JEE Mains 2026 Guidelines: Check Exam Day Rules, Dress Codes, & Exam Pattern

JEE Mains 2026 is a national-level entrance exam conducted by NTA for admission to B.E./B.Tech, B.Arch and B.Planning courses in institutes like NITs, IIITs and other centrally funded technical institutions. It is also the screening test for JEE Advanced, which is required for admission to IITs.

JEE Mains 2026 will be held in two sessions: Session 1, from January 21 to 30, 2026, and Session 2, from April 1 to 10, 2026.  The JEE Mains 2026 registration for Session 1 opened on 31 October 2025 at jeemain.nta.nic.in, and the last date to apply and submit fees is 27 November 2025.

However, the JEE Mains 2026 eligibility criteria consist of candidates who passed class 12 in 2024 or 2025, or are appearing in 2026 with subjects Physics and Mathematics with one additional science or technical subject as required. There is no upper age limit for JEE Mains 2026. Candidates can appear in both sessions in a year, with a total of up to six attempts allowed over three consecutive years from the year of their Class 12 passing.

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JEE Mains 2026 Exam Date

The JEE Mains 2026 is held twice a year by NTA for admission to premier engineering courses. The exam dates for Session 1 are from January 21 to 30, 2026, and for Session 2, from April 1 to 10, 2026. Candidates must meet registration deadlines for each session to participate.

Particulars	Session 1	Session 2
Exam Dates	January 21 to January 30, 2026	April 1 to April 10, 2026
Registration Start Date	October 31, 2025	Last week of January 2026
Registration End Date	November 27, 2025 (11:50 PM)	Late February 2026
Fee Payment Last Date	November 27, 2025 (11:50 PM)	Late February 2026
Exam City Announcement	First week of January 2026	First/Second week of March 2026
Admit Card Release	4–7 days before the exam	4–7 days before the exam
Result Declaration	February 2026	May 2026

JEE Mains 2026 Exam Pattern

Check the distribution of questions and marks in the JEE Mains 2026 Paper for BE/B.Tech:

Particulars	Details
Examination Mode	Online (Computer-Based Test)
Examination Duration	3 Hours (180 Minutes)
Exam Sections (Paper 1)	Total Questions: 90
Maximum Marks	300 Marks
Physics	30 Questions
Chemistry	30 Questions
Mathematics	30 Questions
Exam Sections (Paper 2)	Total Queries: 77
Aptitude Test	50 Questions
Drawing	2 Queries
Mathematics	25 Queries
Types of Questions	Objective (Multiple Choice Questions)
Medium of Exam	English, Hindi, and Other Regional Languages
Marking Scheme	Correct Answer: +4 Marks
	Incorrect Answer: -1 Mark
	Unattempted: 0 Marks

Check the distribution of questions and marks in the JEE Mains Paper for BE/BTech:

Subjects	Section A Questions	Section B Questions	Marks
Chemistry	30	10	100
Physics	30	10	100
Mathematics	30	10	100
Total	90		300

Also Check: JEE Mains 2026 Update

JEE Mains 2026 Guidelines On Exam Day

The JEE Main 2026 guidelines for the exam day are a crucial milestone for every engineering candidate. From the list of items allowed inside the exam hall to reporting time and dress code, following these instructions carefully ensures a smooth, stress-free experience. Here’s a concise overview of the JEE Mains 2026 exam day guidelines all candidates must know before appearing for the test.

1. Candidates must reach the examination venue at least two hours before the exam begins to complete all entry formalities comfortably.
2. After the Examination Hall opens, candidates should take their assigned seats immediately. Those arriving after the gate closing time, regardless of the reason (such as heavy traffic or transport delays), will not be permitted to take the test. Requests for reconsideration of late entry will not be entertained. The NTA bears no responsibility for any delay in a candidate’s arrival.
3. Candidates must present a printed or downloaded copy of their Admit Card from the NTA website upon request. Examination staff are authorised to verify the candidate’s identity and may take necessary measures to confirm it. Candidates should cooperate fully. Entry will be denied to anyone lacking a valid Admit Card and acceptable photo identification.
4. Each applicant will be assigned a specific seat with their roll number. Candidates must occupy their designated seats only. Changing seats without permission will be treated as an Unfair Means (UFM) violation, which may result in the cancellation of candidature or disqualification, as per the UFM rules.
5. Before starting the exam, candidates must ensure the subject of the Question Paper displayed on their screen matches the subject selected in their Admit Card. Any discrepancy should immediately be reported to the Invigilator.

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Instructions On the Day of the Exam

6. During the exam, candidates may approach the Invigilator or Centre Superintendent for technical help, first aid, or other necessary support.
7. For any issues related to the Computer-Based Test, candidates can call the helpline numbers listed on the JEE Mains 2026 website or refer to Appendix VIII in the Information Bulletin.
8. Providing false information to appear in multiple shifts or on various dates will be treated as a UFM violation. It may result in the cancellation of candidature or up to three years of debarment.
9. NTA will not conduct a re-test for candidates who miss their assigned date, shift, or reporting time for any reason.
10. Candidates must ensure all details entered in their online Application Form, such as name, parents’ names, date of birth, gender, category, contact details, photo, signature, and exam city preferences, are correct. NTA will accept no modification or correction after submission through any medium (post, email, WhatsApp, fax, etc).
11. The following items are strictly prohibited inside the examination centre: geometry boxes, calculators, handbags, stationery, printed or written material, eatables, bottled water, mobile phones, electronic gadgets, metal items, cameras, watches with calculators, or any other unauthorised materials.
12. Candidates should retain both digital and printed copies of the Confirmation Page, Admit Card, and Scorecard, as these documents will no longer be available after July 31, 2026.
13. All rough work, including calculations or written notes, must be done only on the Rough Sheets provided in the Examination Hall or Room. After completing the test, candidates are required to return all Rough Sheets to the Invigilator present in the hall.
14. Each candidate must clearly write their Name and Application Number at the top of every Rough Sheet issued to them. Exchanging or sharing Rough Sheets among candidates is strictly prohibited and will be treated as Unfair Means (UFM), attracting disciplinary action as per the applicable rules. After the examination, the Invigilator will collect all Rough Sheets and later dispose of them through secure shredding.

