JEE Main 2026 Exam Day Guidelines: Do’s and Don’ts, Dress Code & Reporting Rules
JEE Main exam day guidelines are crucial, as they decide if a candidate will appear for the exam or not. Every year, thousands of students are denied entry to the centre due to late reporting, wrong dress code or other mistakes. The JEE exam gives students a chance to get admission in the top engineering colleges, including IITs, NITs, and GFTIs. 12 lakh students will be sitting for JEE Main 2026, and one single mistake can cost you your chance to sit in the top engineering colleges.
The JEE Main 2026 exam guidelines are mentioned in the admit card. This blog covers all the aspects of the guidelines released by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The JEE Main exam guidelines mentioned are based on official instructions released by NTA through the information bulletin and admit card.
JEE Main 2026 Exam Day Guidelines (NTA Instructions)
The JEE Main 2026 exam will be conducted soon. There is stress and pressure among all JEE aspirants, and it is common to make small mistakes that can have big consequences on exam day. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released JEE Main 2026 exam day guidelines. Follow these JEE Main exam day guidelines carefully to ensure a smooth exam experience.
Key JEE Main Exam Day Guidelines (Highlights)
- Reach the exam centre 1.5 to 2 hours before the reporting time. Candidates need to go through security checks, document verification, and frisking, which are time-consuming.
- The entry gates will be closed at the mentioned gate closing time and will not open under any circumstances.
- Carry the JEE Main admit card, a valid photo ID, same passport-sized photograph as the admit card to the exam centre.
- The invigilator will guide the candidates regarding seating arrangements and exam instructions.
- Candidates are advised to thoroughly read the on-screen instructions before starting the exam. Clear instructions will be given regarding section navigation, answer marking, and review options.
JEE Main 2026 Exam Timings & Reporting Schedule
The JEE Main 2026 exam will be conducted in two shifts – a morning and an afternoon shift. Candidates are supposed to appear only for their allotted shift according to their admit card. Check out the exam timings and reporting time as well in the table below:
JEE Main 2026 Exam Timings
| Activity | Shift 1 (Morning) | Shift 2 (Afternoon) |
| Exam Duration | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM |
| Entry to Centre | 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM | 2:00 PM – 2:30 PM |
| Invigilator Instructions | 8:30 AM – 8:50 AM | 2:30 PM – 2:50 PM |
| Candidate Login | 8:50 AM | 2:50 PM |
| Exam Start | 9:00 AM | 3:00 PM |
JEE Main 2026 Reporting Time
Candidates are required to report to the JEE Main 2026 exam centre 2 hours before the exam time. As time is needed to do verification, biometric attendance and seating. All the details, like exact reporting time and gate closing time, will be mentioned in the admit card. Hence, students are advised to make their travel arrangements accordingly. For the morning shift, which is at 9:00 AM, students should report at 7:00 AM – 7:30 AM.
Check the JEE Main 2026 (Session 1) admit card release date.
Documents Required on JEE Main Exam
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has JEE Main exam day guidelines for the necessary documents that candidates are supposed to carry to the exam centre. In case of failure to carry these documents, candidates will not be allowed to appear for the JEE Main exam. The table below refers to all the JEE Main 2026 documents required:
NOTE: Candidates can keep all the documents in a transparent pouch for safety.
| Document | Details | Purpose |
| Admit Card | Printed colored copy from jeemain.nta.nic.in with photo pasted and signed | Mandatory entry pass with photo, signature, and exam details. |
| Photo ID Proof | Original: Aadhaar Card (with photo), Voter ID, Passport, Driving Licence, PAN Card, or School ID | Identity verification: e-Aadhaar or downloaded copies accepted if original unavailable. |
| Passport-Size Photo | 2-3 identical copies matching application photo (10-200 KB JPG) | Paste it on the attendance sheet; a recent, light background is preferred. |
| Class 10 Certificate | Original or photocopy for DOB proof | Age verification if needed. |
Category-Based JEE Main 2026 Required Documents
- PwD Candidates: Valid UDID/PwD certificate from an authorised medical board.
- SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS: Category certificate in NTA format (PDF, up to 300 KB during registration).
- Diabetic Candidates: Sugar tablets/fruits in a transparent pack (inform the invigilator).
JEE Main 2026 Exam Day Do’s
Follow these JEE Main exam do’s to avoid any unnecessary mistakes and stay calm and composed during the exam. These are recommended by experts and also followed by toppers on exam day.
Before Leaving Home
- Pack all the essential items that need to be carried to the exam centre the night before.
- Double-check all the items – JEE Main 2026 admit card, valid photo ID, passport-size photograph, black ballpoint pen, and transparent water bottle.
- Eat a light and healthy meal. Stay hydrated.
