JEE Main 2026 Jan 21 LIVE: Day 1 Exam Today, Shift 1 Reporting Time & Important Guidelines

Candidates appearing for JEE Main 2026 exam must avoid anything which they wont require while taking the exam. JEE Main exam day guidelines host list of items that are allowed and prohibited items inside test centre. Candidates must avoid carrying personal items like purse, handbag, earphone, and microphones inside the JEE Main exam hall. Candidates found with any of the prohibited items will not be allowed inside the JEE Main test centre.

The first day of the JEE Main 2026 exam will be held on January 21. The candidates appearing for the exam day are recommended to get a good night's sleep and wake up early tomorrow if the exam is in the morning shift.

For JEE Main 2026 morning shift:

• Candidates should prepare a clear plastic folder containing all mandatory documents.
• Get 7 to 8 hours of sleep, aiming to be asleep as soon as possible. Avoid learning new topics and focus on light revision.
• Set multiple alarms and check your route to the centre.
• Wake up by 5:30 AM - 6:00 AM and have a light and nutritious breakfast.
• Wear simple, light-colored clothes made of lightweight materials without metallic items. Opt for open-toe sandals or slippers with thin soles; shoes with thick soles are prohibited. Do not wear jewellery or watches.
• Plan to reach the centre at least 60 to 90 minutes before the 9:00 AM start time, as gates close at 8:30 AM. Reporting time is 7 am for shift 1 candidates.

NTA will hold the BE/BTech paper today, January 21, in two shifts.

• Shift 1 will be held from 9 am to 12 noon.
• Shift 2 will be held from 3 pm to 6 pm.

As per the data from the past few years, 100 marks in JEE Mains can be around 94 to 96 percentile marks. Check the table below for more details:

NTA does not distinguish between male and female candidates while implementing the dress code. The only instruction that NTA provides regarding the dress code via the JEE Main 2026 admit card is that "Shoes with thick soles and garments with large buttons are not allowed".

But female candidates can take care of some additional points to have a seamless frisking at the exam centres:

1. Avoid heavy jackets, padded coats, trench coats, or hoodies with thick linings, and multiple layers of thick clothing.
2. Opt for a light sweater, a thin sweatshirt, or a plain cardigan.
3. Plain jeans (without metallic studs or chains), simple trousers, or warm leggings/jeggings are allowed.
4. Wear simple slippers or open flat sandals.
5. Caps, hats, mufflers, stoles, and scarves should be avoided inside the centre. Follow the instructions by the centre invigilators.
6. Avoid underwired bras, as they might cause problems during frisking.
7. Do not wear sweaters or cardigans with metallic zippers, large decorative buttons, or metal-threaded embroidery.

In JEE Main Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech), there are 75 questions (25 each in Physics, Chemistry, and Math). There are 20 MCQs and 5 Numerical Value Questions (NVQs) per subject, totalling 300 marks.

Paper 2A (B.Arch) has about 77 questions, including Math, Aptitude, and Drawing.

For Paper 2B (B.Plan), there are 100 questions (Math: 25, Aptitude: 50, Planning: 25).

The candidate must enter the required details on the attendance sheet in legible handwriting.

• They have to put their signature, Left Hand Thumb Impression, and paste the Photograph at the appropriate place during the examination.
• Candidates have to ensure that their Left-Hand Impression is clear and not smudged.

The candidate should ensure that the JEE Mains 2026 question paper available on the computer screen is as per their opted subject/medium indicated in the admit card.

In case the subject/medium of the question paper is other than their opted option, they must report the issue to the Invigilator at the exam hall.

Apart from that, candidates should listen carefully to all the instructions given to them at the exam hall by the invigilators at all times.

Blank paper sheets for rough work of A4 size will be provided in the JEE Mains exam hall tomorrow.

Important instructions for candidates:

• Candidates must write their name and Roll Number at the top of each of the sheets.
• After the exam, they must drop the sheet(s) in the designated drop box without fail, before leaving the exam hall. Failure to do so may result in a non-evaluation of your answers.

The candidates who have not registered forthe  JEE Main 2026 exam with Aadhaar have t o follow the following instructions:

Live photo mistmatch: Candidates whose live photographs did not match with the photographs available in their Aadhaar during the filling of the application form or those who registered using any other identity proof must carry the photo verification certificate in original duly signed/attested by the Principal /Head Master or any Class-I Gazetted Officer, such as Tehsildar, Revenue Officer, SDM, DM/Class-I Gazetted Officer ofthe Indian Embassy (for NRI candidates), as per format shared in their registered email IDs of the candidates.

Non aadhaar declaration form: A Non-Aadhaar declaration form is available on the 4th page of the admit card. Candidates should fill it and carry at the exam centre tomorrow.

Candidates must check the following as indicated on the JEE Main admit card 2026:

1. Date of Examination
2. Shift and Timings of Test
3. Venue of Test
4. Reporting Time at Centre
5. Gate closing time of the Centre

NTA will conduct the BE/BTech paper tomorrow, January 21.

The JEE Mains exam tomorrow will be held in two shifts. In both shifts, candidates will have to answer questions from Maths, Physics and Chemistry.

All candidates should check their exam date and shift timings on their admit card and report to the exam centre accordingly.

NTA will conduct the first day of the JEE Main 2026 session 1 exam tomorrow, January 21. The exam will be held in CBT mode and for paper 1 (BE/BTech) candidates.

There will be two shifts. Shift 1 will start at 9 am. Candidates have to report at 7 am, and gates will close for entry at 8:30 am.

Candidates should carry all important documents on the exam day, which includes:

1. Admit card along with filled in Self Declaration
2. Two passport-size photo
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)