JEE Main 2026 Session 1: Your Ultimate Guide to Exam Day Success & NTA Instructions!

Your Essential JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Exam Day Checklist and Instructions

Adhering to these instructions precisely will ensure a smooth and stress-free experience on your examination day. Think of this as your personal blueprint for success!

1. Verify Your Admit Card Details Immediately: As soon as you download your Admit Card from the NTA website (https://jeemain.nta.nic.in/), meticulously check every single detail. This includes the Date of Examination, your allotted Shift and Timings of Test, the exact Venue of Test, your Reporting Time at Centre, and the crucial Gate closing time of the Centre. Any discrepancies should be reported to the NTA immediately.

2. Familiarize Yourself with the Examination Centre: We strongly advise you to visit your Examination Centre a day or two in advance. This will help you understand its exact location, ascertain the best means of transport, and estimate travel time. This proactive step helps avoid last-minute rush and ensures you reach the venue well on time.

3. Early Arrival for Aadhaar Non-Registrants: If you did not register through Aadhaar, or if you chose authentication through non-Aadhaar options, it is mandatory to report at least 1 hour before the gate closing time. This extra time is allocated for biometric recording at the Exam Centre, which is a crucial pre-examination formality.

4. Arrive at Reporting Time – Strictly No Entry After Gate Closing: On the day of the examination, arrive at the venue strictly at the Reporting Time mentioned on your Admit Card. Be mindful that several pre-examination formalities need to be completed. Candidates reporting beyond the gate closing time of the Centre will, under no circumstances, be allowed to enter the Test venue. Instructions for this are for strict compliance.

5. Essential Documents & Items to Carry: Prepare these carefully:

   • Your Admit Card downloaded from the NTA Website (preferably a clear colour printout on A4 size paper).
   • At least two passport photographs. One photograph (the same as uploaded with your Online Application Form) must be pasted on the Attendance Sheet at the Centre. Keep an extra one for unforeseen circumstances.
   • A valid Photo ID Proof in ORIGINAL, as uploaded during your online application. Photocopies, scanned images on mobile phones, or digital copies will NOT be accepted. Identity verification is absolute, and entry will be denied without original proof.
   • Certificate for Photo Mismatch (if applicable): If your live photograph did not match with the photograph in your Aadhaar during application, or if you used other identity proof, you must carry the requisite certificate. This certificate must be in original, duly signed/attested by a Principal/Head Master or a Class-I Gazetted Officer (e.g., Tehsildar, Revenue Officer, SDM, DM). For NRI candidates, a Class-I Gazetted Officer of the Indian Embassy can attest. Ensure it adheres to the format shared in your registered email ID and the NTA Public Notice dated 02 January 2026.
   • PwD/PwBD Certificate/UDID Card (if applicable): If claiming relaxation under the PwD/PwBD category, bring your original certificate/UDID card issued by the Competent Authority. Candidates with Physical Disability are advised to report early for necessary facilitation during entry.
   • Scribe Facility: If you opted for a scribe in your online application for JEE (Main) – 2026 due to a physical limitation to write (certified by a CMO/Civil Surgeon/Medical Superintendent), the facility will be provided. PwD candidates availing a scribe will also receive compensatory time of 20 minutes per hour of the examination.

6. Ensure Aadhaar Biometric Authentication is Unlocked: Before exam day, please ensure that your Aadhaar biometric authentication is not locked. This is vital for a smooth and uninterrupted biometric verification process at the examination centre.

7. Complete Attendance Sheet Accurately: In the examination hall, you must accurately enter the required details on the attendance sheet in legible handwriting. Carefully affix your Photograph, sign, and provide your Left Hand Thumb Impression at the appropriate place. Ensure the thumb impression is clear and not smudged.

8. Computer-Based Examination: Remember that the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 will be a computer-based test (CBT). If you haven't already, familiarize yourself with the online interface through mock tests.

9. Verify Your Question Paper: Once the examination begins, ensure that the subject and medium of the Question Paper displayed on your computer screen match your opted subject/medium as indicated on your Admit Card. In case of any discrepancy, immediately bring it to the notice of the Invigilator.

10. Drawing Test Specific Items (B. Arch. Part III): Candidates appearing for the Drawing Test must bring their own Geometry Box Set, Pencils, Erasers, and Colour Pencils or Crayons. Watercolours are strictly prohibited on the drawing sheet.

11. Strictly Prohibited Items: The following items are NOT allowed inside the Examination Hall/Room. There will likely be no provision for safekeeping of valuables, so leave them at home:

    • Instrument/Geometry/Pencil box, Handbag, Purse
    • Any kind of Paper/Stationery/Textual material (printed or written material)
    • Eatables and Water (loose or packed) – except for diabetic candidates as per specific rules below
    • 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

12. Special Provisions for Diabetic Candidates: Diabetic students are permitted to carry eatables such as sugar tablets/fruits (e.g., bananas, apples, oranges) and transparent water bottles into the Examination Hall/Room. However, packed foods like chocolates, candy, or sandwiches are not allowed.

13. Biometric and Frisking Protocol for Bio-breaks: If you need to go for a bio-break or toilet, you will be required to undergo mandatory frisking and biometric attendance again upon re-entry.

14. Rough Work Sheets: Blank A4 size paper sheets will be provided for rough work. You must write your name and Roll Number at the top of each sheet. Crucially, before leaving the Examination Hall/Room, you must drop all rough work sheet(s) in the designated drop box without fail. Failure to do so may lead to the non-evaluation of your answers.

15. Admit Card Submission: Before leaving the Examination Hall/Room, ensure your duly filled-in Admit Card is dropped in the designated Dropbox. Just like rough sheets, failure to submit your Admit Card may result in the non-evaluation of your answers.

16. Read Instructions in Question Paper: Beyond these general advisories, always remember to read and abide by the Subject-Specific Instructions (Annexure 1, as provided in the original document) and General Instructions mentioned in the Question Paper itself.

17. Review Information Bulletin: It is strongly recommended to also go through all instructions provided in the Admit Card and the Information Bulletin of JEE (Main) 2026 for comprehensive understanding.

18. Religious Articles: Sikh candidates are permitted to wear their religious articles, specifically "KARA" and "KIRPAN."

Pro-Tip / Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Don't Procrastinate Document Gathering: Start organizing all required documents (Admit Card printout, original ID, photos) well in advance. Last-minute scrambles are a major source of stress.
• Avoid Unknown Routes: Never rely on new routes or public transport schedules on exam day without prior verification. Stick to familiar paths or plan for extra buffer time.
• Check Photo ID Validity: Ensure your Photo ID Proof is current and exactly matches the details on your Admit Card. An expired or mismatched ID can cause serious issues.
• No Personal Water Bottles (Unless Diabetic): Unless you are a diabetic candidate with permissible items, do not carry your own water bottle. Water will be provided.
• Do Not Write on Admit Card/Test Booklet (Except as Instructed): Only fill in details on the Admit Card as required (e.g., signature, thumb impression) and on rough sheets. Writing anything else on the Admit Card or Test Booklet can lead to disqualification.
• Engage with Mock Tests: If you are not accustomed to computer-based tests, practice extensively with NTA mock tests to familiarize yourself with the interface and time management.
• Stay Calm: Despite all preparations, unforeseen small issues can arise. Maintain your composure, calmly inform the invigilator, and avoid panicking.