As the examination approaches, candidates may be seeking clarity on the key guidelines they need to follow on the day of the exam.
JEE Main 2026 Exam Day Guidelines: The JEE Main 2026 Session 1 examination will be conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on January 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, and 29, 2026.
From January 21 to 24, Paper 1 will be held in two shifts each day – the morning shift from 9 am to 12 pm and the afternoon shift from 3 pm to 6 pm. Paper 2 will be conducted on the final day of the exam window in a single shift, from 9 am to 12:30 pm.
With the examination fast approaching, candidates may be looking for clarity on the key instructions to be followed on exam day. From carrying the JEE Main admit card and a valid photo ID to knowing which items are allowed or prohibited inside the examination centre, aspirants often have several common queries. To help streamline preparation, we have compiled a comprehensive list of essential dos and don’ts that candidates must keep in mind for JEE Main Session 1.
JEE Main 2026 Exam Day: Essential Documents and Items Candidates Must Carry
- Candidates are required to carry a printed copy of their JEE Main 2026 Session 1 admit card.
- Along with the admit card, an original valid photo identity proof must be presented.
- A recent passport-size photograph should be affixed to the admit card; it is advisable to carry two extra copies of the same photograph.
- One passport-size photograph, identical to the one uploaded with the JEE Main Session 1 application form, must be brought for the attendance sheet.
JEE Main 2026: Things Candidates Must Not Carry to the Exam Hall
Candidates are not permitted to bring instruments, geometry or pencil boxes, handbags, purses, papers, stationery, textual material, food and water, mobile phones, earphones, microphones, pagers, calculators, docu-pens, slide rules, log tables, cameras, tape recorders, metallic items, or any electronic devices into the examination hall.
JEE Main 2026: What to Wear on Exam Day
- For the drawing section of Paper 2 in JEE Main Session 2, candidates must carry their own geometry box, pencils, erasers, and colour pencils or crayons. The use of watercolors on the drawing sheet is strictly prohibited.
- Diabetic candidates are allowed to bring essential eatables such as sugar tablets and fruits (including bananas, apples, or oranges), along with a transparent water bottle. However, packed food items such as chocolates, candies, or sandwiches are not permitted.
- Candidates must drop their JEE Main Session 1 admit card in the designated drop box while exiting the examination hall. The National Testing Agency has clarified that answer sheets will not be evaluated if the admit card is not deposited.
- Candidates who are unable to download their JEE Main 2026 admit card from the official website should contact the NTA helpline at 011-40759000 between 10 am and 5 pm.