JEE Main 2026 April 6 Live: Shift 1 and Exam Day Guidelines
The JEE Main 2026 Session 2 (April attempt) continues today, April 6, 2026, with the Shift 1 examination beginning at 9:00 AM. As over a million students participate in this session across India, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has reinforced strict protocols to ensure a smooth and fair conduct of the exam.
Shift 1: Reporting Time & Schedule
Punctuality is non-negotiable. NTA follows a strict "No Entry after Gate Closing" policy.
| Event | Morning Shift (Shift 1) | Afternoon Shift (Shift 2) |
|---|---|---|
| Reporting Time | 7:00 AM onwards | 1:00 PM onwards |
| Gate Closing Time | 8:30 AM sharp | 2:30 PM sharp |
| Exam Duration | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM |
Mandatory Dress Code: Do's and Don'ts
To facilitate quick security frisking and avoid metallic triggers, students are advised to wear simple, lightweight clothing.
For All Candidates:
- Footwear: Wear slippers or sandals with low heels. Shoes with thick soles are strictly prohibited and may be asked to be removed outside.
- Clothes: Opt for light, half-sleeve shirts or T-shirts. Avoid clothes with large buttons, heavy embroidery, or multiple layers (like jackets or hoodies).
- Bottoms: Simple trousers or plain jeans are allowed. Avoid belts with large metal buckles and trousers with too many pockets or chains.
- Accessories: Watches (analog or digital), wallets, belts, caps, and sunglasses are not allowed inside the exam hall.
- Jewellery: Rings, earrings, nose pins, chains, bracelets, and bangles (except for religious significance like Kara) must be removed.
Special Religious Attire:
- Candidates wearing religious/customary attire (e.g., Hijab, Kara, Kirpan) are allowed but must report at least 1 hour earlier for mandatory additional security checks.
What to Carry (The Essential Checklist)
Only the following items are permitted inside the examination center:
- Admit Card: A clear printout (preferably in color) of the JEE Main 2026 Admit Card with the self-declaration part filled (but not signed).
- Valid Photo ID: Original and non-expired government ID (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, or Passport).
- Photographs: One or two passport-size photographs (the same as uploaded in the application form) to be pasted on the attendance sheet.
- Pen: A simple transparent ballpoint pen (blue/black). Note: Some centers may provide pens, but it is safer to carry your own transparent one.
- Water Bottle: A personal, transparent water bottle.
- Medical Needs: Diabetic students may carry sugar tablets or fruits (like bananas/apples) and a transparent water bottle.
Barred Items & Prohibited Activities
- Electronics: Mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, Bluetooth devices, and earphones are strictly banned.
- Stationery: Geometry boxes, pencil cases, log tables, and rough paper are not allowed. Rough sheets will be provided at the center.
- Biometrics: Do not apply Mehendi or ink on your fingers, as this may hinder the mandatory biometric fingerprint scan at the entry.
- Rough Work: All rough work must be done on the sheets provided. You must write your name and roll number on the rough sheet and drop it in the designated box before leaving the hall.
Quick Tip for Today's Aspirants
If you are appearing for the shift today, ensure you stay calm during the initial 15 minutes. Based on the April 2 and 4 analyses, Chemistry is largely NCERT-driven and Physics is formula-based, while Mathematics requires careful time management. For live updates on the Shift 1 paper analysis (available after 12:00 PM), follow Only Education News.
For a detailed list of NIT and IIIT cutoffs or to use a rank predictor after today's shift, visit the Only Education Engineering Exams List or explore the Engineering Course List.