. The BArch/BPlan exam on January 29 will proceed in a single, consolidated shift.
The first examination shift for BE/BTech programs is scheduled from 9 AM to 12 PM . The subsequent second shift will run from 3 PM to 6 PM . All candidates must strictly adhere to the designated entry and gate closing times for their respective shifts. Failure to comply will result in denial of entry to the examination premises.
JEE Main 2026 Exam Day Timings
The NTA has issued clear guidelines, instructing all candidates to arrive at their assigned examination centers well in advance. This early arrival is crucial for completing mandatory verification and security protocols smoothly. No candidate will be granted entry to the examination hall after the specified gate closing times. Punctuality is essential for all attendees.
| Particular | First Shift | Second Shift |
|---|---|---|
| JEE Main 2026 Exam Time | 9 AM to 12 PM | 3 PM to 6 PM |
| Entry into Examination Centre | 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM | 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM |
| Invigilator Instructions | 8:30 AM to 8:50 AM | 2:30 PM to 2:50 PM |
| Candidate Login to Read Instructions | 8:50 AM | 2:50 PM |
| Commencement of JEE Main 2026 Exam | 9:00 AM | 3:00 PM |
Prohibited Items in Exam Hall
Candidates are strictly prohibited from carrying certain items into the JEE Main 2026 examination hall. The NTA mandates that only the official admit card, a valid government-issued photo identification proof, and stationery explicitly specified by the NTA are allowed inside. All other personal belongings, including electronic devices, bags, and restricted materials, must be left outside the examination premises before entry.
- Mobile phones, smart watches, or any other electronic communication devices.
- Calculators, slide rules, log tables, or other electronic gadgets.
- Books, notebooks, loose sheets of paper, or any study material.
- Bags, wallets, purses, or similar personal storage items.
- Jewellery, metallic items, or any personal accessories not explicitly allowed by the exam center.
- Any other items not specifically listed as permissible in the official NTA instructions.
The NTA has reiterated that no calculators or any other electronic calculating devices will be provided to candidates during the exam. Furthermore, bringing personal calculators or similar devices into the exam hall is strictly forbidden. Candidates are required to perform all necessary calculations using the rough work sheets supplied at their designated examination center. Any violation of this rule may lead to immediate disqualification from the exam or denial of entry.