- It is advised to leave 1.5 to 2 hours before the reporting time. But to be on the safe side, leave an extra 30 minutes earlier to avoid any time setbacks and traffic
At the Exam Centre
- Be patient and cooperative with security checks, document verification, frisking, and biometric verification.
- Follow the seating arrangement as guided at the exam centre.
- Before starting the exam, check all the personal details on the screen. Contact the invigilator if any details are incorrect.
- Get your bags and items deposited at the bag checker. Avoid carrying anything along with you.
JEE Main Exam Instructions
- Read all the instructions shown on screen carefully before starting the exam.
- Check your name, roll number, photograph, subject details, and others.
- Use only the mouse and keyboard provided.
- Use the save and mark for review options correctly. You can revisit the questions.
- Do not click the submit button until you are sure. The exam will auto-submit once the time ends.
Understand the JEE Main 2026 exam pattern, including subject-wise distribution and marks.
JEE Main 2026 Exam Day Don’ts (Common Mistakes to Avoid)
It is essentially important to keep yourself calm and composed on the exam day and before the exam. Anxiety is common, but it can lead to silly mistakes. Hence, it can cause students to score lower even though their preparation was up to the mark. Here are some common mistakes made by JEE aspirants that candidates are advised to avoid for the JEE Main 2026 exam.
Exam Day Don’ts
- Avoid arriving at the centre late.
- Do not carry any prohibited items. Even switched-off electronic devices are not allowed.
- Avoid wearing full sleeves, shoes, any kind of jewellery, layered clothes, scarves, caps, or metal-detailed clothes.
- Once you are seated, do not leave the seat without permission.
- Avoid writing anything on the admit card. Use rough sheets for calculations.
- Any malpractice done during the exam will lead to immediate disqualification of the candidate.
- Avoid cramming topics, formulas, and mechanism reactions in the last minute.
- Try to have light meals before the exam, as heavy meals can cause drowsiness, and you will lose focus.
- Do not exit the centre before the exam ends.
Common Mistakes to Avoid (Matrix Topper Tips)
| Mistake Category | Common Errors | Matrix Sikar Toppers’ Tips |
| Logistics & Arrival | Reaching late due to traffic, forgetting the admit card or ID, and carrying prohibited items like mobile phones or calculators | Reach the centre 1.5 hours early, pack essentials the night before, carry only allowed items, and ensure 7–8 hours of sleep |
| Time Management | Spending too long on tough questions, not scanning the paper, and rushing the last few questions | Scan the paper in 5 minutes, attempt easy questions first, and reserve 15 minutes for review |
| Question Handling | Misreading questions, incorrect numerical input, and guessing answers due to panic | Skip questions after 1–2 minutes, mark for review, double-check negatives and decimal values |
| Mental & Focus Issues | Panicking if the paper feels tough, self-doubt, distractions, and dehydration | Take deep breaths every 30 minutes, sip water lightly, and focus only on your screen |
| Preparation the Day Before | Last-minute cramming, attempting mock tests, lack of sleep, heavy breakfast | Revise formulas lightly, eat simple food, sleep early, and enter the exam calm and confident |
Also Read: Along with being aware of the exam day guidelines, follow the JEE Main preparation strategy that is based on research and has effective study plans.
JEE Main 2026 Dress Code & Prohibited Items List
NTA has strict guidelines for the JEE Main 2026 dress code as well as prohibited items. Candidates are requested to follow these guidelines to ensure a smooth conduct of the security process and exam. Avoid wearing prohibited clothing and carrying items that are not allowed.
JEE Main 2026 Dress Code
Candidates wearing religious attire, such as hijabs or turbans, should arrive earlier for additional checks. Check the entire JEE Main 2026 dress code in the table below:
| Category | Allowed | Not Allowed |
| Tops | Half-sleeve T-shirts, shirts, kurtis (light cotton, no embroidery) | Full-sleeve shirts, hoodies, jackets, heavy fabrics |
| Bottoms | Simple jeans, trousers, salwar (no large pockets or tight fits) | Cargo pants, layered skirts, shararas |
| Footwear | Slippers, sandals, floaters (low heels) | Closed shoes, thick soles, high heels |
| Accessories | Minimal hair ties (non-metallic); religious headwear (arrive early) | Jewellery, belts, scarves, dupattas, goggles, caps |
JEE Main 2026 Prohibited Items List
Go through this list of all prohibited items at the JEE Main 2026 exam centre:
Electronics
- Mobile phones
- Smartwatches and digital watches
- Calculators
- Earphones, headphones
- Bluetooth or wireless devices
Stationery & Study Material
- Extra pens or pencils
- Coloured pens, markers, highlighters
- Whiteboards, erasers with covers
- Written notes, books, or papers
Food & Beverages
- Packaged or processed snacks
- Chocolates and candies
- Juice bottles, tea, coffee, or energy drinks
Other Items
- Wallets, purses, handbags, backpacks
- Metallic objects, chains, rings, bracelets
- Goggles, caps, scarves
JEE Main 2026 Exam Day Guidelines for Diabetic Candidates
NTA has given special guidelines for diabetic candidates that will help them regulate their blood sugar levels and give their exam stress-free. Go through the list of items that are allowed to carry only for diabetics candiates and prohibited even for diabetic candidates:
Items Allowed for Diabetic Candidates
- Sugar tablets for immediate glucose control
- Fresh fruits such as bananas, apples, or oranges
- Transparent water bottle with no labels or markings
Items Prohibited for Diabetic Candidates
- Packaged or processed foods like chocolates, candies, biscuits, sandwiches, chips
- Beverages such as tea, coffee, milk, or fruit juices
- Any food items in non-transparent packaging
Candidates are supposed to inform the invigilator before consuming any of the eatables. For other special medical queries, contact the official NTA helpline during office hours.
