JEE Main Exam Timing 2026: Shift Wise Time & Paper Schedule for All Days

Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) Main 2027 ( JEE Main )

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JEE Main 2027 Exam Date Session 1

22 Jan '27 - 24 Jan '27

Mamona
Mamona Majumder
Deputy Manager
Updated on Jun 16, 2026 15:44 IST
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the JEE Main shift timings for session 1 and 2 exam. The exam was held in two shifts - morning and evening. The morning JEE Main shift timing is 9 am to 12 pm, and the evening shift timing is 3 pm to 6 pm.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the JEE Main shift timings for both January and April sessions. The exam was held in two shifts - morning and evening. The morning JEE Main shift timing is 9 am to 12 pm, and the evening shift timing is 3 pm to 6 pm. Read more on this page to know JEE Main reporting time for the exam, gate closing time, and other important exam day timings.

JEE Main Exam Timings

JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Exam Timings

JEE Main 2026 Exam Timings: The National Testing Agency has released the exam and shift timing for JEE Mains 2026 exam. As per the details mentioned in the official website, the exam is held in two shifts. On each JEE Main 2026 exam date, the test is held in two shifts - morning and afternoon. The JEE Main shift timing for morning is 9 am to 12 noon, and the shift 2 (afternoon) paper was held from 3 pm to 6 pm.

NTA conducted the JEE Main Session 2 exam on April 2, 4, 5, 6, and 8 for Paper 1 (BE/BTech). Paper 2 (BArch/BPlan) exam was held on April 7. The sesison 1 exam was held from January 21 to 28.

Candidates can check their JEE Main shift timings 2026 through admit card. Candidates must report to the exam centre as per the reporting time mentioned in their JEE Main 2026 admit cards. Candidates must carefully check the JEE Main exam date and time so as to reach exam centre on time. In this article, we have provided complete details on JEE Main 2026 exam timing, reporting time, entry gate closing time, etc., for the slot 1 and slot 2 of the session 2 exam. Read below.

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Table of contents
  • JEE Main Shift Timings 2026 - Shift 1 and Shift 2
  • JEE Main Paper 1 Exam 2026 Time - BE/BTech
  • JEE Mains 2026 Paper 2a Exam Time - BArch
  • JEE Main 2026 Paper 2b Exam Time - BPlan
  • JEE Main 2026 Exam Time for Paper 2a and 2b - BArch and BPlan
  • JEE Main 2026 Exam Centre Reporting Time and Gate Closing Time for Shifts 1 & 2
  • Important Events & Their Timeline for JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Exam Day
  • On the JEE Mains 2026 Exam Day - Carry These Items
View More

JEE Main Shift Timings 2026 - Shift 1 and Shift 2

On each exam day, the JEE Main 2026 was held In two shifts of 3 hours each. This period includes the time which is available for the candidates only to attempt the questions. During this time, candidates will be seated at their designated seats in the exam hall and attempt the exam. The centre reporting time and frisking time is over and above the shift timing.

Note: Compensatory time for PwD/PwBD Candidates of 20 minutes for a one-hour Examination will be given to those who are eligible for Scribe.

Want to know what your JEE Main 2026 rank will be based on your score and percentile?

Check out the JEE Main rank predictor 2026 by Shiksha.com, which predicts your rank after analysing several years’ percentile/marks vs rank data.

JEE Main Rank Predictor 2026

JEE Main Paper 1 Exam 2026 Time - BE/BTech

Check below the exam time for JEE Main 2026 session 2 paper 1:

Shift Paper 1 (BE/BTech) start time Paper 1 (BE/BTech) end time

JEE Main Morning Shift Timing

09:00 AM

12 Noon

JEE Main Afternoon Shift Timing

03:00 PM

6:00 PM

JEE Mains 2026 Paper 2a Exam Time - BArch

Check below the exam time for JEE Main paper 2a:

Note that in the JEE Main 2026 session 2, the paper 2a will be held in one shift only.

Shift Paper 2a (BArch) start time

JEE Main Afternoon Shift Starts at

3 PM

JEE Main Afternoon Shift Ends at

6 PM

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JEE Main 2026 Paper 2b Exam Time - BPlan

Check below the exam time for JEE Main paper 2b:

Note that in the JEE Main 2026 session 2, the paper 2b will be held in one shift only.

Shift Paper 2b (BPlan) start time

JEE Main Afternoon Shift Starts at

3 PM

JEE Main Afternoon Shift Ends at

6 PM

JEE Main 2026 Exam Time for Paper 2a and 2b - BArch and BPlan

The candidates who applied for BArch and BPlan both have to appear for the JEE Main exam as per the schedule below:

Note that in the JEE Main 2026 session 2, the papers 2a and 2b will be held in one shift only.

