JEE Mains 2026 Session 1 Begins: Practices That May Lead to Instant Exam Cancellation
JEE Mains 2026 Session 1 has begun with strict NTA anti-cheating protocols. Engaging in unfair means (UFM)—including gadget possession, peeking, or tampering with the Computer Based Test system—will lead to immediate disqualification and potential criminal action under the Public Examinations Act 2024.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially commenced the JEE Mains 2026 Session 1 today, January 21, 2026. While the first shift of the Computer Based Test (CBT) for BE/BTech is underway, the NTA has issued a critical warning: certain behaviors and technical errors will lead to the immediate cancellation of your exam and a possible 3-year ban.
Stay updated with the latest education news and follow these JEE mains 2026 exam guidelines to ensure your hard work is not wasted.
JEE Mains 2026 Exam Schedule and Shifts
Candidates must check their JEE mains City intimation Slips 2025 (for the 2026 cycle) and Admit Cards for the following dates:
| JEE Mains 2026 Exam Schedule and Shifts | |||
| Paper Type | Exam Dates | Shift 1 (9 AM - 12 PM) | Shift 2 (3 PM - 6 PM) |
| BE / BTech | Jan 21, 22, 23, 24, 28 | Morning Shift | Evening Shift |
| BArch / BPlanning | Jan 28, 29 | Paper 2A/2B | Paper 2A/2B |
Why Your JEE Main Result Might Be Cancelled (UFM Rules)
The NTA has a zero-tolerance policy for Unfair Means (UFM). Under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, the following practices are grounds for disqualification:
1. Prohibited Items in the Exam Hall
Possession of any restricted item, even if not used, will result in an Unfair Means case.
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Electronics: Mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, smartwatches, calculators, USBs, or any hacking tools.
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Stationery: Books, notebooks, or bits of paper (except for the provided rough sheet).
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Digital Fraud: Screen recording, taking screenshots, or logging in with another person's credentials.
2. Conduct and Discipline Violations
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Communication: Talking, whispering, or using hand gestures/signals to pass answers.
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Peeking: Looking at another student's screen or passing rough paper with scribbles.
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Seat Swapping: Sitting on a seat other than the one allotted to you.
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Late Exit: Forcefully entering or exiting the hall beyond the specified time.
3. Document and Identity Fraud
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Morphed Photos: Uploading wrong or morphed photographs/signatures on the Application Form or Admit Card.
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Multiple Scores: Having more than one application number or scorecard will be treated as UFM, even if discovered later.
CRITICAL RULE: You must drop your duly filled Admit Card in the designated box before leaving the exam hall. Failure to do so will result in the non-evaluation of your answer sheet.
Security: Biometric Attendance and Frisking
The NTA has implemented high-tech security measures for exam conduct:
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Mandatory Frisking: All candidates will undergo frisking at the entry point.
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Dual Biometrics: Biometric attendance is required upon entry.
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Bio-break Rule: If a candidate takes a toilet break, they must undergo mandatory frisking and biometrics again before returning to their seat.
Mandatory Checklist for Candidates
To avoid entry denial and ensure compliance with the JEE mains papter pattern requirements, make sure you have:
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Downloaded Admit Card: Clear printout on A4 paper.
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Passport Photos: Two recent photos (same as the one used in the application).
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Valid Photo ID: Original Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, or Passport.
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For BArch Candidates: Your own Geometry box set, pencils, and erasers (Note: Watercolors are strictly prohibited).
Latest Education News: Rules for Future Entrance Exams
The NTA has clarified that these strict measures for the Computer Based Test are now standard for all upcoming entrance exams. Any candidate found trying to hack the test software or tampering with the test timer will be handed over to local police authorities.