The JEE Main 2026 session 2 exam is being held from April 2 to 8. Candidates appearing for the JEE Mains 2nd attempt must take note of their JEE Mains exam timings carefully. Not just the exam shift time, candidates should also take extra care of the reporting time. On this page, we have provided details of the JEE Mains 2026 session 2 exam time, shift time and reporting time.
JEE Mains 2026 Shift Timings
JEE Mains 2026 Shift Timings: The National Testing Agency (NTA) is conducting the JEE Main 2026 session 2 exam in multiple shifts across several days. The paper 1 exam is being held on April 2, 4, 5, 6 and 8 and on each day there will be two shifts. While the paper 2 exam will be held in one shift on April 7. Knowing the exact shift timings is very important for candidates so they can plan their exam day properly and avoid last-minute stress. This article explains the JEE Main 2026 Session 2 shift timings, reporting schedule, and important instructions. Read below.
- JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Shift Timings
- Reporting Time for JEE Mains 2026 Session 2
- Why JEE Mains Shift Timings Matter
- Tips to Manage Your JEE Mains Session 2 Shift Effectively
- Important Instructions for JEE Mains Session 2 Exam Day
JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Shift Timings
JEE Main April session will be conducted in two shifts per day for BE/BTech (Paper 1). Check the timings below:
- Shift 1 (Morning Shift): 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Shift 2 (Afternoon Shift): 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Each shift is of 3 hours duration. Candidates must carefully check their allotted shift on the JEE Mains 2026 admit card.
Check below day wise shift timings of JEE Mains Session 2:
| Date | Paper | Shift timings |
|---|---|---|
| April 2, 4, 5 and 6 | Paper 1 - BE/BTech | Shift 1 - 9 am to 12 pm Shift 2 - 3 pm to 6 pm |
| April 7 | Paper 2a - BArch Paper 2b - BPlan |
Shift 2 - 3 pm to 6 pm and 3 pm to 6:30 pm if appearing for both paper 2a and 2b |
| April 8 | Paper 1 - BE/BTech | Shift 2 - 3 pm to 6 pm |
Reporting Time for JEE Mains 2026 Session 2
Apart from the exam timings, candidates should also pay attention to the reporting time. Entry to the JEE Mains exam centre closes well before the exam starts.
Here is the expected reporting schedule:
For Shift 1:
- Reporting starts: 7:00 AM
- Last entry: 8:30 AM
For Shift 2:
- Reporting starts: 1:00 PM
- Last entry: 2:30 PM
Candidates are strongly advised to reach the exam centre at least 1.5 to 2 hours before the exam to complete security checks and biometric verification smoothly.
Why JEE Mains Shift Timings Matter
Many students ignore the importance of shift timings, but it plays a big role in their performance. Here’s why:
- Better time management: Knowing your shift helps you plan your sleep, meals, and travel.
- Avoid panic: Reaching early keeps you relaxed and focused.
- Exam strategy: Morning and afternoon shifts may feel different due to energy levels, so preparation should be adjusted accordingly. For example, students appearing in the morning shift should sleep early the night before, while afternoon shift candidates should avoid feeling too relaxed and losing focus.
Tips to Manage Your JEE Mains Session 2 Shift Effectively
Here are some simple tips to help you perform well according to your shift timing:
For Morning Shift:
- Wake up early and revise key formulas
- Eat a light breakfast
- Reach the centre well in advance
For Afternoon Shift:
- Avoid studying too much right before the exam
- Have a light lunch
- Stay calm and avoid overthinking
In both cases, make sure you stay hydrated and carry only the required documents.
JEE Main 2026 Session 2 shift timings will play an important role in your exam day experience. The key to doing well in JEE Main is not just preparation but also proper planning on the exam day. Reach early, follow instructions, and stay calm during your shift. Keep checking official updates from NTA, and once your admit card is available, make sure to go through all the details carefully.
Important Instructions for JEE Mains Session 2 Exam Day
Following the shift timings properly is not just about arriving on time. Candidates must follow a few important guidelines to avoid any issues:
Commonly asked questions
Yes, it is mandatory to carry a print copy of the JEE Mains admit card. Soft copy on the mobile phone is not valid for entry at exam.
