JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Attendance Report: NTA Releases Official Data

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is currently conducting the first session of JEE Main 2026. The exam started on January 21, 2026, and has been successfully held on January 21, 22, 23, and 24. The agency has now released official attendance data that shows strong student participation.

If you are tracking JEE Main 2026 or planning for future sessions, this data gives you a clear picture of how the exam is progressing. Let's look at the numbers and what they mean.

Over 7.7 Lakh Students Appeared for the Exam

According to official data shared by NTA on January 24, 2026, a total of 8,01,326 candidates were scheduled to take the JEE Main 2026 exam. Out of these, 7,70,441 candidates actually appeared for the test.

This puts the overall attendance rate at 96.15 percent. This is one of the highest attendance rates recorded for JEE Main in recent years. It shows that students are taking the exam seriously and making sure they don't miss their chance.

The high attendance rate also indicates good planning by both students and the testing agency. When nearly all registered candidates show up, it means the exam process is running smooth.

Aadhaar Verification Shows Strong Success Rate

This year, NTA made Aadhaar verification mandatory for JEE Main 2026. This is a new rule that started in 2026. The data shows this system is working well.

Out of the 7.70 lakh students who appeared, 7,40,412 candidates were successfully verified through Aadhaar. That's 96.10 percent of all students who took the exam.

During registration, students had to provide their 12-digit Aadhaar number or use DigiLocker credentials. This system automatically fills in details like name, date of birth, and photo from the UIDAI database. The process reduces errors and makes verification faster.

NTA advised students to unlock their Aadhaar for biometric authentication before the exam day. This helps avoid any last-minute problems at the exam centre.

Special Provisions for Students with Disabilities

The exam saw participation from 2,563 students from the PwD (Persons with Disabilities) category. NTA arranged special facilities at exam centres to help these students.

These numbers matter because they show that the exam is accessible to all students, regardless of physical challenges. The agency takes care to provide what these students need to take the exam comfortably.

What You Need to Carry to the Exam Centre

NTA has made it clear that students must bring two things to the exam centre: the admit card and a valid photo ID card. The photo ID must have the same details that you filled during registration.

At the entrance of the exam centre, officials check both your admit card and Aadhaar card. Make sure you have both documents ready. Without these, you won't be allowed to enter.

The ID verification process is strict this year because of the new Aadhaar requirement. Keep your documents safe and carry them in a transparent folder for easy access.

Exam Schedule and Shift Timings

JEE Main 2026 Session 1 is being held on six days: January 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, and 29. The exam is still ongoing, with two more days left.

Paper 1, which is for BE/BTech courses, is conducted in two shifts each day:

• Morning shift: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
• Evening shift: 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Paper 2 is only for BArch/BPlanning courses. This paper will be held on January 29 in a single shift from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM.

The timing is fixed and NTA follows it strictly. Reach your exam centre at least an hour before your shift starts. This gives you time for security checks and verification.

Computer Based Test Format

JEE Main 2026 is conducted entirely as a Computer Based Test (CBT). You will sit at a computer terminal and answer questions on the screen.

NTA reports that the exam process has been peaceful and smooth so far. The CBT format allows for better security and faster result processing. It also reduces the chances of paper leaks or other malpractices.

If you are not comfortable with computers, practice taking mock tests online before your exam day. This will help you get used to the interface and save time during the actual exam.

Why the High Attendance Matters

The 96.15 percent attendance rate is significant for several reasons. First, it shows that students are committed to their engineering dreams. They are not backing out at the last moment.

Second, high attendance means more competition. If you appeared for the exam, you are competing against nearly all registered candidates, not just a fraction of them.

Third, good attendance reflects well on the exam's credibility. When students trust the process, they show up. The smooth conduct of the exam so far has built that trust.

What Happens Next

After all exam dates are complete, NTA will release the answer key. Students can challenge the answer key if they find any errors. After reviewing challenges, NTA will release the final answer key and then the results.

The JEE Main 2026 Session 1 results will be used for admission to various engineering colleges across India. Your score will also determine if you qualify for JEE Advanced, which is the gateway to IITs.

Students who are not satisfied with their Session 1 score can appear for Session 2, which will be held later this year. NTA will consider your best score from both sessions for the final merit list.

For now, if you have already taken the exam, wait for the answer key. If your exam is on January 28 or 29, focus on your preparation and make sure you have all required documents ready.