JEE Main 2026 January Exam Schedule: Dates, Shifts & What to Expect

The JEE Main 2026 January Session is officially scheduled to begin on January 21, 2026. With the application window now closed, the next major update for aspirants is the release of the City Intimation Slip and Admit Card.

If you are appearing for the Session 1 exam, this post contains the definitive schedule, official shift timings, and critical new changes introduced by the 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.

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

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

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.

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 10 days before the JEE Main exam window, allowing candidates time for logistical planning.

Download JEE Main Exam City Intimation Slip

According to community reports and past patterns, the city intimation slip for the January 2026 session may be released around 7-10 January 2026, although the official bulletin will confirm the exact date. 

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

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

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

Conclusion

The JEE Main 2026 January session, scheduled from 21 to 30 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.

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