Clarification on Use of Virtual Calculator in JEE (Main) 2026- Reg.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has issued a critical Public Notice on 02 November 2025, providing a crucial clarification regarding the use of virtual calculators in JEE (Main) 2026. This announcement is vital for all aspiring candidates preparing for the Joint Entrance Examination (Main) – 2026, an examination structured to be conducted in two distinct sessions: Session I in January 2026 and Session II in April 2026. Candidates should note that the online application process for JEE (Main) – 2026, Session I, has already been made live on the NTA website (https://jeemain.nta.nic.in/) since 31 October 2025 for eligible candidates to complete and submit their applications.

The core of this clarification addresses an ambiguity found in Appendix-VIII of the Information Bulletin for JEE (Main) – 2026, specifically within the section pertaining to “Computer Based Test (CBT).” The initial bulletin mentioned that an onscreen standard calculator would be available during the Computer-Based Test. However, the NTA unequivocally states that this feature, while intrinsic to the generic test conducting platform, DOES NOT apply to JEE (Main). It is imperative for all candidates to understand that the use of calculators in any form, virtual or physical, is strictly NOT permitted in the JEE (Main) 2026 examination.

Recognizing the potential inconvenience and confusion caused by this discrepancy, the NTA has expressed its regret for the typographic error in the original Information Bulletin of JEE (Main) 2026. To rectify this, a revised Information Bulletin for JEE (Main) 2026 has been promptly uploaded to the NTA's official website. Candidates are strongly advised to download and thoroughly review this updated document for accurate guidelines and to ensure full compliance with the examination rules. For any further clarifications, candidates are encouraged to frequently visit the official NTA websites.

• Public Notice Date: 02 November 2025.
• Examination Name: Joint Entrance Examination (Main) – 2026.
• Examination Sessions: The JEE (Main) 2026 will be conducted in two sessions:
  • Session I: Scheduled for January 2026.
  • Session II: Scheduled for April 2026.
• Online Application for Session I: The application process for JEE (Main) – 2026, Session I, went live on the NTA website (https://jeemain.nta.nic.in/) on 31 October 2025.
• Critical Calculator Clarification: The NTA explicitly states that the use of calculators in ANY form (including virtual or onscreen) is NOT permitted during the JEE (Main) 2026 examination.
• Reason for Clarification: An initial typographic error in Appendix-VIII of the Information Bulletin for JEE (Main) – 2026 incorrectly mentioned the availability of an onscreen standard calculator during the CBT.
• Rectification: NTA regrets the error and has uploaded a revised Information Bulletin for JEE (Main) 2026 to its official website, which candidates are advised to download.
• NTA Contact Information:
  • Helpline Number: +91-11-40759000
  • E-mail: jeemain@nta.ac.in
• Official Websites for Updates: Candidates should regularly visit www.nta.ac.in and https://jeemain.nta.nic.in/ for the latest announcements and updates.

Here’s what students need to do next to ensure they are prepared and compliant for JEE (Main) 2026:

1. Complete JEE (Main) – 2026, Session I Application: If you are an eligible candidate and have not yet done so, proceed immediately to fill and submit your online application form for JEE (Main) – 2026, Session I. The application portal has been active on the NTA website (https://jeemain.nta.nic.in/) since 31 October 2025.
2. Download the Revised Information Bulletin: It is absolutely crucial for all candidates to download the recently uploaded revised Information Bulletin for JEE (Main) 2026 from the NTA's official website. This updated document contains the definitive rules and guidelines, particularly clarifying the non-permissibility of calculators.
3. Strictly Adhere to the No-Calculator Rule: Internalize and prepare for the examination knowing that NO calculator of any kind (virtual, onscreen, or physical) is allowed in JEE (Main) 2026. Adjust your study and practice methods accordingly.
4. Stay Updated via Official Channels: For all the latest news, further clarifications, and critical announcements regarding JEE (Main) – 2026, candidates are strongly advised to frequently visit the official National Testing Agency (NTA) websites: www.nta.ac.in and https://jeemain.nta.nic.in/.