NTA JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Exam Day Instructions

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released crucial advisory and instructions for candidates appearing in the Joint Entrance Examination (Main) – 2026 Session 1 (January 2026). This comprehensive guide is designed to ensure a smooth examination experience for all aspirants. From essential documents to carry and strict reporting guidelines to detailed exam patterns and marking schemes, understanding these instructions is vital for every candidate. This post covers all key highlights to help you prepare effectively for JEE Main 2026 Session 1 and maximize your chances of success.

Important Dates & General Information

Candidates are advised to note the following key dates and information. Specific examination details such as date, shift, course, and venue will be clearly indicated on your Admit Card.

Key Instructions for Examination Day

Adhering to these instructions is paramount for a hassle-free examination experience. Candidates must familiarize themselves with all guidelines to avoid any last-minute issues.

What to Check on Your Admit Card

• Date of Examination: Ensure you know your exact exam date.
• Shift and Timings of Test: Be clear about your assigned examination shift and its timings.
• Venue of Test: Identify your examination centre well in advance.
• Reporting Time at Centre: Arrive at the centre strictly by the specified reporting time.
• Gate Closing Time of the Centre: Absolutely no entry will be permitted after this time.

It is strongly recommended to visit your allotted Examination Centre a day or two in advance to understand its location and the best means of reaching it on time.

Pre-Examination Formalities & Biometric Authentication

Several pre-examination formalities, including biometric attendance and frisking, will be conducted. Candidates who did not register through Aadhaar (or chose non-Aadhaar authentication) must report at least one hour before the gate closing time to complete their biometric recording. Ensure your Aadhaar biometric authentication is not locked on the day of the examination to facilitate a smooth verification process.

Documents and Items to Carry

Candidates must carry the following mandatory documents and items to the examination centre. Failure to produce any of these may result in denial of entry.

Mandatory Documents

• Admit Card: A clear, preferably colour printout on A4 size paper, downloaded from the NTA website (https://jeemain.nta.nic.in/).
• Passport Photographs: At least two recent passport-size photographs. One photograph (same as uploaded in the online application form) must be pasted on the Attendance Sheet at the Centre.
• Valid Photo ID Proof: The ORIGINAL valid Photo ID proof as uploaded in the online application form. Photocopies or images stored on mobile phones will NOT be accepted. No candidate will be allowed entry without identity verification.
• Certificate for Photo Mismatch (if applicable): Candidates whose live photographs did not match with their Aadhaar photos or who used other identity proof must carry the requisite certificate in original, duly signed/attested by a Principal/Head Master or a Class-I Gazetted Officer (e.g., Tehsildar, SDM, DM), as per the format shared via email ID and NTA Public Notice dated 02 January 2026.
• PwD/PwBD Certificate (if applicable): The PwD/PwBD certificate/UDID card issued by the Competent Authority, if claiming relaxation under this category. Such candidates should report early for facilitation.

Scribe Facility for PwD/PwBD Candidates

The facility of a Scribe will be provided to candidates with a physical limitation who require assistance to write the examination, provided it is certified in the prescribed format by a CMO/Civil Surgeon/Medical Superintendent of a government healthcare institution. This facility is applicable to persons with benchmark disabilities like blindness, locomotor disability (both arms affected-BA), and cerebral palsy. Candidates must have opted for a Scribe in the online Application Form of JEE (Main) – 2026. Eligible PwD candidates availing a Scribe will be granted compensatory time of 20 minutes per hour of the examination.

Religious Articles

Sikh candidates are permitted to wear their religious articles, specifically “KARA” and “KIRPAN”, to the examination centre.

Prohibited Items at the Examination Centre

Strict rules are in place regarding items not allowed inside the examination hall. Examination centres are under CCTV surveillance and equipped with Jammers to prevent unfair means.