No. It is not mandatory to carry a colour printout of the JEE Main admit card. Candidates can carry a black and white printout; just make sure that all details are clear. Check the clarity of the photo, QR code, Bar Code and other details after the printout and ensure that everything is readable.
No. Any kind of calculator - virtual or physical - is not allowed at the JEE Main exam centres.
Yes. Candidates should not wear flashy clothes but wear very simple clothing to the JEE Main exam. Make sure your clothes do not have any metallic objects and do not carry or wear any jewellery. Basically, try to avoid anything that can prolong the frisking process.
Commonly asked questions
Candidates can check the allotted JEE Mains 2026 exam date on their JEE admit card and also on the city intimation slip.
The JEE Main 2026 exam shift timings are:
- Shift 1: 9 am to 12 noon
- Shift 2: 3 pm to 6 pm
No, candidates are not allowed to carry personal rough sheets into the exam hall. The rough sheets are provided at the JEE Mains exam centre to all candidates.
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- Carry your admit card: It is mandatory to bring a printed copy of the JEE Main 2026 admit card.
- Valid ID proof: Aadhaar card, PAN card, or any government-approved ID is required.
- Follow JEE Mains dress code: Avoid wearing items with metal objects or heavy accessories.
- Do not carry restricted items: Electronic gadgets, calculators, notes, and bags are not allowed inside the exam hall.
- Biometric verification: Fingerprint and photograph verification will be done at the centre.
- If a candidate arrives late and misses the entry window, they will not be allowed to enter under any circumstances.
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered Yesterday
Yes, eligible candidates can get admission in SGT University without appearing for JEE (Mains). The university gives admission based on marks or CUET-UG. The university also conducts SGTUEE for admission.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
Apex University fills its seats via CUET or AUCET scores. AUCET is an in-house entrance test conducted for admission in UG and PG courses. Hence, aspirants do not require JEE Main scores to get admission.
N
Guide-Level 15
Answered 2 days ago
Overall, MET is easier than JEE Main since most questions are not as conceptually challenging as JEE Main. However, students face time management issues during MET.
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Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 days ago
For getting into top NITs like NIT Trichy or NIT Warangal in popular branches like CSE, students generally need a percentile of 98.5 or above. For other branches and lower-ranked NITs, a percentile of 90 to 95 may be sufficient. The specific cutoff changes from year to year depending on the number o
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
There is no separate JEE Main cutoff for the OBC category at Manipal Institute of Technology.
For regular B.Tech admissions, MIT primarily admits students based on the Manipal Entrance Test (MET) merit list, rather than category-wise JEE Main ranks. The institute does not publicly release separate OB
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 2 days ago
With 57.8 percentile in JEE Main and 73% in Class 12, your chances depend on your category, home state, and JEE rank.
- Eligibility: Your 73% in Class 12 satisfies the basic B.Tech eligibility requirement (minimum 45% aggregate in PCM for General category in AKTU-affiliated colleges).
- CSE through UPTAC
K
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 3 days ago
DCRUST closed its JEE (Main) last round cutoff 2026 (General- All India) at 115363 for its BTech (Computer Science and Engineering). While the JEE (Main) last round cutoff 2026 (General- Home state) at DCRUST closed at 70662. JEE (Main) is required to qualify the eligibility criteria at the univer
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Beginner-Level 5
Answered 3 days ago
Yes, JEE Main compulsory to get admission in BTech at Doon University. The university requires valid score in JEE Main to get admission in the four-year BTech in Computer Science & Engineering (Hons/Hons with Research).
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
Shiv Nadar University BTech admissions board sets aside specific scholarship categories for top JEE Main rankers. Students with exceptionally high percentiles can qualify for direct tuition fee waivers. The exact slab criteria are updated on the website during the application cycle.
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Contributor-Level 9
Answered 4 days ago
Yes, Dayananda Sagar University accept JEE Main for admission. Dayananda Sagar University admission is entrance-based. Students can appear for national level entrance exams or DSAT. Students can appear for JEE Main/ COMED K/ DSAT for admisison in BTech at Dayananda Sagar University. The univeristy a
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