Last-Minute JEE Exam Day Tips to Score Higher
Small actions can reduce stress and ensure fewer hassles on exam day. Here are some last-minute tips that candidates can apply to maintain calmness and do justice to their hard work:
- Prepare for the exam day – The night before the exam, make sure to keep all things ready. These include a printed copy of the admit card, original valid ID proof, transparent water bottles, black and blue ball point pens, pencils, erasers, and a passport sized images to avoid last-minute hassle.
- Last-minute revision tips: Revise the most important JEE Main physics formulas, flashcards and short notes. Remember to keep the last-minute revision light for 2-3 hours only. Avoid mocks, new topics, or heavy problems.
- Exam day morning – Have a light breakfast, get proper sleep, wear comfortable clothing and leave early so that you reach the exam centre 2 hours before.
- Exam day tips – Scan the paper properly for 5 minutes and decide your strategy. Re-check all the answers to ensure they are correctly marked.
Go through all the high-weightage chapters of the JEE Main 2026 syllabus to score better in the last days of the exam.
Read More:
How to prepare for JEE Advanced 2026
FAQs
As per the JEE Main exam 2026 guidelines released by NTA, candidates are required to report at the exam centre 2 hours before exam time. It is advised to arrive at least one hour before, as physical and document verification takes time.
No, candidates will not be allowed inside the JEE Main 2026 exam hall once the gates are closed. No exception will be given for any circumstance. Therefore, try to reach the exam centre 2 hours before the exam time.
The JEE Main 2026 dress code is to wear light and simple clothes. Avoid wearing any clothing with metal details. Full-sleeve clothes, heavy embroidery, caps, scarves, and jewellery are not allowed. Wearing shoes is not advised, and candidates should wear sandals or slippers to save time during security checks.
Candidates are required to carry a digital copy of the JEE Main 2026 admit card, a valid photo ID proof and a passport-size photograph. The valid photo ID proofs are aadhar card, a passport, a PAN Card, a Driving License or a Voter ID. PwD candidates are required to bring their disability certificate. Students should note that entry will not be allowed if any one of the documents is missing.
No, calculators are not allowed in the JEE Main 2026 exam centre. The exam will be conducted in computer-based mode, and no type of calculators will be allowed. According to the latest notification released by NTA on its official website, no on-screen calculators will be provided. Students must perform all their calculations manually.
Yes, candidates are allowed to carry a water bottle at the JEE Main exam centre. Also, only transparent water bottles will be allowed. Coloured bottles, flasks, or insulated bottles are not permitted inside the examination hall.
In case of any technical error during the JEE Main 2026 exam, make sure to inform the invigilator or exam centre staff immediately. NTA has some provisions in such cases. A new system or time compensation will be given to the candidates.
The list of all the prohibited items inside the JEE Main 2026 exam hall includes mobile phones, calculators, smartwatches, earphones, Bluetooth devices, written notes, books, wallets, handbags, and electronic gadgets. Avoid bringing these prohibited items, as carrying them might lead to disqualification.
Yes, rough sheets will be provided at the JEE Main 2026 exam centre. Candidates can do all their calculations and rough work on the sheets. But they have to submit the rough sheets back at the exam centre once the exam ends.
Early exit from the JEE Main exam centre is not allowed and is strictly prohibited. Candidates can only leave the exam centre once the exam ends. Candidates are supposed to be seated until the invigilator informs them to leave to maintain the integrity of the exam.
Candidates can carry any valid government-issued photo identity proof to the JEE Main 2026 exam centre. They can carry an Aadhaar card, a Passport, a PAN card, a Voter ID, and a Driving Licence. Make sure the id proof details matches with the details mentioned in the admit card.
No, candidates are not allowed to wear watches, jewellery, rings, chains, bracelets, or metal accessories. It is advised to avoid wearing such items as they might take up time during security checks and cause delays.
