The National Testing Agency (NTA) is set to conduct the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026 Session 1 for admission into top engineering, architecture, and planning courses across India. Candidates who have registered for the January session can expect their admit cards to be released shortly on the official portal. The admit card serves as a critical document for entry, containing essential details such as the exam center, reporting time, and roll number. For the 2026 cycle, the NTA has also announced a rescheduling of the January 23rd exam for West Bengal candidates due to Saraswati Puja festivities.
JEE Main 2026 Summary
| Exam Name | Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026 |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Session 1 Dates | January 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, and 29, 2026 |
| Admit Card Release Date | Expected by 3rd Week of January (Around Jan 17–19, 2026) |
| Official Website | jeemain.nta.nic.in |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
Exam Schedule
| Paper | Dates | Shift 1 (Morning) | Shift 2 (Evening) | Notes |
| Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) | Jan 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 2026 | 09:00 AM to 12:00 PM | 03:00 PM to 06:00 PM | Candidates in West Bengal originally scheduled for Jan 23 will be allotted a revised date. |
| Paper 2 (B.Arch & B.Planning) | Jan 29, 2026 | 09:00 AM to 12:00 PM | 03:00 PM to 06:00 PM | – |
JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern
The exam pattern for Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) includes the following structure:
Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
Total Questions: 75 Questions (25 per subject).
Section A: 20 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) per subject.
Section B: 5 Numerical Value Questions per subject.
Important Update: Unlike previous years where there was a choice (5 out of 10), recent patterns indicate that all 5 numerical questions in Section B may be compulsory.
Total Marks: 300 Marks.
Marking Scheme: +4 marks for a correct answer, -1 mark for an incorrect answer.
How to Download JEE Main 2026 Admit Card
Follow these steps to download your hall ticket once the link is active:
- Visit the official NTA website: jeemain.nta.nic.in.
- Locate and click on the link titled “JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Admit Card” on the homepage.
- Enter your Application Number and Date of Birth (or Password).
- Enter the Security Pin (Captcha) displayed on the screen.
- Click “Submit” to view your admit card.
- Download the PDF and take a clear printout for exam day.
Official Links
Direct Link to Website: jeemain.nta.nic.in
NTA Official Site: nta.ac.in
Documents to carry along with the admit card
No candidate can appear for the exam without the admit card. Along with the admit card candidates must not forget to carry the following items:
- a passport-size photograph identical to the one uploaded while filling up the application form.
- a valid ID proof – PAN card/ Driving License/ Voter ID/ Passport/ Aadhaar Card (With photograph)/ Aadhaar Enrolment No/ Ration Card
- Candidates belonging to the PwD category will have to carry a copy of the PwD certificate in the prescribed format.
About The Exam
JEE Main is applicable for admission to NITs, IIITs and CFTIs participating though Central Seat Allocation Board subject to the condition that the candidate should have secured at least 75% marks in the 12th class examination, or be in the top 20 percentile in the 12th class examination conducted by the respective Boards. For SC/ST candidates the qualifying marks would be 65% in the 12th class examination.
