NTA JEE Main 2026 Session 2: Exam Day Instructions, Pattern & Dates

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released a crucial advisory and detailed instructions for candidates appearing in the Joint Entrance Examination (Main) – 2026 Session 2 (April 2026). This notification, dated March 31, 2026, provides essential guidelines regarding exam day formalities, documents to carry, prohibited items, and the examination pattern for various papers. Candidates are advised to carefully read through these instructions to ensure a smooth and fair examination experience.

Exam Overview

Important Dates

Exam Day Schedule & Venue

Candidates must strictly adhere to the schedule and venue details as indicated on their downloaded Admit Card. Key details to verify on your Admit Card include:

• Date of Examination
• Shift and Timings of Test
• Venue of Test Centre
• Reporting Time at Centre
• Gate Closing Time of the Centre

It is highly recommended to visit your Examination Centre in advance to familiarize yourself with the location and means of reaching the venue on time to avoid any last-minute rush.

JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern

The JEE (Main) – 2026 Session 2 examination includes various papers. The pattern and marking scheme for each are detailed below:

PHYSICS / CHEMISTRY / MATHEMATICS (B.E./B.Tech.)

APTITUDE TEST (B.Arch./B.Planning)

DRAWING TEST (Part III of B. Arch.)

PLANNING BASED OBJECTIVE TYPE QUESTIONS (B.Planning)

Note: Some questions to assess thinking skills in English will be in English only, in every language set.

Admit Card & What to Verify

Candidates are expected to have already downloaded their Admit Card from the NTA website (https://jeemain.nta.nic.in/). It is crucial to check all details on your Admit Card carefully. In case of any discrepancy, contact the NTA helpline immediately.

Documents Required on Exam Day

Candidates MUST carry the following documents to the examination centre:

• Admit Card: A clear, preferably colour printout on A4 size paper.
• 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. Keep another spare one.
• Valid Photo ID Proof (ORIGINAL): A valid photo identity proof as uploaded in the online application form. This must be in ORIGINAL format. Photocopies, scanned images on mobile phones, or digital copies will NOT be accepted. No candidate will be allowed entry without identity verification.
• PwD/PwBD Certificate (If applicable): Original PwD/PwBD certificate/UDID card issued by the Competent Authority, if claiming relaxation under the PwD/PwBD category.
• Special Certificate (if applicable): Candidates whose live photographs did not match their Aadhaar photos or who registered using non-Aadhaar options, 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 in their registered email ID and NTA Public Notice dated 02 January 2026.

Important Note for PwD/PwBD Candidates: If availing scribe facility (and opted for it in the application form), you will be allowed compensatory time of 20 minutes per hour of examination. Report early for facilitation during entry.

Exam Day Instructions & Prohibitions

Do’s on Exam Day

• Reach the venue at the Reporting Time mentioned on your Admit Card.
• Carry all mandatory documents: Admit Card, photographs, original valid Photo ID proof.
• Ensure your Aadhaar biometric authentication is not locked.
• Fill in required details (signature, Left Hand Thumb Impression) on the attendance sheet legibly and paste the photograph.
• For B. Arch. Drawing Test, bring your own Geometry Box Set, Pencils, Erasers, and Colour Pencils or Crayons.
• Diabetic students are allowed to carry sugar tablets/fruits (bananas/apples/oranges) and transparent water bottles.
• Write your Name and Roll Number on the rough work sheets provided and drop them in the designated drop box before leaving.
• Drop your duly filled-in Admit Card in the designated Dropbox while leaving the Examination Hall/Room.
• Sikh candidates are permitted to wear religious articles like ‘KARA’ and ‘KIRPAN’.
• Familiarize yourself with the computer-based examination interface.

Don’ts on Exam Day

• Do NOT report beyond the Gate Closing Time of the Centre; no entry will be allowed.
• Do NOT carry any prohibited items into the Examination Hall/Room.
• Do NOT use watercolours on the drawing sheet for the B. Arch. Drawing Test.
• Do NOT carry packed foods like chocolates/candy/sandwiches (even for diabetic students).
• Do NOT engage in any unfair means or examination practices. Examination centres are under CCTV surveillance and equipped with Jammers.
• Do NOT write Roll Number, Name, Centre address, or make any special sign on the Test Booklet or Drawing Sheet.
• Do NOT forget to submit rough sheets and Admit Card in the designated drop boxes. Failure to do so may result in non-evaluation.

