JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Starts: Dates, Shifts, Instructions

The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026 Session 1 begins today, January 21, 2026 . The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts these entrance exams. Today’s schedule includes B.E. and B.Tech. programmes.

The first session of JEE Main 2026 will run from January 21 to January 29, 2026 . Candidates can access their admit cards on the official NTA JEE website. All candidates must verify their exam center details and reporting times listed on their admit cards.

Exam Schedule and Shifts

JEE Main Session 1 exams operate in two daily shifts:

• Shift 1: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
• Shift 2: 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Subject-Specific Instructions for Candidates

The NTA has released specific instructions for different sections of the examination. Candidates must adhere to these guidelines for each test component.

Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics

These subjects are divided into two sections:

Section A (Maximum Marks: 80)

• Contains 20 multiple-choice questions per subject.
• Each question offers four options; only one is correct.
• Perform all calculations using constants provided within questions.

Section B (Maximum Marks: 20)

• Contains 5 numerical value questions per subject.
• All 5 questions must be attempted.
• Enter answers using the on-screen virtual numeric keypad.
• Round numerical answers to the nearest integer.
• Perform calculations using constants provided within questions.

Aptitude Test (Maximum Marks: 200)

• Contains 50 multiple-choice questions.
• Each question offers four options; only one is correct.
• Perform calculations using constants provided within questions.

Drawing Test (Maximum Marks: 100)

• Contains 2 questions.
• Both questions carry equal marks and must be attempted.
• Attempt questions within the designated space on the Drawing Sheet.
• No supplementary Drawing Sheets will be issued.
• Carry all required drawing and graphics materials (pencils, color pencils, crayons, erasers, geometry boxes).
• Watercolour, poster colour, or acrylic colours are prohibited in the Examination Hall.
• Maintain neat and clean drawings.
• Submit the Drawing Sheet to the invigilator before leaving.
• Do not write Roll Number, Name, Centre address, Place of examination, or make any special sign on the Test Booklet.

Planning Based Objective Type Questions (Maximum Marks: 100)

• Contains 25 multiple-choice questions.
• Each question offers four options; only one is correct.
• Perform calculations using constants provided within questions.
• Some questions assessing thinking skills may appear in English only.