JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Exam: Admit Card, Schedule, and NTA Exam Day Guidelines
NTA commences JEE Main 2026 Session 1 on Jan 21. Admit cards for Jan 21-24 are out; Jan 28-29 tickets arrive this week on nta.ac.in. Ensure you carry a printed hall ticket, valid ID, and photo. Report 2 hours early and follow NTA's strict exam day guidelines for B.E./B.Tech/B.Arch.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) is set to commence the JEE Mains 2026 Session 1 exam on January 21, 2026. As one of the most competitive engineering entrance exams in India, staying updated on the JEE schedule and JEE admit card release dates is crucial for success.
Whether you are appearing for Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) or Paper 2 (B.Arch/B.Planning), here is everything you need to know about the NTA JEE Main January session.
JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Schedule & Admit Card Dates
The NTA has already released hall tickets for the initial dates. JEE Main 2026 candidates should note the specific shifts and download dates below:
| JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Schedule & Admit Card Dates | |||
| Date of Exam | Paper(s) | Shift Timings (IST) | Admit Card Release Status |
| 21, 22, 23 & 24 Jan 2026 | Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) | Shift 1: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PMShift 2: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Released on 17 Jan 2026 (for these dates) |
| 28 Jan 2026 | Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) | Shift 1: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PMShift 2: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM | To be released in due course (separate release) |
| 29 Jan 2026 | Paper 2A (B.Arch) & Paper 2B (B.Planning) | Single Shift: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM | To be released in due course (separate release) |
Pro Tip: Visit the official NTA JEE Main website at nta.ac.in to download your hall ticket. Hall tickets for the January 28 and 29 exams will be available in due course.
JEE Main 2026: Mandatory Documents to Carry
To ensure a smooth entry into the JEE exam hall, candidates must carry the following:
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JEE Mains Admit Card: A clear printout on A4-size paper.
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Self-Declaration (Undertaking): Downloaded from the NTA website and duly filled.
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Passport Size Photograph: Must be the same as the one uploaded in the application form (to be pasted on the attendance sheet).
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Valid Photo ID: Original authorized identification (Aadhaar, Voter ID, Passport, etc.).
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PwD Certificate: If claiming relaxation under the PwD/PwBD category.
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Stationery: A simple transparent ballpoint pen.
Official NTA Exam Day Guidelines
Follow these JEE exam details and instructions to avoid disqualification:
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Reporting Time: Arrive at the examination center at least 2 hours before the exam starts.
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Seating: Take your allocated seat immediately once the hall opens.
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Verification: You must present your JEE admit card and ID card upon request. Failure to do so will result in denied entry.
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Assistance: For any technical issues with the computer-based test, immediately notify the invigilator.
Prohibited Items (What NOT to Carry)
Candidates are strictly forbidden from bringing the following into the hall:
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Electronic gadgets (Mobile phones, earphones, calculators, electronic watches, cameras).
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Stationery items (Geometry boxes, pencil boxes, log tables, slide rules).
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Personal items (Handbags, purses, any printed or written textual material).
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Eatables and water (loose or packed).