JEE Main Exam Timing 2026: Shift Timings, Paper Schedule & Duration
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Understanding the JEE Main 2026 exam timings is extremely important for every aspirant, especially as the exam is scheduled to be conducted between 21 January and 30 January 2026. The National Testing Agency (NTA) follows a strict and well-defined time schedule for candidate entry, biometric verification, login, instruction reading, and the actual start of the exam. Being aware of the JEE Main shift timing 2026 in advance helps students avoid last-minute confusion, reach the exam centre on time, and stay mentally prepared on the exam day.
JEE Main Exam Timing 2026
JEE Main Exam Timing 2026 refers to the official schedule for the Joint Entrance Examination (Main) in 2026. The NTA releases these timings, crucial for all aspiring engineering and architecture students. Knowing the JEE Main Exam Timing 2026 allows candidates to manage their preparation and exam day logistics. This includes reporting, frisking, and actual test start times for both shifts.
The JEE Main 2026 exam will happen in two sessions. Session 1 is in January 2026. Session 2 will occur in April 2026. Each session has two shifts: a morning shift and an afternoon shift. Candidates must follow specific entry and test commencement times.
Also Check: JEE Main 2026 First 30 Minutes Strategy
JEE Main 2026 Shift Timings
The National Testing Agency announces the JEE Main shift timing 2026. This includes details for Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech), Paper 2A (B.Arch), and Paper 2B (B.Planning). The duration differs slightly for some papers.
| JEE Main Shift Timing 2026 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| JEE Main Exam Date | Timing of Examination | JEE Main Shift 1 Timing | JEE Main Shift 2 Timing |
| 21 to 30 January 2026 | For 03 Hours Paper | 09:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. (IST) | 03:00 P.M. to 06:00 P.M. (IST) |
| For 03 Hours 30 Minutes Paper | 09:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. (IST) | 03:00 P.M. to 06:30 P.M. (IST) | |
JEE Main Paper Timing 2026
Here is a breakdown of the JEE Main paper timing 2026 for different courses. This table outlines the specific examination slots.
| JEE Main Paper Timing 2026 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Events | JEE Main Morning Shift Timings | JEE Main Afternoon Shift Timing |
| Time for JEE Mains B.E/B.Tech | 9:00 am to 12:00 pm | 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm |
| JEE Mains Time for B.Arch | 9:00 am to 12:00 pm | 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm |
| JEE Main Time for B.Plan | 09:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. | 03:00 P.M. to 06:30 P.M. |
| Timing of JEE Mains for both B.Arch and B.Plan | 09:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. | 03:00 P.M. to 06:00 P.M. |
Also Check: JEE Main 2026: How to Score 150+ Marks in 20 Days
JEE Main Exam Duration 2026
The total duration varies for PwD candidates. Compensatory time for PwD/PwBD is 20 minutes per hour of examination for those eligible for a scribe.
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Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech): 3 hours for non-PwD candidates. 4 hours for PwD candidates eligible for a scribe.
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Paper 2A (B.Arch) or Paper 2B (B.Planning): 3 hours for non-PwD candidates. 4 hours for PwD candidates eligible for a scribe.
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Paper 2A and Paper 2B (Both): 3 hours 30 minutes for non-PwD candidates. 4 hours 10 minutes for PwD candidates eligible for a scribe.
Also Check: How to Check JEE Mains Exam Centre 2026
Key Rules for JEE Main Exam Timing 2026
Following exam-day rules is as important as knowing the syllabus. NTA strictly enforces timing rules.
Entry and Frisking
Candidates must enter the exam centre well before the JEE Main morning shift timings. This allows time for frisking, biometric registration, and document verification. For the morning shift, entry is from 07:00 A.M. to 08:30 A.M. For the JEE Main Afternoon Shift Timing, entry is from 01:00 P.M. to 02:30 P.M.
Instructions and Login
Invigilators give important instructions before the test begins. Candidates must log in to read instructions before the test commences. For the first shift, candidates log in at 08:50 A.M. For the second shift, login is at 02:50 P.M.
Test Commencement
The actual test starts promptly at the designated time. For the JEE Main shift 1 timings, the test starts at 09:00 A.M. For the JEE Main Shift 2 Timing, the test starts at 03:00 P.M.