LIVE

JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Exam LIVE Updates: Reporting Time, Dress Code, Instructions

The JEE Main 2026 Day 1 Session 1 Shift 1 exam will be over in an hour!

The JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Exam Shift 1 paper has started. The exam will be over at 12:00 PM. 

PwD candidates are specially advised to reach the examination hall at least 1 hour before the exam starts to complete all the verification and checking processes. 

• Admit Card
• Self Declaration
• Photo ID proof
• Disability Certificate (if applicable)
• Scribe (If Applicable)

• Morning Shift Reporting Time: 7:00 AM and 8:30 AM.
• Afternoon Shift Reporting Time: 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM.

The exam will be conducted in two shifts:

• Shift 1: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. 
• Shift 2: 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

The JEE MAIN 2026 Session 1 Exam starts today, January 21, 2026.

Candidates will get a copy of their response sheet a few days after all the shifts are over.

As per NTA guidelines, candidates must drop the rough sheets and their Admit Card in the designated drop box while exiting. Failure to do so may result in their paper not being evaluated.

No. Even if a candidate finishes early, he must remain seated until the full 3 hours are completed and the invigilator permits everyone to leave.

• If a candidate answers + Mark for Review, it will be evaluated even if you don't look at it again.
• If a candidate only marks for Review (without choosing an option), it will not be evaluated.

Most toppers start with Chemistry because it takes 30-40 mins. However, candidates can choose any subject based on their preparation, confidence, and the difficulty level of the paper. 

No. There is no sectional time limit. Candidates have a total of 180 minutes to distribute among the three subjects.

Candidates must write their Name and Roll Number at the top of each rough sheet provided.

Initially, candidates are typically provided with 3 to 4 A4-sized sheets. However, they can request additional sheets from the invigilator. 

Candidates can freely switch between Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics at any time during the 3-hour duration.

Candidates must inform the invigilator immediately. The candidates’ exam timer will pause, and they will be provided with a buffer or a different system without losing any of their allotted time.

No, on-screen/off-screen calculators are not allowed in the JEE Main 2026 Exam.

Candidates must read questions carefully and focus on words like "NOT," "EXCEPT," or "INCORRECT" to analyse the question type. 

It is important to remember that in Section B, candidates only need to attempt 5 out of 10 questions. Choose the 5 you are most confident about. Since there is negative marking, avoid guessing.

• Solve all easy and direct questions in the first 30-40 mins.
• Move to moderately difficult questions in the next 80-90 mins.
• Attempt difficult/lengthy questions or review marked ones in 30 mins.

It is generally advised not to take a mock test on the day before the exam. A low score might demotivate the candidate. Instead, candidates can review errors made in previous mock tests.

Aspirants can focus on:

• formula sheets
• short notes
• Key reactions in Chemistry. 

Candidates are strictly advised not to start any new topics. Trying to learn new concepts now will only increase anxiety and cause confusion.

Diabetic candidates are allowed to carry fruits (like an apple or banana), sugar tablets, and medicines, provided they are in transparent containers. Packaged foods like chips or sandwiches are strictly prohibited.

Yes, candidates can carry transparent water bottles inside the examination hall. 

Candidates who will appear for the JEE Main 2026 Exam must pick their clothes according to the rules. It is recommended to wear light clothing with no big buttons, no multiple pockets, and no hoodies. Also, wear footwear with thin soles and avoid any kind of metal or jewellery. 

Candidates must arrange the following documents and keep them ready for tomorrow:

• JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Admit Card
• Valid Photo ID Proof
• 2-3 Coloured passport-sized photographs (same as used in the admit card).
• Self-declaration form.
• PwD Certificate (If Applied).

• Solve the section you are most confident in.
• Do not spend too much time solving only one question.
• Keep in  mind the negative marking. 
• Continue to mark the answers you are confident about and do not leave them for later.
• Avoid questions you are not sure about.

• Do not start any new topic.
• Focus on the topics in which you are most confident.
• Revise from formula notes.
• Cover the revision of high-weightage topics.

Kriti Rao from Pune predicts a Chemistry paper filled with direct questions in Inorganic Chemistry. If the questions are of even moderate level, Kriti expects to save 20 minutes for the difficult math problems.

Karthik Swaminathan from Chennai predicts that while the theory might be straightforward, the numerical values will be the real test. He is predicting the JEE Main 2026 physics paper to be manageable.

• Coordination Compounds
• D and f Block Elements
• Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure

• GOC and Reaction Techniques
• Hydrocarbons
• Haloalkanes and Haloarenes

• Thermodynamics and Energetics
• Mole Concept and Redox
• Electrochemistry

• Electrostatistics and Capacitancy
• Modern Physics
• Thermodynamics

Shreya from Patna predicts that the January 21 shift might be a bit more balanced than the later ones, as trends show the difficulty often spikes toward the end of the week.

Megha Verma From Lucknow shares that she hopes to clear the 95 percentile target now so that she can focus on JEE Advance early.

The PwD candidates are advised to reach the examination centre at least 1 hour before the examination to complete the verification process on time. 

