JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Exam Day Guidelines: What to Carry, Dress Code & Reporting Time

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 If you are going to participate in the JEE Main 2026 Session 2 examination, you need to be aware of the JEE Main 2026 Session 2 exam day guidelines. With the exam notification, NTA has outlined the exam day instructions on what to carry and what not to carry, and all engineering aspirants must follow the official guidelines to prevent unnecessary stress or entry issues at the examination centre.

Preparing for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main Session 2 is crucial for all aspirants across India. Following the exam guidelines is also important, as it ensures a smooth entry and saves time during the security check. Here we will walk you through JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Exam Day Guidelines, including reporting time, dress code, documents required, prohibited items and expert tips to help you stay calm and confident while appearing in the exam.

Why Do the JEE Main 2026 Exam Guidelines Matter?

The JEE Main is the most important exam for aspirants who are seeking to get admission into top-tier engineering institutes across India. NTA is the exam regulating authority that conducts the JEE Main Exam for Session 1 and Session 2.

Exam guidelines must be followed by candidates who are really participating in the exam. A proper guideline ensures fairness, transparency, and a smooth exam experience for every candidate. Failing to follow these guidelines can result in unnecessary stress or denial of entry to the examination hall. Here are some key factors that show why the JEE Main Session 2 Exam guidelines must be followed.

• The JEE Main Session 2 Exam 2026 is being conducted across India with multiple shifts, so the exam guidelines remain the same for all.
• Following the exam guideline gives you a transparent and smooth exam experience.
• It prevents candidates from cheating and engaging in malpractice activities during the exam.
• A proper guideline reduces the last-minute confusion or panic for students.
• It prevents you from the disqualification risk when you know the JEE Main 2026 session 2 exam guidelines in advance.
• It gives you a clear way to understand what to carry and what not to carry in the exam hall.
• A stress-free examination experience lets you focus on the exam performance.

Also Read: Which Coaching Institutes are Best for IIT-JEE Droppers

Overview of JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Exam

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has started the exam on the given schedule from April 2 to 8, 2026. Around 14 lakh candidates will take part in this exam across shifts. The exam is being conducted in Computer-Based Online Test mode at multiple examination centres across India. Below, the table shows a quick overview of the exam.

Name of Exam	JEE Main 2026
Exam Authority	National Testing Agency (NTA)
Session	Session 2 (April Session)
Exam Date	April 2 to April 8, 2026
Mode	Computer-Based Test (Online)
Total Registration	Around 14 Lakh
Exam Shift	Shift 1 and Shift 2
Admit Card Status	Released
Official Website	Jeemain.nta.nic.in or nta.nic.in

NTA JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Reporting Timing

All the appearing candidates in the JEE Main 2026 session 2 exams are hereby informed that they must follow the exam guidelines as well as reach the examination centres on the given timeline. Here are the important dates and times you should follow to prevent any disruption at the examination centres.

Also Read: Overcome the Fear of IIT JEE Exams

JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Shift 1 Reporting Time

Shift 1 is the morning shift of the JEE Main Session 2 Exam. If you are allotted shift 1 to participate in the exam must ensure the shift timing as mentioned in the table below.

Session	Timings
Reporting Time	07:00 AM
Candidate Log-in Time	08:50 AM
Shift 1 Exam Start Time	09:00 AM
Shift Exam End Time	12:00 PM

JEE Main 2026 Shift 2 Reporting Time

Shift 2 is the afternoon shift of the JEE Main 2026 April Session. If you are set to appear in a shift, then you will need to check the following details.

Session	Timings
Reporting Time	01:00 PM
Candidate Log-in Time	02:50 PM
Shift 1 Exam Start Time	03:00 PM
Shift Exam End Time	06:00 PM

Things to Carry at JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Exam Centre

To prevent any entry-level denial, must ensure to carry the following documents while at the examination centre. Only the officially permitted documents will be allowed, and the absence of one of them may lead to being debarred from the examination. So double-check every document required at the examination centre.

• JEE Main Session 2 Admit Card 2026: Must print out the admit card with a clear photograph and exam details. Ensure all the instructions and details are clearly mentioned on the admit card page.
• Valid Photo ID Proof: A valid ID Proof Card (Aadhar Card/ PAN Card/ Passport/ Driving License/ School IDs) as uploaded in the online application form must be carried in its original form. Photocopies or images stored on mobile phones will not be accepted.
• Passport Size Photograph: Candidates must carry at least two passport-size photographs (same as uploaded with the online application form).
• Transparent Ballpoint Pen: Candidates are allowed to carry a transparent ballpoint pen for rough work. However, some centres provide the pens to candidates.
• PwD Certificate: If claiming the relaxation under the PwD/ PwBD category, candidates are requested to carry the relevant certificate (if applicable) and report early for facilitation during entry.
• For Drawing Test – Part III of B.Archs.: candidates are allowed to bring their own geometry box set, pencils, erasers, and colour pencils or crayons.

Things Not to Carry at JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Exam Centre

The following are the things you must avoid carrying while appearing in the exam. Anyone who is found with the JEE Main Session 2 Exam Prohibited items may lead to disqualification. Carefully read the details below and be aware of what to avoid at JEE Main 2026 Session 2 exam centres.

