The National Testing Agency (NTA) has issued a vital advisory for JEE Main 2026 Session 1 starting today, January 21. Candidates must follow strict reporting times, mandatory Aadhaar biometric verification, and a specific dress code to ensure entry. Prohibited items like electronic gadgets and jewelry are strictly banned. Read the full NTA guidelines for documentation and center protocols to avoid any last-minute disqualification during your scheduled examination shift.

As the Joint Entrance Examination (Main) 2026 Session 1 kicks off today, the National Testing Agency has emphasized that timing is the most critical factor for every aspirant. The gates for the morning shift open at 7:30 AM and close strictly at 8:30 AM, while the afternoon shift entry is permitted from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM. This year, NTA has mandated an Aadhaar-based biometric verification at the center. Every aspirant is advised to ensure their Aadhaar biometrics are unlocked on the UIDAI portal to facilitate a seamless entry process.

• Mandatory Entry Window: No entry is allowed after 8:30 AM for Shift 1 and 2:30 PM for Shift 2.
• Non-Aadhaar Candidates: Any aspirant who did not register with Aadhaar must report at least one hour earlier for manual biometric recording.
• Identification: Carry the original JEE Main 2026 Admit Card and a valid government-issued photo ID.
• Attendance Protocol: A photograph must be pasted on the attendance sheet, identical to the one uploaded during the registration phase.

Mandatory Dress Code and Prohibited Items

To maintain the integrity of the examination, NTA has established a clear protocol regarding attire and prohibited belongings. Candidates should wear light, comfortable clothing without large metallic buttons or excessive pockets that could delay the frisking process. It is important to note that the same protocol applies to footwear; shoes with thick soles and high-heeled sandals are strictly forbidden. Electronic devices, including smartwatches, mobile phones, and even simple calculators, are banned from the exam hall premises.

• Metallic Items: Any clothing containing metal parts or underwired garments may trigger detectors and lead to additional checks.
• Religious Articles: In a special protocol update, Sikh candidates are permitted to wear a Kara and Kirpan, provided they report early for screening.
• Stationery: Only a simple transparent ballpoint pen is allowed; geometry boxes and pencil cases are not permitted.
• Rough Work: A4 size sheets for rough work will be provided inside and must be dropped in the designated box before leaving.

Special Provisions and Documentation Requirements

The NTA has made specific accommodations for PwD candidates and those with medical conditions. Every aspirant with diabetes is permitted to carry sugar tablets, fruits like bananas or apples, and a transparent water bottle, but packed food items remain prohibited. Furthermore, those who encountered a Live Photo Mismatch during registration must carry a signed Photo Verification Certificate. It is the responsibility of the aspirant to verify that the QR code and barcode on their admit card are clearly visible before arriving at the test center.

• Scribe Facility: Only available to candidates who opted for it in the application; they receive 20 minutes of compensatory time per hour.
• Photo Mismatch: If NTA notified you of a mismatch, bring the attested certificate from a Gazetted Officer or Principal.
• CCTV Surveillance: All halls are under live monitoring and jammers are in place to prevent any malpractice.
• Shift Accuracy: Double-check the exact address of your Examination Centre as printed on your hall ticket

Conclusion

Adhering to the NTA exam-day protocol is just as important as the academic preparation itself. By ensuring that all documents are ready and the dress code is followed, every aspirant can avoid unnecessary stress and focus entirely on the questions. The Session 1 exams running from January 21 to January 29 represent a major milestone, and following these guidelines ensures that the testing environment remains fair for all. We wish all students the very best as they step into the examination hall to begin their engineering journey.