The provision for extra is applicable only for PwD candidates as per the official government guidelines (usually 20 mins per hour).

After analysing previous year’s trends, Ishaan from Ahmedabad believes the NTA will continue the trend of high-weightage for Modern Physics.

The JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Exam starts tomorrow January 21, 2026, as per the schedule. 

PwD candidates must carry their valid PwD certificate and report early for document verification at the examination centre.

Yes. Fingerprint and facial recognition are part of the JEE Main 2026 entry and exit process.

Yes, candidates can change the language for specific questions on the screen.

• Green: Answered.
• Red: Not answered.
• Purple: Marked for review.
• White: Not visited.

Candidates can mark a question for review using the "Mark for Review & Next" button. These are considered for evaluation if answered.

No. There is no break between different subjects. Candidates can switch between Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics at any time during the 3 hours.

No, candidates can only leave the examination centre after the full 3 hours are over.

Candidates must drop the rough work paper in the designated drop box at the examination centre before leaving.

Candidates will get A4-sized sheets to do the rough work. They must write their name and roll number at the top of each sheet.

• Admit card
• Disability certificate
• ID card
• Transparent ball point pen
• Transparent water bottle

No, except for diabetic candidates (who can carry fruits like bananas/apples).

• Mobile Phones
• Earphones/earbuds
• Pager
• Pencil box or geometry box (except for Paper 2 (B.Arch) candidates)
• Wallets or handbags
• Paper for rough work
• Health bands

No, calculators of any kind are not allowed during the JEE Main 2026 Exam.

No, calculators, either physical or on-screen, will  not be provided or allowed during the JEE Main 2026 exam

Candidates must avoid wearing clothes with large buttons or many pockets.

No. Any kind of watch (analog or digital) is strictly prohibited.

Considering the weather, candidates can only wear light sweaters or jackets without metallic zippers/buttons.

It is advised to avoid belts with large metallic buckles as they trigger metal detectors.

Both male as well as female candidates must refrain from wearing any jewellery to the examination centre. This includes rings, earrings, nose pins, toe rigns, anklets, bracelets, chains etc.

Shoes are not allowed inside the examination hall. Candidates should wear open sandals or slippers with thin soles.

Sneha Singh from Lucknow feels Chemistry, especially Inorganic, will be direct and theory-based from NCERT.

Rohit Verma from Kota says Mathematics may be time-consuming with calculus and coordinate geometry carrying high weightage.

Female candidates are recommended to wear simple tops, kurtis (without heavy embroidery), leggings, or jeans. Female candidates must also prefer sandal/floater/slippers over footwear with thick soles or heels. 

Male candidates are recommended to wear simple T-shirts or shirts with half-sleeves and light trousers/jeans. Candidates must prefer sandal/floater/slippers over footwear with thick soles.

No, it is not mandatory for the candidates to carry the city intimation slip to the examination centre. 

As per the review received from Aman Kumar from Patna, Physics will be NCERT-focused with more numerically-based questions. He expects Mechanics and Current Electricity to dominate the paper.

In such a case, candidates must carry a gazetted notification or a marriage certificate (if applicable) to prove the name change.

Yes, candidates must carry one passport-size photo, identical to the one uploaded in the application form, to be pasted on the attendance sheet.

No. Candidates must sign the JEE Main 2026 admit card only in the presence of the invigilator.

Yes, candidates must paste a photograph in the designated box on the Self-Declaration form before reaching the center.

The SELF-DECLARATION form is a part of the JEE Main 2026 admit card where candidates declare their health status and travel history. Candidates must fill it before reaching the centre.

No, candidates must carry the original photo ID for verification purposes. 

Candidates must carry any of the following valid photo ID proofs with updated details to the examination centre along with their hall ticket:

• Aadhaar Card
• PAN Card
• Voter ID
• Passport
• Driving License

While black and white is accepted, a color printout is recommended for clarity of the photo and barcode.

No, a physical, clear printout (preferably on A4 paper) of the JEE Main 2026 Admit Card is mandatory.

• Morning shift: 8:50 AM. 
• Afternoon shift: 2:50 PM.

No, NTA follows a zero-tolerance policy for late arrivals. Candidates will not be allowed in any case to enter the examination centre after the gates are closed.  

Candidates should report between 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM. The last time to enter the examination centre for shift 2 candidates is 2:30 PM. 

Candidates should report between 7:00 AM and 8:30 AM. The last time to enter the examination centre for shift 1 candidates is 8:30 AM. 

The JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Paper 2 exam is typically held in a single shift: 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM (or 12:00 PM for single papers).

• Shift 1: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. 
• Shift 2: 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

Steps to download JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Hall Ticket:

• Visit the official website - jeemain.nta.nic.in. 
• Click on the “Admit Card JEE Main 2026 Session 1” link available on the homepage.
• A new login page will open in a new tab.
• Enter the application number, password, and security PIN. 
• Click login to download the admit card.

Candidates can download their JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Exam Admit card through the download link : JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Hall Ticket

• 
  Alternate Link : JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Admit Card Download Link

The JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Exam admit card has been released on the official website - jeemain.nta.nic.in.