The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released strict exam-day guidelines for JEE Main 2026 Session 1 . The advisory reiterates that digital identification proofs are invalid, and candidates arriving after gate closing times will be denied entry. Aspirants who did not register using Aadhaar verification must report one hour before the gate closing time specified on their admit card. The NTA emphasizes strict adherence to all rules for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE Main).
Strict Entry Timings Enforced
Entry to exam centers will strictly close at the time indicated on the JEE Main admit card . No candidate will be permitted to sit for the examination after this deadline, the testing agency confirmed. Candidates must carefully verify their exam date, shift timings, venue, reporting time, and specific exam-day instructions detailed in their hall ticket.
The examination schedule for JEE Main 2026 Session 1 includes two shifts daily:
- First Shift: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM (Entry and Gate Closing Time: 7:00 AM to 8:30 AM)
- Second Shift: 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM (Entry and Gate Closing Time: 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM)
Mandatory Identity and Document Checks
Candidates must present a valid photo identification in its original format . This ID must be the exact proof uploaded during the online application process. The NTA explicitly states that photocopies or images stored on mobile phones will not be accepted for identity verification.
A printed copy of the JEE Main Admit Card 2026 , downloaded from the NTA official website, jeemain.nta.nic.in, is mandatory. For clarity, a color printout on A4 size paper is preferable.
Additionally, candidates are required to bring at least two passport-size photographs. These photographs must be identical to the one uploaded in the online application form. One photograph will be affixed to the attendance sheet at the exam center during verification.
In cases where there is a mismatch between the photograph provided in the application form and the one presented on exam day, candidates must submit original requisite certificates. These certificates must be duly signed or attested by a principal, headmaster, or a Class-1 Gazetted officer to confirm identity.
Biometric Verification and Breaks
Candidates leaving the exam hall for bio-breaks or toilet visits will be subject to mandatory frisking and biometric verification procedures upon their re-entry. This measure ensures security protocols are maintained throughout the examination period.
Dress Code and Permitted Items
The NTA has outlined a specific dress code for candidates and a list of items allowed inside the examination hall. Diabetic students are permitted to carry eatables such as sugar tablets, fruits (like bananas, apples, or oranges), and transparent water bottles. However, packaged foods including chocolates, candy, or sandwiches are strictly prohibited.
As per the JEE Main dress code , Sikh candidates are allowed to wear their religious articles, specifically the "KARA" and "KIRPAN."
Candidates appearing for the B.Arch drawing test must bring their own geometry box, set, pencils, eraser, and color pencils or crayons. The use of watercolors on drawing sheets is not permitted.
Prohibited Items at the Exam Center:
- Instrument boxes, Geometry boxes, Pencil boxes
- Handbags, Any paper, Stationery, or textual material
- Eatables and water (outside of diabetic provisions)
- Mobile phones, Earphones, Microphones, Pagers
- Calculators, Docupens, Slide rules, Log tables
- Cameras, Tape recorders, Watches, Electronic watches with calculator facilities
- Any metallic item or electronic gadget