JEE Main 2026 Jan 28-29: NTA Advises Early Reporting for Jan 28-29 Exams

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released a critical advisory for students appearing in the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 exams scheduled for January 28 and 29. To ensure a malpractice-free environment, the agency has introduced enhanced security layers, prompting a call for candidates to reach their exam centers significantly earlier than usual.

Why is the Early Arrival Mandatory

Enhanced Security for JEE Main 2026: For Jan 28-29 exams, NTA has introduced Face Authentication and Aadhaar-based biometric checks to prevent impersonation and ensure exam integrity.

Why Arrive Early:

• Face Authentication: Matches your live photo with your application.

• Manual Biometric: Non-Aadhaar or mismatched photos require extra recording (30–60 mins).

Arriving early helps avoid delays and last-minute stress.

JEE Main 2026 Schedule: Jan 28 & 29

Candidates should note the specific timings for the upcoming shifts to plan their travel accordingly:

• January 28 (B.E./B.Tech): * Shift 1: 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon

• Shift 2: 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM

• January 29 (B.Arch & B.Planning):

• B.Arch/B.Planning Shift: 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon

• Combined Paper: 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM

Session 1 Progress & Statistics

The first leg of the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 (held from January 21 to 24) saw a massive turnout. According to NTA data:

• Over 10 lakh candidates have already appeared.

• The exam recorded an impressive 96.26% attendance rate so far.

Expert Tips for January 28-29 Aspirants

With the difficulty level varying across shifts, subject experts recommend that students appearing on the final two days should:

• Analyze Previous Shifts: Review memory-based questions and paper analysis from the Jan 21-24 sessions to identify recurring themes in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.

• Download Admit Cards: Ensure you have a printed copy of the JEE Main 2026 Admit Card downloaded from the official NTA website using your application number and password.

• Check Verification Readiness: Carry a valid original ID (Aadhaar Card) to speed up the biometric process.

Looking Ahead: JEE Main Session 2

While Session 1 concludes this week, the NTA is expected to announce the JEE Main 2026 Session 2 registration dates shortly. This will be the final opportunity for students to improve their scores for admission into prestigious IITs, NITs, and IIITs.

Contact Information for Candidates: For any discrepancies or technical issues, students can reach out to the NTA helpdesk:

• Email: jeemain@nta.ac.in

• Phone: 011-40759000