The National Testing Agency has issued a mandatory reminder for all JEE Main 2026 aspirants regarding exam day protocols. Candidates must strictly adhere to the specific reporting times and dress code mentioned on their admit cards to ensure smooth entry. Prohibited items such as electronic gadgets, metallic objects, and thick-soled shoes will lead to immediate disqualification at the gate. Applicants are also reminded to carry the original physical ID and passport-sized photographs for mandatory biometric verification. Detailed session schedules and gate closing times are now available on the official NTA website for the January 29 session.

As the first session of the JEE Main 2026 reaches its concluding phase on January 29, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has issued a final advisory for candidates appearing in the remaining shifts. With over 2.5 lakh aspirants estimated to have participated in the opening days, the agency is emphasizing the necessity of following standardized security protocols. These measures are designed to maintain the sanctity of the computer-based test environment and prevent any instances of unfair means. Officials have noted that several candidates in earlier shifts faced delays due to non-compliance with the prescribed dress code and documentation requirements.

Mandatory Entry Protocols and Timing

The NTA has reiterated that the gates for each shift close strictly as per the schedule, with no exceptions made for late arrivals.

• Gate Closing Schedule: For the morning shift starting at 9:00 AM, the gate closes at 8:30 AM. For the afternoon shift starting at 3:00 PM, the gate closing time is 2:30 PM sharp.
• Biometric Verification: Every candidate must undergo an Aadhaar-based biometric check. Aspirants are advised to ensure their biometrics are unlocked on the UIDAI portal to prevent authentication failures at the centre.
• Advance Reporting: Candidates who did not opt for Aadhaar authentication during registration are required to report to the centre at least one hour earlier for manual verification procedures.

Prohibited Items and Dress Code Regulations

Highly sensitive metal detectors and jammers are in operation at every examination centre to ensure a fair testing environment.

• Electronic Gadgets: All electronic items, including smartwatches, mobile phones, calculators, and even analog watches, are strictly prohibited inside the hall.
• Footwear and Attire: Candidates are instructed to wear simple, light clothing without large metallic buttons or many pockets. Footwear must consist of slippers or sandals; shoes with thick soles are not permitted.
• Restricted Materials: No stationery items are allowed except for a transparent ballpoint pen. Rough sheets and a digital clock will be provided within the secure computer interface.

Essential Documentation for Hall Entry

To gain admission to the examination room, candidates must present a specific set of documents in physical form.

• Printed Admit Card: A clear, preferably color printout of the JEE Main 2026 Admit Card downloaded from the official portal is mandatory.
• Valid Photo ID: Aspirants must carry an original government-issued ID such as an Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, or Passport. Digital copies or photocopies are not accepted for verification.
• Passport Photographs: At least two recent photographs, identical to those uploaded in the application, are required to be pasted on the official attendance sheet during the exam.

Conclusion

The National Testing Agency has finalized its arrangements for the conclusion of the JEE Main 2026 Session 1, urging all remaining candidates to strictly follow the centre-specific guidelines. Adherence to these protocols ensures that the verification process remains efficient and that aspirants can focus entirely on their performance during the three-hour examination period.