Last-Minute Preparation Tips

Based on the nature of JEE Main, here are some last-minute preparation tips:

• Revision Focus: Prioritize revising key formulas, concepts, and important theorems from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
• Mock Test Analysis: If you’ve taken mock tests, quickly review your mistakes and ensure you understand the correct approaches.
• Time Management Strategy: Have a clear strategy for allocating time to each section. Do not spend too much time on a single question.
• Stay Calm: Practice deep breathing exercises to manage pre-exam anxiety. A calm mind performs better.
• Sleep Well: Ensure you get a good night’s sleep before the exam day to stay fresh and focused.
• Document Check: Double-check all required documents (Admit Card, ID, photos) the night before.

What to Expect on Exam Day

Candidates appearing for JEE Main 2026 Session 2 can expect the following:

• Biometric Verification: Mandatory biometric attendance and frisking will occur at entry. Candidates who did not register with Aadhaar must report earlier for this process. Re-frisking and biometrics will be done for bio-breaks.
• Computer-Based Test Environment: The exam will primarily be computer-based. Familiarize yourself with the on-screen virtual numeric keypad for Section B questions.
• Rough Work: Blank A4 sheets will be provided for rough work. Remember to write your name and roll number and submit them before leaving.
• Strict Invigilation: Centres are under CCTV surveillance, and jammers are in place to prevent unfair means.
• Question Paper Medium: Ensure the subject/medium of the question paper on the screen matches your opted choice. Report any discrepancy to the invigilator.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What if I forget to carry one of the required documents to the exam center?

A: As per the NTA advisory, no candidate will be allowed to enter the Examination Centre without identity verification and all mandatory documents. It is critical to carry your Admit Card, original Photo ID, and passport-size photographs. Failure to do so may result in being denied entry.

Q2: Can I carry my own water bottle to the exam center?

A: Only transparent water bottles are allowed. Diabetic students are permitted to carry transparent water bottles along with sugar tablets/fruits (like bananas/apples/oranges), but not packed foods like chocolates or sandwiches.

Q3: What should I do if my Admit Card details have errors?

A: The notification advises candidates to check their Admit Card details carefully. If you find any errors or discrepancies, you should immediately contact the NTA Helpline Number (+91-11-40759000) or email (jeemain@nta.ac.in) for assistance before the exam day.

Q4: Is there negative marking in JEE Main 2026?

A: Yes, there is negative marking. For MCQ sections (Physics/Chemistry/Mathematics Section A, Aptitude Test, Planning Based Objective Type Questions), +4 marks are awarded for a correct answer and -1 mark for an incorrect answer. For numerical value questions (Physics/Chemistry/Mathematics Section B), +4 marks for a correct answer and -1 mark for an incorrect answer.

Q5: Can I leave the examination hall before the exam concludes?

A: The advisory does not explicitly mention early exit rules, but typically, candidates are not allowed to leave the examination hall before the scheduled end time. Follow the instructions of the invigilators at the center.

Q6: What items are strictly prohibited inside the exam hall?

A: A comprehensive list of prohibited items includes any instrument/geometry/pencil box, handbag, purse, paper/stationery/textual material, loose or packed eatables/water, mobile phone, earphone, microphone, pager, calculator, DocuPen, Slide Rules, Log Tables, camera, tape recorder, any type of watch (including electronic watches), any metallic item, or electronic gadgets/devices.

Q7: What happens if I fail to drop my Admit Card or rough sheets in the designated boxes?

A: The advisory clearly states that failure to drop the duly filled-in Admit Card and the rough work sheets in the designated drop boxes before leaving the Examination Hall/Room may result in non-evaluation of your answers. Ensure you complete this crucial step.

Q8: Are there any specific instructions for B. Arch. candidates regarding the Drawing Test?

A: Yes, B. Arch. candidates must bring their own Geometry Box Set, Pencils, Erasers, and Colour Pencils or Crayons. Watercolours/poster colour/acrylic colours are NOT allowed. The two drawing questions must be attempted in the space provided on the Drawing Sheet, and no supplementary sheets will be issued. The Drawing Sheet must be submitted to the invigilator.