Shift Paper 2a & 2b (BArch & BPlan) start time

JEE Main Afternoon Shift Starts at

3 PM

JEE Main Afternoon Shift Ends at

6:30 PM

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   In how many cities JEE Main exam is conducted?
A: 

In 2026, NTA conducted JEE Mains in 315 cities in India and 15 cities abroad.

Q:   Will NTA change the exam dates of JEE Main if the dates clashes with other exams?
A: 

No. NTA has clearly mentioned that ot will not change the dates of JEE Main exam of there is a clash of dates with any other examinations.

Q:   What is NTA score in JEE Mains?
A: 

NTA Score in JEE Main result is the normalised score or percentile scores secured by the candidate.

Q:   Are calculators allowed inside exam centre in JEE Main exam?
A: 

No. Any kind of calculator - virtual or physical - is not allowed at the JEE Main exam centres.

JEE Main 2026 Exam Centre Reporting Time and Gate Closing Time for Shifts 1 & 2

Apart from the exam time, candidates have to follow a specific timeline on the exam day. This includes reporting time at the centre, entry time, gate closing time and more. Note that no candidate will be allowed to enter the JEE Mains exam centre if they arrive after the gate closing time. Hence, all candidates have to be present at the exam centre before the gate closes for their respective shifts.

Check below the timings for the exam day of the JEE Main April exam, which all candidates have to follow in the morning and afternoon slots:

Session

Morning Shift

Afternoon Shift

Reporting time

7:00 AM

1:00 PM

Entry to the examination centre/ Hall/ Room

Frisking

Biometric registration

Record of manual attendance by the Invigilator

Document verification

Cross-checking of admit card, signature and photo match

7.00 AM to 8.30 AM

1:00 PM to 2.30 PM

Entry gate closing time 8:30 AM sharp

2:30 PM sharp

Instructions by the invigilator(s) 8.30 AM to 8.50 AM

2.30 PM to 2.50 PM

Candidates log in to read instructions 8.50 AM

2.50 PM

Test commences 9.00 AM

3.00 PM

Test ends 12 Noon

6 PM

Also Read: How to Check JEE Main Exam Date 2026: City Slip & Admit Card Guide

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   I am a PwD candidate. Do I need to carry the PwD certificate to the JEE Main exam centre?
A: 

Yes, you must carry your original PwD certificate (or UDID card) to the JEE Main exam centre to avail of relaxation or scribe services.

Q:   What is the JEE Main 2027 exam date for Session 2 ?
A: 

NTA will conduct the JEE Main 2027 session 2 exam in April 2027.

Q:   Where can I check JEE Main 2027 exam date?
A: 

Candidates can check the allotted JEE Mains 2027 exam date on their JEE admit card and also on the city intimation slip.

Q:   What is JEE Main dress code for boys and girls?
A: 

NTA has not issued any strict guidelines on what to wear and what to avoid. NTA has only stated that shoes with a thick sole and garments with large buttons are not allowed.

Also, Sikh candidates are allowed to carry religious or customary attire such as a Kara or Kirpan. 

Important Events & Their Timeline for JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Exam Day

On the exam day, candidates have to follow the process below:

  • Security Check, document verification & biometric verification (1 hour almost)
  • Candidates should occupy their seats as allotted in the exam hall.
  • Instructions by the invigilator and login instructions (almost 30 minutes)

Since all these processes take time, candidates are asked to reach the exam centre much before the exam starts.

Curious about which college you may get based on your JEE Main 2026 performance?

Check out the JEE Main college predictor 2026 by Shiksha.com, which predicts college based on your JEE Main marks, ranks and percentile after analysing data from previous year cutoffs.

JEE Main College Predictor 2026
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   How to check JEE Main exam date?
A: 

Candidates can check the JEE Main exam date on their city slip and also on their JEE Main admit card.

Q:   Are virtual calculators allowed in JEE Main?
A: 

No. NTA has not allowed calculators of kind - virtual or physical inside the JEE Main exam hall. Candidates must not carry calculators or any other electronic device in the JEE Main examination centre.

Q:   What is JEE Main 2027 exam date?
A: 

NTA has released JEE Main 2027 Session 1 exam date. Session 2 exam dates are expected soon:

  • Session 1: January 22, 23, 24, 28, 29 and 30 2027. January 31 will be buffer day.
  • Session 2: First week of April 2027
Q:   How many times JEE Main is conducted in a year?
A: 

JEE Main is conducted twice a year: in January and April.

On the JEE Mains 2026 Exam Day - Carry These Items

Candidates need to carry the following items to the exam centre.

