JEE Mains 2026 Exam Day Guidelines – Do’s & Don’ts for Session 1 (Instructions by NTA)

The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026 Session 1 is just days away, and the National Testing Agency (NTA) has issued important exam day instructions that candidates must follow to ensure smooth entry and conduct on their test day. Session 1 is scheduled from January 21 to 29, 2026, with the B.Tech/BE paper in both morning and afternoon shifts.

Reporting & Exam Timings

• Morning (Session 1 Shift 1): 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon
• Afternoon (Shift 2): 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Candidates are advised to reach the exam centre well in advance, preferably at least one hour before reporting time, as frisking and document checks are strict.

Essential Documents to Carry (Do's)

Candidates must bring the following without fail:

• Printed JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Admit Card

• Original photo ID proof (as uploaded in the application), such as:

1. Aadhaar Card (or e-Aadhaar with photograph)
2. Passport
3. Voter ID
4. Driving Licence

• A recent passport-size photograph (same as uploaded) for pasting on the attendance sheet.
• If applicable, PwD certificate or special-needs documents for candidates claiming concessions.
• Self-declaration form (if specified on the admit card) is recommended to be filled before reaching the centre

Important: The photo ID brought must match exactly with the details on the admit card. Discrepancies may lead to denial of entry.

Dress Code & Physical Appearance

NTA expects candidates to follow simple attire rules to ensure smooth security checks:

Do:

• Wear light and comfortable clothes
• Choose breathable, non-metallic footwear

Don't:

• Wear clothes with large buttons, metal accessories, belts or jewellery
• Carry footwear with thick soles
• Wear scarves, watches or other metal-containing items

Following these rules helps in quick frisking and reduces entry delays.

Prohibited Items (Don'ts)

Candidates must not carry the following inside the exam hall:

• Mobile phones and earphones
• Smartwatches or electronic devices
• Bags, purses, geometry boxes, pencil boxes
• Any printed/written material, notes, rough papers
• Food items, water bottles (except for diabetic candidates with permitted items)
• Calculators, slide rules, log tables or similar aids

Carrying any restricted item may lead to disqualification from the exam and future penalties.

Tip: Diabetic students are permitted to carry essential items like sugar tablets, fruits (for example, bananas or apples) and a transparent water bottle; but solid/packed food is not allowed.

Exam Hall Conduct

Candidates should follow these behavioural rules during the exam:

• Maintain silence in the examination hall
• Do not talk, gesture, or disturb others
• Sit only in the assigned seat
• Do not leave the hall before the exam ends
• Follow all instructions provided by invigilators

Breaking conduct rules may lead to disqualification or penalties under unfair-means regulations.

Final Exam Day Tips

• Visit the exam centre a day before to avoid last-minute confusion and reach early on exam day.
• Carefully check all details on the admit card; including shift, centre address and reporting time.
• Keep duplicates of photos and documents ready to avoid stress at entry points.

Bottom Line

Following the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 exam day guidelines helps candidates avoid avoidable mistakes and ensures a smooth, stress-free entry to the exam hall. Simple steps like carrying the right documents, following the dress code and avoiding banned items can make a big difference on the big day.