JEE Main Admit Card 2026: Release Date, Download Steps, and Important Details

JEE Main 2026 admit card expected on January 17 or 18. Learn how to download hall ticket, check exam details, and prepare for exam day with this complete guide.

The National Testing Agency will release the JEE Main 2026 admit card soon. Students who registered for the exam need this document to enter the exam hall. Without the admit card, you cannot appear for JEE Main.

The hall ticket shows your exam centre, shift timing (morning or afternoon), roll number, and other crucial details. You must keep it safe even after the exam, as it is needed during counselling and admission.

Expected Release Date for JEE Main Hall Ticket

NTA has not announced the exact release date yet. The agency mentioned in the brochure that the admit card will be available 3 to 4 days before your exam date.

Based on last year's pattern, the hall ticket is expected on January 17 or 18 for exams scheduled on January 21, 22, and 23. For exams on January 24, 28, and 29, the admit card may come out on January 21 or 22.

Last year, NTA released the session 1 admit card on January 18 for exams held from January 22 to 24. For exams on January 28, 29, and 30, the hall ticket came out on January 23.

JEE Main 2026 Exam Schedule

The session 1 exam dates are fixed. Paper 1 (BE/BTech) will be held on January 21, 22, 23, 24, and 28, 2026. Paper 2 (BArch/BPlan) is scheduled for January 29, 2026.

The morning shift runs from 9 AM to 12 noon. The afternoon shift is from 3 PM to 6 PM. For Paper 2, there is only one shift from 9 AM to 12:30 PM.

How to Download Your Admit Card

Visit the official website jeemain.nta.nic.in when the admit card is released. Look for the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Admit Card link on the homepage.

Click the link and enter your application number and password (or date of birth). After logging in, your admit card will appear on screen. Download and save it. Take multiple printouts as backups.

Details on Your Hall Ticket

Your admit card will show your roll number, application number, name, father's name, gender, date of birth, state of eligibility, and category. It also displays your photograph and signature.

The exam details section lists the paper you applied for, reporting time, gate closing time, exam centre name and complete address, exam date, and shift timing. Read all instructions printed on the admit card carefully.

Important Points to Remember

Check all details on your admit card as soon as you download it. Verify your name, roll number, exam date, shift timing, photograph, signature, and centre address. If you spot any error, contact NTA immediately on 011-40759000 between 10 AM and 5 PM.

You must carry the printed admit card with a valid government ID proof to the exam centre. Acceptable ID proofs include School Identity Card, PAN card, Voter ID, Passport, Aadhaar Card with photograph, e-Aadhaar, Class 12 Board Admit Card with photograph, or Bank Passbook with photograph.

NTA has already released the city intimation slip on January 8. This slip shows the city where your exam centre will be located. Based on this information, make your travel plans now. Book bus, train, or flight tickets if the city is far from your home. Arrange accommodation if you need to stay overnight.

Dress Code and Prohibited Items

Wear simple clothes without any metallic items. Caps, mufflers, or any cloth covering your head are not allowed. You cannot wear jewellery, ornaments, goggles, rings, or bracelets.

Shoes with thick soles and garments with large buttons are strictly prohibited. Keep your outfit simple and comfortable.

Do not bring electronic devices like mobile phones, calculators, cameras, or smartwatches. Bags, books, study materials, and eatables are also not allowed inside the exam hall. Some centres have luggage rooms, but it is best not to carry unnecessary items.

Photo Verification Certificate

NTA has extended the deadline to upload the photo verification certificate from January 7 to January 15. If you used PAN Card, Indian Passport, or Non-Indian Passport as your identity document, you must upload this certificate under your login at jeemain.nta.nic.in.

You can get the certificate attested by your School or College Principal, Headmaster, or a Class-I Gazetted Officer like Tehsildar, Revenue Officer, SDM, or DM. NRI candidates can get attestation from a Class-I Gazetted Officer of the Indian Embassy.

Bring a printed copy of this certificate to the exam centre for physical verification.

Live Photo Capture at Exam Centres

NTA will capture live photographs of all candidates at exam centres. You will go through facial recognition based identity verification. This is mandatory for all candidates appearing in the JEE Main 2026 January session.

What to Do After Downloading the Admit Card

After downloading, paste a recent passport size photograph on the printed admit card. Use the same photo you uploaded during registration. Put your left hand thumb impression on the space provided.

Reach the exam centre at least one hour before the reporting time. This gives you enough time for frisking and document verification without stress. No candidate will be allowed inside after the gate closes.

Difference Between City Slip and Admit Card

Many students confuse the city intimation slip with the admit card. The city slip only tells you the exam city and date. It helps you plan travel arrangements in advance.

The admit card is different. It shows the exact exam centre name and complete address. It also mentions your shift timing, reporting time, and gate closing time. You need the admit card for entry into the exam hall, not the city slip.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not wait for the admit card to make travel bookings. Use the city intimation slip to book tickets and accommodation early. Last minute bookings can be expensive and stressful.

Check all details on your admit card carefully. Even small mistakes in your name, photograph, category, or signature can cause problems on exam day.

Do not rely on unofficial sources for information. Check only jeemain.nta.nic.in and nta.ac.in for official updates.

If Your Exam City Is Far

NTA will not entertain any requests to change your exam city or centre. If your allotted city is far from home, you must appear from that city at your own cost.

You can try calling the NTA helpline at 011-40759000 or email jeemain@nta.ac.in, but changes are rarely approved. Plan your travel and stay arrangements based on the city shown in your city intimation slip.

What If You Forget Your Login Details

If you forget your application number, check your registered email ID or the confirmation page you received after registration. Your application number is mentioned there.

If you forget your password, visit the JEE Main login page and click 'Reset Password'. Answer the security question you chose during registration. A verification code will be sent to your registered mobile number. Enter the code and create a new password.

No Revision in Exam Dates

Some reports claimed that NTA revised the JEE Main exam dates. This is false. NTA announced earlier that session 1 exams would be held between January 21 and 30. The specific dates released on January 8 fall within this window.

There is no change or revision in exam dates. Paper 1 is on January 21, 22, 23, 24, and 28. Paper 2 is on January 29. All these dates were always within the announced period.

Session 2 Registration

JEE Main 2026 session 2 registration will begin in the last week of January. The application window will open at jeemain.nta.nic.in. Based on previous trends, it may remain open for about 25 days.

Keep your documents, photograph, signature, and payment details ready if you plan to appear for session 2.

Focus on Preparation

While waiting for the admit card, focus on your preparation. Revise important topics and practice mock tests. Time management during the exam is crucial.

Important chapters in Physics include Current Electricity, Modern Physics, Laws of Motion, and Rotational Dynamics. In Chemistry, focus on Periodic Table, Transition Elements, Chemical Bonding, and Thermodynamics. For Mathematics, give attention to Sequences and Series, 3D Geometry, Straight Lines, and Determinants.

Stay calm and confident. Avoid stress and maintain a healthy routine. Good sleep, proper diet, and regular breaks are important during this final phase.

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