  1. Admit card along with the filled-in Self Declaration
  2. Two passport-size photos
  3. Any one photo ID proof among – valid School Identity Card/ PAN card / Voter ID/ Passport/ Aadhaar Card (with photograph)/ e-Aadhaar with photograph/ Class 12 Board Admit Card with photograph/ Bank Passbook with Photograph.
  4. Medical certificate (for PwD/PwBD candidates to avail scribe service)
  5. A simple transparent Ball Point Pen

Note: For the BArch paper, candidates must bring their own geometry set, colour pencils, erasers and pencils. No watercolours are required

Read More:

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Where can I find important study materials for JEE Mains preparation?
A: 
Students can check details about JEE Main important chapter and topics from this page. While it is necessary that students pay special attention to chapters with high weightage, it is highly advised that they cover the full JEE Mains syllabus. The question paper of JEE Main is prepared by considering the entire JEE syllabus which consists of topics from Physics Chemistry and Mathematics from class 11 and 12. Important study material for JEE Main like books or short notes can be checked online. Students who are taking coaching can get the study materials from the coaching institutes.
Q:   In how many languages JEE Main exam is conducted?
A: 

National Testing Agency conducts JEE Main exam in a total of 13 languages. The languages in which paper is conducted are Assamese, Bengali, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu in addition to Hindi English and Gujarati. Students can select the language of their choice from the available options while filling the application form. The language of JEE Main question paper during the exam will be available in 3 languages- English Hindi and the language selected by the candidates. The language of paper can be switched among these 3 languages during the exam.

Q:   How is JEE Main conducted, online or offline?
A: 

JEE Main exam is conducted in online mode as a computer based test. This is conducted in 3 different courses. The exam for B.Tech and B. Plan is completely online while the exam for B.Arch is partially online and drawing part is conducted offline.

Q:   In how many shifts JEE Main exam is conducted?
A: 

JEE Main exam is in two shifts each day. First shift is from 9 am to 12 noon and second shift is from 3 pm to 5 pm. Exam is conducted over a period of 5-6 days. In total JEE Main has 10-12 shifts per session. Each session has different question paper set. The exam is for 3 hours.

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Mamona Majumder
Deputy Manager

Currently - Deputy Manager, Content

Role - News and Feature Writer, Content Editor

Expertise - Engineering Education and Counselling

Mamona Majumder specialises in news and feature writing and content editing. With

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Answered a week ago

Top Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering colleges in India that do not require JEE Main rely instead on private entrance exams, state-level tests, or direct merit admissions. Check the table below for the Aerospace engineering colleges in India without JEE.

Top CollegesTuition Fee
Amity University, NoidaINR 11.4 lakh
Presidency University, BangaloreINR 9 lakh
SNS College of TechnologyINR 2 lakh
Parul UniversityINR 7.8 Lacs - INR 10.8 lakh
Amity University, MumbaiINR 4.24 lakh

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

If your JEE Main score is not strong, Galgotias University can be a practical option to consider. It offers multiple B.Tech programmes and gives preference to JEE Main scores while also allowing admission based on its programme-specific eligibility criteria. Compare fees, branch, curriculum, and opp

...Read more

D

Dhruv Sharma

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 3 weeks ago

According to the tentative schedule, JEE Main 2027 counselling registration is likely to commence in June 2027 after the conclusion of both exam sessions.

H

Himani Chopra

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 3 weeks ago

The cutoff rank in Round 7 for BTech Computer Science & Engineering under General All India category is 53,013. It is the most competitive branch in the institute.

H

Himani Chopra

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 3 weeks ago

Yes, JEE Main is compulsory for admission in B.Tech course at SGSITS.

H

Himani Chopra

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 3 weeks ago

After qualifying JEE Main, students need to register themselves for MP BE Counselling, choose colleges/branches, attend rounds and verify documents to secure admission.

H

Himani Chopra

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 3 weeks ago

Getting into B.Tech CSE is straightforward. You need to have passed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics, along with Chemistry, Biotechnology, Biology, or a Technical Vocational subject. Marks from boards like CBSE, ISC, and PSEB are accepted. JEE Main scores are also recognised under the RBUEdge Schol

...Read more

P

Priti Choudhary

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 3 weeks ago

Yes, JEE Main scores are recognised under the RBUEdge Scholarship Program, so your entrance exam effort can also help reduce your fees. A higher score falls in a higher scholarship slab, with the top slab offering a 60% waiver on the course fee. This is a nice reward for the hard work that goes into

...Read more

A

Anya Mehta

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 3 weeks ago

The JEE Main Round 7 cutoff 2026 for SGSITS Indore ranged from 53,013 to 90,468 for General All India candidates across BTech branches.

H

Himani Chopra

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 3 weeks ago

If a student has appeared for JEE Main, they can apply for B.Tech admission at Galgotias University through the university's admission process. JEE Main scores are considered for preference in the merit list, along with the eligibility requirements of the chosen B.Tech programme. After applying, the

...Read more

S

Suhani Pandey

Contributor-Level 8