Documents Required for JEE Mains 2026

The following documents must be carried to the examination centre; entry will not be allowed without them:

• A printed Admit Card with filled-in Self Declaration (Undertaking) form from the NTA website (A4 size).
• One passport-size photo (identical to that uploaded in the Application Form) for the attendance sheet.
• One valid, original, non-expired photo ID proof such as a School ID, PAN Card, Voter ID, Passport, Aadhaar Card (or e-Aadhaar), Class 12 Board Admit Card, or Bank Passbook.
• PwD/PwBD candidates must bring the appropriate certificate issued by a competent medical authority to claim applicable relaxations.
• A simple transparent ballpoint pen.

JEE Mains 2026: Unfair Means Practices and Breach of Examination Rules

Unfair Means Practices refer to any actions or behaviours by a candidate intended to gain an improper advantage over others. Such activities violate examination rules and undermine the integrity, equality, and confidentiality of the assessment process. Examples of Unfair Means include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Possession or use of prohibited materials or devices in the examination hall, such as stationery, mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, smartwatches, calculators, electronic gadgets, or any other items restricted by the examination authority.
• Impersonation, i.e., arranging or allowing another person to take the examination on one’s behalf, or providing material for copying.
• Assisting or attempting to assist others in unfair practices, including providing or receiving help in any form.
• Communicating or attempting to communicate with anyone other than authorised personnel during the examination.
• Talking, signalling, whispering, or attempting to view another candidate’s work.
• Sharing answers through gestures or signals, or glancing at another participant’s screen or answer sheet.
• Threatening any examination officials or other candidates.
• Engaging in any unacceptable conduct or actions that may disrupt the examination.
• Altering, fabricating, or misusing official or examination-related documents such as admit cards, scorecards, identification proofs, or certificates issued by a government authority.
• Entering or leaving the examination centre outside the permitted schedule.
• Using or attempting to use any form of electronic device after entering the exam premises.
• Uploading incorrect, forged, or altered photographs or signatures on application forms or admit cards.
• Exchanging rough sheets or any written material with others.
• Attempting to hack or manipulate the examination system through unauthorised software, USB devices, or by recording or capturing screen content.
• Possessing or using slips of written or printed material inside the hall.
• Registering with multiple application numbers or having more than one scorecard will result in disqualification.
• Submitting false or manipulated disability, medical, or other official certificates.
• Violating any directions issued by the National Testing Agency (NTA) regarding examination procedures.

Consequences of Unfair Means Practices

As per the JEE Mains 2026 guidelines, If a candidate is found guilty of engaging in any unfair means before, during, or after the examination, such actions will be treated as an Unfair Means (UFM) case. A designated committee will review every case to determine the appropriate course of action.

The NTA retains full authority to impose disciplinary measures in accordance with established regulations. Depending on the nature and severity of the offence, the candidate may face disqualification, cancellation of results, debarment from appearing in future examinations for up to three years, and potential legal or criminal proceedings. No appeals or representations will be entertained regarding such decisions.

Last-Minute Checklist & Practical Tips

Use this simple checklist 2–3 days before your exam to make sure everything is in place:

• Print 2–3 copies of your admit card in advance and keep them in separate folders or bags.
• Keep your original photo ID (such as Aadhaar, PAN, or school ID) ready and easily accessible.
• Arrange a few recent passport-sized photos, preferably the same as the ones used in your exam application.
• If applicable, keep your category or PwD certificates ready, properly signed and attested.
• Double-check your exam date, shift timing, reporting time, and exact centre address. Make sure you know whether you have a morning or afternoon session.
• Plan your travel route and estimate travel time. Do a quick trial run to the exam centre to avoid confusion on exam day.
• Prepare a small kit for exam day with the essentials: your admit card, ID, a water bottle, a pen (if allowed), and any required documents.

On the day of the exam, follow these practical tips:

• Start early and aim to arrive at the centre at least 30 minutes before the reporting time.
• Eat a light, balanced meal before leaving; avoid heavy or oily foods.
• Stay calm, don’t panic or attempt new topics in the final hour.
• Use the waiting time to relax and mentally review key formulas or summaries, not full chapters.
• Once seated, read all on-screen and invigilator instructions carefully before starting the test.
• Keep an eye on the clock and stick to your planned time allocation for each section or subject.
• If stuck on a question, move on and return later; maintaining momentum is key.

Conclusion

JEE Mains 2026 is a critical step for aspiring engineers seeking admission into top institutes, with clear guidelines to ensure a smooth exam experience. Candidates should carefully follow the official exam day instructions, dress code, and exam pattern to avoid disqualification and maximise their performance. Thorough preparation, timely registration, and adherence to the rules outlined by the NTA will help aspirants approach the exam with confidence and success.