• Electronic Gadgets: Candidates are not allowed to carry Mobile Phones, Smartwatches, Bluetooth devices, calculators or earphones at the examination centre.
• Study Material: Things like notes, books, loose papers, or rough sheets are prohibited inside the exam hall.
• Wallets and Handbags: Always avoid carrying things like wallets and handbags at the examination centres.
• Metal Accessories: Avoid wearing valuable things like rings, bracelets, chains, and heavy jewellery as the exam centres are not responsible for lost items.
• Food Items: except for medical reasons, packed food and beverages are not allowed.

Dress Code Guideline for JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Exam

To avoid any delay or security check faster, you must ensure to wear simple clothes as follows the JEE Main Dress Code Guideline. The following are the key dress code guidelines that help candidates to reduce unnecessary delays.

• Dress Code Guideline for Men: Male candidates wearing a simple T-shirt, jeans, trousers, and cotton clothes are allowed.
• Dress Code for Females: A female candidate wearing simple tops, plain kurtis, leggings, or trousers is allowed.
• Footwear Guideline: Slippers, sandals, or low-heeled footwear are preferred.
• Prohibited Wearing Items: Metallic buttons, zippers, belts, heavy jewellery, rings, caps, scarves, and thick-soled shoes.

NOTE: Sikh candidates are permitted to wear their religious articles like “KARA” and “KIRPAN”

Exam Hall Instructions for JEE Main 2026 Session 2

When you are in the examination hall, follow the exam hall instructions prescribed by NTA for the JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Exam. The following instructions are strictly followed by candidates to avoid any interruption during the examination.

Instructions before the exam starts:

• First, you need to ensure your assigned seat and computer system.
• You must enter the required details on the attendance sheet.
• You should put your signature, left-hand thumb impression, and paste the photograph at the appropriate place.
• The exam is conducted in computer based online format, so you have to locate your assigned computer system first.
• Ensure that the keyboard and mouse are working properly.
• Carefully read all the instructions displayed on the computer screen.

During the Exam Instructions:

• The exam will be in online mode, so you should familiarise yourself.
• You should ensure that the question paper available on the computer screen is as per the subject/ medium you opted for and indicated in the admit card.
• In case of a difference, you may bring it to the notice of the invigilator concerned.
• For the drawing Test – Part III of B.Arch., excluding the use of watercolours, candidates are allowed the use of their own geometry box set.
• You will need to undergo the mandatory frisking and biometrics again if you go to the bio break/ toilet during the examination.
• Blank paper sheets for rough work of A4 size will be provided in the examination hall.
• You will have to write your name and roll number on the rough sheet and must drop the sheet in the designated drop box before leaving the examination hall.

Time Management Strategy for JEE Main 2026 Session 2

To maximise your score, time management is required in the exam for maximum attempts. A strategic time allows candidates to enhance their chances of getting a seat with higher score marks. The following are the exam day time management strategies you should know. Always follow the 3 Hour Plan for JEE Main 2026 Session 2 as mentioned below.

• Take around 10-15 minutes to identify easy and moderate questions in the exam paper.
• Take around 60-70 minutes to solve straightforward, formula-based questions in chemistry and physics.
• Take around 70-80 minutes to attempt moderate-level questions, especially in math.
• Take around 10-15 minutes to check any errors, and answer every question wisely with confidence because negative marking is crucial.

Last Minute Exam Tips for JEE Main 2026 Session 2

The last-minute preparation diverts your attention from the exam. This is the peak time when candidates feel anxiety and stress from the exam. But you need to keep calm and try to improve your focus and performance. A small effort can prevent you from confusion and can save you time.

• Arrive at the exam centre at least 1 hour before reporting time.
• Ensure the exam centre location is confirmed a day in advance to avoid travel delays.
• Read all exam instructions on the admit card page before visiting the exam centre.
• Keep your login credentials ready for a smooth exam experience.
• Stay hydrated and eat light food before the exam.

Common Exam Day Mistakes to Avoid for JEE Main Session 2 Exam

Many candidates usually make mistakes on the exam day, resulting in them having to pay the cost or may create unnecessary problems. Here are the mistakes most candidates repeat every year.

• A common and most avoidable mistake is forgetting the admit card. The solution is to keep it safe with the ID Proof card the night before.
• Reaching the exam centre late is also common and mostly happens in every exam. Ensure to arrive 1 hour before the exam starts because there will be no exceptions after.
• In some cases, candidates are found with prohibited items, resulting in their exclusion from the exam. Make sure not such prohibited items as per the NTA JEE Main Guideline are carried to the examination centre.
• Always follow the exam instructions as mentioned on the admit card page to avoid any exam delay.

Conclusion

The JEE Main Session 2 examination is being conducted from April 2 to April 8, 2026. You must be well-versed in the examination guidelines for JEE Main 2026 Session 2, as this informs you exactly what you are permitted and not permitted to carry with you to the exam centre. If you adhere strictly to the official NTA JEE Main exam guidelines, your entry into the exam centre becomes seamless. You can save a significant amount of time during security checks and can focus your entire attention on performing well in the examination.

Therefore, always proceed to the exam centre in strict prescribed guidelines, and leave at home any items that are explicitly prohibited from being carried into the examination venue. Always arrive at the exam centre at least one hour before the commencement of the exam. Stay calm inside the examination hall, and keep your entire focus directed solely toward the examination paper.

Frequently Asked Questions