JEE Main 2026 Exam Day Guidelines: What to Carry and What to Avoid
A complete guide to JEE Main 2026 exam day preparation, covering essential documents, dress code requirements, prohibited items, and important NTA guidelines for Session 1.
AC Team
The JEE Main 2026 Session 1 exam starts on January 21, 2026, and runs through January 29. The National Testing Agency (NTA) will conduct Paper 1 from January 21 to 24 in two shifts daily. The morning shift runs from 9 am to 12 pm, while the afternoon shift goes from 3 pm to 6 pm. Paper 2 takes place on January 28 and 29 from 9 am to 12:30 pm in a single shift.
With exam day approaching fast, you need to know exactly what to bring, what to wear, and what to leave at home. Getting these details wrong could cost you your chance to take the exam. This guide breaks down everything you need to know.
Documents You Must Carry
Your admit card is your entry ticket. Without it, you cannot enter the exam hall. Print a clear copy of your JEE Main 2026 Session 1 admit card. Make sure all details are visible and the photograph is clear.
Along with your admit card, carry one original photo identity proof. This can be your Aadhaar card, PAN card, driving licence, passport, or school identity card. The photo and details on your ID must match those on your admit card.
You need photographs too. Paste one recent passport-size photograph on your admit card. This should be the same photograph you uploaded during the application process. Carry two extra copies of the same photograph. You will need one for the attendance sheet at the exam centre.
What You Cannot Bring
The list of prohibited items is long, and the rules are strict. Leave these items at home or in your vehicle before entering the exam centre.
You cannot carry any electronic devices. This includes mobile phones, smartwatches, earphones, Bluetooth devices, calculators, cameras, or any other gadget. Even switched-off devices are not allowed.
No study materials are permitted inside. This means no textbooks, notebooks, written notes, formula sheets, or any paper with writing on it. Instruments like geometry boxes, pencil boxes, slide rules, and log tables are also banned.
Personal items like handbags, purses, wallets (except a small transparent one for your ID), water bottles (except transparent ones in specific cases), and food items cannot be taken inside. Items with metallic parts like pens with metal clips, staplers, and paper clips are prohibited.
Dress Code Requirements
Your clothing choices matter on exam day. The dress code exists to speed up security checks and prevent any possibility of cheating.
Wear simple, comfortable clothes. Avoid anything with lots of buttons, brooches, or heavy embroidery. Clothes with large pockets might draw extra scrutiny during frisking.
Do not wear any jewellery or accessories with metallic elements. This includes rings, earrings, nose pins, bangles, bracelets, necklaces, and hair clips with metal parts. These items will trigger metal detectors and slow down your entry.
Keep your footwear simple. Shoes or sandals with thick soles are not allowed. Regular slippers or thin-soled shoes work best.
If you wear religious items like a kada or thread, inform the security staff politely. In most cases, simple religious items are allowed after inspection.
Girls should avoid wearing scarves, caps, or any head coverings unless required for religious reasons. Even then, expect a thorough check.
Special Cases and Exceptions
Some students have special needs that require exceptions to the standard rules. The NTA has made provisions for these cases.
Students with diabetes can bring essential items. You may carry sugar tablets or glucose powder in a transparent container. Fresh fruits like bananas, apples, or oranges are allowed. You can also bring a transparent water bottle. However, packed foods like chocolates, candies, biscuits, and sandwiches remain prohibited.
For Paper 2 candidates appearing for the BTech (Planning) exam, special rules apply. You must bring your own drawing materials. This includes a geometry box set, pencils, erasers, colour pencils, and crayons. Make sure all items are non-metallic where possible. Note that watercolours are not permitted on the drawing sheet.
Important Points to Remember
Arrive at your exam centre well before the reporting time mentioned on your admit card. Late entry is generally not permitted, regardless of your reason.
The admit card you carry must be dropped in the designated drop box when you leave the exam hall. This is compulsory. If you fail to deposit your admit card, the NTA will not evaluate your answer sheet. Your exam will be considered invalid.
Double-check your exam centre address the day before. Visit the location if possible to know the exact route and travel time. This prevents last-minute panic.
If you cannot download your admit card from the official website, contact the NTA helpline immediately. The helpline number is 011-40759000, operational from 10 am to 5 pm on working days.
Keep checking your email and the official JEE Main website for any last-minute updates or changes in exam centre locations.
What Happens During Entry
When you reach the exam centre, you will go through multiple security checks. First, your documents will be verified. Security staff will match your face with the photograph on your admit card and ID proof.
You will then go through frisking and metal detection. This is why following the dress code matters. Any metallic item will require additional checking and explanations.
Your photograph will be taken at the centre, and you may need to provide your thumb impression or signature on the attendance sheet.
After all checks are complete, you will be allowed to enter the exam hall. You will be assigned a specific seat. Do not try to change your seat or help other candidates during the exam. Any such action could lead to your candidature being cancelled.
Quick Checklist for Exam Day
Here is a simple checklist to follow on the morning of your exam. Print this list or save it on your phone.
Documents: Printed admit card with photograph pasted, original photo ID, two extra passport-size photographs.
Clothing: Simple clothes without metal buttons or heavy embroidery, light footwear, no jewellery or accessories.
Special items (if applicable): For diabetic students - sugar tablets, fresh fruits, transparent water bottle. For Paper 2 students - geometry box, pencils, erasers, colour pencils, crayons.
What to leave behind: Mobile phone, watch, wallet with cash, any study material, any electronic device, food items (except for diabetic students), jewellery, bags of any kind.
The night before your exam, pack your allowed items in a small transparent bag or pouch. Keep your documents in a clear folder. This makes security checks faster and reduces your stress.
Stay calm and confident. You have prepared for months. Do not let small procedural issues distract you from performing your best. Follow the guidelines, reach on time, and focus on the exam. Good preparation combined with proper execution of exam day rules will help you succeed.
