JEE Main 2026 January Exam Schedule: Dates, Shifts Updates

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Key Takeaways: JEE Main 2026 Session 1

1. Release Date: The JEE Main 2026 Exam City Intimation Slip has been released on 08 January 2026.

2. Not an Admit Card: This slip only confirms your Exam City. It does not contain the specific centre address or roll number.

3. Strict Timing: For 2026, exam gates will close exactly 30 minutes before the start time (8:30 AM for Morning / 2:30 PM for Evening). No late entry is allowed.

4. New Security: NTA is introducing Facial Recognition at centres; ensure your appearance matches your registration photo.

5. Official Source: Download the slip only from jeemain.nta.nic.in.

The JEE Main 2026 Session 1 is officially scheduled to begin on 21 January 2026.
With the application process completed, the Exam City Intimation Slip has now been released, and the Admit Card will be issued later.

In a major development, NTA has also rescheduled the January 23 exam for candidates appearing in West Bengal due to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti and Saraswati Puja.

If you are appearing for Session 1, this post provides the confirmed exam schedule, official shift timings, and important procedural changes announced by NTA for 2026.

JEE Main 2026: Key Dates & Schedule (Official)

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has confirmed the following timeline for the January session. Use this table to track your next steps.

Event	Official Date
Exam Dates (Session 1)	21, 22, 23, 24, 28 & 29 January 2026
City Intimation Slip	Released on 08 January 2026
Admit Card Release	3–4 days before the candidate’s exam date
Session 1 Result	February 2026 (Tentative)
Application Correction Window	Closed (01–02 December 2025)

Note: The City Intimation Slip is NOT your Admit Card. It only informs you of the exam city so you can make travel arrangements.

Also See: JEE Main 2026 Application Form Rejected? Here's What NTA's Bulletin Really Says About Corrections

Detailed Shift Timings: Morning and Afternoon Sessions

The exam will be conducted in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode across two shifts daily. NTA strictly enforces entry timings, so ensure you reach the center at least 90 minutes before the exam starts.

Shift Timings for JEE Main 2026 Session 1

Particulars	Shift 1 (Morning)	Shift 2 (Evening)
Exam Time	09:00 AM – 12:00 PM	03:00 PM – 06:00 PM
Entry to Center	07:30 AM – 08:30 AM	02:00 PM – 02:30 PM
Gates Close (Strict)	08:30 AM	02:30 PM
Exam Duration	3 Hours (B.E./B.Tech)	3 Hours (B.E./B.Tech)

Paper 2 (B.Arch / B.Planning)

Date: 29 January 2026
Timing: 09:00 AM – 12:30 PM

What to Expect in JEE Main 2026 (New Updates)

For the 2026 academic year, NTA has introduced stricter security measures. Here is what you need to know before exam day:

1. Facial Biometric Authentication

Starting JEE Main 2026, NTA is implementing Facial Recognition Technology at exam centers.

What it means: Your identity will be verified by matching your face with the photo uploaded during registration.
Action: Ensure you do not wear heavy makeup or alter your appearance drastically compared to your application photo.

2. Strict Gate Closing Times

In previous years, latecomers were sometimes allowed leeway. For 2026, guidelines state that gates will close exactly 30 minutes before the exam starts (8:30 AM / 2:30 PM). No candidate will be allowed inside after this time.

3. Frisking & Dress Code

Allowed: Transparent water bottle, simple ballpoint pen, Admit Card, valid ID proof (Aadhaar/PAN), and PwD certificate (if applicable).
Banned: Electronic devices, jewelry, thick-soled shoes, and garments with large buttons.

Also See: How Many Questions You MUST Get Correct for 95/98/99 Percentile in JEE Main

City and Centre Allotment: What to Expect (Pre-Exam)

Prior to the admit card release, NTA issues an exam city intimation slip that tells candidates the city where their exam centre will be located. This document typically comes out about 13 days before the JEE Main exam window, allowing candidates time for logistical planning.

Download JEE Main Exam City Intimation Slip

Remember: the city slip does not contain shift, roll number, or venue details; those are in the admit card released later.

Admit Card and Documentation Timelines

Once the exam city slip is available, NTA is expected to release the JEE Main 2026 January admit card in the third week of January, around 3–4 days before the first exam date. The admit card provides:

Exam date
Shift timing
Centre address
Roll number
Candidate photograph and signature
Important instructions for exam day

Candidates must carry the printed admit card and a valid photo ID to their exam centre. Without these, entry will be denied.

Exam Pattern and Duration: Expect Consistency

Aspect	Details
Exam Name	JEE Main 2026
Duration	3 hours (Paper 1 and each individual Paper 2 format)
Question Format	Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Paper 1	B.E. / B.Tech
Paper 1 Sections	Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics
Paper 2A	B.Arch (Aptitude + Drawing components)
Paper 2B	B.Planning (Aptitude + Planning components)
Language Medium	English, Hindi, and select regional languages

Download JEE Main PYQs PDF

What to Expect on Exam Day

Based on previous years and official procedural standards, candidates should be prepared for:

Early Reporting

Arrive at the centre well before the reporting time to complete:

Biometric verification (fingerprint or photograph)
Frisking and identity checks
Admission ticket cross-verification

Also See: JEE Main 2026 Registration: Application Window LIVE – All Key Updates & Official Advisory

Late arrivals are not permitted once the gates are closed.

Strict Documentation Checks

Invigilators will verify:

Admit card
Photo ID (Aadhaar/Passport/School ID)
Masking and safety protocols if applicable

Identity verification is increasingly stringent, with NTA exploring technologies like facial recognition to enhance integrity from 2026 onward.

Exam Room Conduct

Candidates are required to adhere strictly to instructions, avoid prohibited items (phones, calculators), and remain in their seats once the paper starts unless an emergency occurs.

Summary of Key Dates

Event	Date
JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Exam	21–29 January 2026
Exam City Intimation Slip	08 January 2026
Admit Card Release	Third week of January 2026 (approx.)
Session 1 Result Announcement	February 2026 (expected)

Conclusion

The JEE Main 2026 January session, scheduled from 21 to 29 January 2026, is a critical examination window for engineering aspirants. With clearly defined shifts, preparatory milestones, and logistical timelines, candidates are advised to align their revision, travel planning, and exam strategy with the official schedule. Staying updated on the admit card release and city intimation dates will help reduce unnecessary stress and ensure a smooth exam experience.

For real-time updates, always refer to the official JEE Main portal: jeemain.nta.nic.in.