• Instrument/Geometry/Pencil box
• Handbag, Purse
• Any kind of Paper/Stationery/Textual material (printed or written material)
• Eatables and Water (loose or packed)
• Mobile Phone/Ear Phone/Microphone/Pager
• Calculator, DocuPen, Slide Rules, Log Tables
• Camera, Tape Recorder
• Any type of watch, including Electronic Watches with calculator facilities
• Any metallic item or electronic gadgets/devices
• Watercolours/poster colours/acrylic colours (for Drawing Test)
• Packed foods (for diabetic students are allowed specific items, see below)

Allowed Items for Diabetic Students

Diabetic students are permitted to carry sugar tablets/fruits (such as bananas/apples/oranges) and transparent water bottles into the Examination Hall/Room. However, packed foods like chocolates, candy, or sandwiches are strictly prohibited.

Examination Pattern and Marking Scheme

The JEE (Main) – 2026 Session 1 will be a computer-based test (CBT), except for the Drawing Test (Part III of B. Arch.). Candidates should familiarize themselves with the computer-based format. The following marking scheme applies to most sections:

Subject-Specific Instructions (Physics/Chemistry/Mathematics)

SECTION A (Maximum Marks: 80)

• This section contains Twenty (20) Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) for each subject.
• Each question has four options, with only ONE being the correct answer.
• Candidates are advised to perform calculations with constants provided in the questions.

SECTION B (Maximum Marks: 20)

• This section contains five (5) questions for each subject, all of which must be attempted.
• Answers are to be filled as numerical values.
• Calculations should be done with constants given, and the answer rounded off to the nearest integer.
• Answers must be entered using the mouse and the onscreen virtual numeric keypad.

Aptitude Test (Maximum Marks: 200)

• This part consists of Fifty (50) questions.
• Each question is an MCQ with four options, only one of which is correct.
• The same marking scheme (+4, 0, -1) applies.

Drawing Test (Maximum Marks: 100) – For B. Arch. Part III

• This part contains Two (02) questions, each carrying equal marks. Both questions must be attempted.
• Questions must be attempted in the space provided on the Drawing Sheet; no supplementary sheets will be issued.
• Candidates must carry their own required materials: pencils, color pencils, crayons, eraser, geometry box, etc.
• Watercolour, poster colour, or acrylic colours are NOT allowed.
• Candidates must submit the Drawing Sheet to the Invigilator before leaving the Examination Hall.
• Do NOT write Roll Number, Name, Centre address, Place of examination, or make any special sign on any part of the Test Booklet.
• Candidates are advised to do neat and clean drawings.

Planning Based Objective Type Questions (Maximum Marks: 100)

• This part contains Twenty-Five (25) questions.
• Each question is an MCQ with four options, only one of which is correct.
• The same marking scheme (+4, 0, -1) applies.
• Some questions assessing thinking skills may be in English only, regardless of the language set chosen.

Important Reminders for Candidates

• Attendance Sheet: Candidates must enter required details on the attendance sheet in legible handwriting, put their signature, Left Hand Thumb Impression (clear and not smudged), and paste the photograph at the appropriate place.
• Rough Work: Blank A4 size paper sheets will be provided. Candidates must write their name and Roll Number at the top of each sheet and drop them in the designated drop box before leaving. Failure to do so may result in non-evaluation.
• Admit Card Submission: The duly filled-in Admit Card must be dropped in the designated Dropbox while leaving the Examination Hall/Room. Failure to do so may result in non-evaluation.
• Question Paper Verification: Ensure the question paper on the computer screen matches your opted subject/medium as indicated in the Admit Card. Report any discrepancy to the Invigilator immediately.
• Further Clarification: For any queries related to JEE (Main) – 2026, candidates can contact NTA at +91-11-40759000 or email jeemain@nta.ac.in.

Reading the Subject-Specific Instructions (Annexure 1), General Instructions in the Question Paper, and all instructions given in the Admit Card and Information Bulletin of JEE (Main) 2026 is highly recommended.

The NTA wishes all candidates the very best for their upcoming examination!