NTA Reiterates Reporting and Exam-Day Instructions for JEE Main 2026 Aspirants
The National Testing Agency has issued a fresh reminder of the mandatory reporting and exam-day instructions for JEE Main 2026 Session 1.With Paper 1 shifts currently underway on January 28, candidates must adhere to the strict dress code and document verification protocols .Aspirants are required to reach their designated test centers well before the gate closing time to complete biometric attendance. The official advisory emphasizes that non-compliance with these safety measures may result in disqualification from the examination.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has issued a vital reminder regarding the mandatory protocols for the ongoing JEE Main 2026 Session 1. As the January 28 shifts for Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) commence across various centers, the agency has reiterated the importance of strict adherence to reporting times and behavioral conduct. These measures are designed to maintain the integrity of the computer-based test and ensure a smooth verification process for all candidates. According to the official NTA advisory, any deviation from these established norms could lead to administrative delays or even the cancellation of a candidate's result.
Mandatory Documentation and Biometric Verification
Aspirants appearing for the examination must carry a specific set of documents to gain entry into the testing hall. The NTA has simplified the verification process by integrating digital records, yet physical copies remain a non-negotiable requirement at the entry gates.
- Admit Card: Candidates must present a clear, colored printout of their JEE Main 2026 Admit Card along with the signed self-declaration (undertaking).
- Identity Proof: A valid government-issued photo ID, such as an Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, or Passport, is required in its original format.
- Biometric Attendance: Every aspirant will undergo a mandatory biometric scan and facial recognition check before being assigned a terminal.
- Non-Aadhaar Protocol: For those who did not register with Aadhaar, an additional one-hour early reporting time is mandatory to facilitate manual verification.
| Activity Schedule | Shift 1 (Morning) | Shift 2 (Afternoon) |
| Reporting & Entry | 07:00 AM – 08:30 AM | 01:00 PM – 02:30 PM |
| Gate Closing Time | 08:30 AM Sharp | 02:30 PM Sharp |
| Invigilator Instructions | 08:30 AM – 08:50 AM | 02:30 PM – 02:50 AM |
| Examination Start | 09:00 AM | 03:00 PM |
Strict Dress Code and Prohibited Items
To prevent unfair means and facilitate rapid frisking, the NTA has enforced a specific dress code for JEE Main 2026. Both male and female candidates are advised to wear simple, light-colored clothing without metallic elements or large buttons.
- Footwear Policy: Shoes with thick soles are strictly prohibited; candidates should opt for open-toe sandals or slippers.
- Accessories: Jewelry, watches (digital or analog), belts, and caps are not allowed inside the examination premises.
- Prohibited Electronics: Mobile phones, calculators, Bluetooth devices, and any form of communication equipment will be confiscated at the security perimeter.
- Rough Work: Blank A4 sheets for calculations are provided by the invigilators, and these must be dropped in the designated box before exiting the hall.
Exam Hall Conduct and Technical Guidelines
Once inside the computer-based testing environment, aspirants are expected to maintain silence and follow the on-screen prompts carefully. The NTA monitor systems are equipped to track any suspicious activity or technical malfunctions in real-time.
- Seating Arrangement: Students must occupy only the seat allotted to their roll number to avoid mismatching of response data.
- Technical Support: In case of hardware issues, candidates are instructed to raise their hand for immediate assistance from the technical staff.
- CBT Navigation: Aspirants can switch between subjects (Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics) but must ensure they save their responses before the final timer ends.
- Medical Exceptions: Diabetic candidates are permitted to carry transparent water bottles and simple fruits, provided they have submitted the necessary medical certificates during registration.
Conclusion
The reiteration of these exam-day instructions by the NTA underscores the agency's commitment to a fair and transparent JEE Main 2026. Aspirants are successfully navigating the verification hurdles by arriving at the centers within the stipulated reporting hours. By following the dress code and maintaining proper hall conduct, students are able to focus entirely on their performance during the three-hour examination. These standardized procedures continue to be the cornerstone of the national-level engineering entrance framework.
