JEE Main 2026 Exam Timing: Shift Details, Reporting Time and Exam Duration

JEE Main Exam Timing 2026: The National Testing Agency (NTA) is all set to conduct the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 examination starting tomorrow, 21 January 2026. With lakhs of candidates appearing for this crucial engineering entrance exam, knowing the exact shift timing, reporting time, exam duration, and important exam-day instructions is extremely important.

This article gives you a complete and last‑minute guide to JEE Main 2026 exam timing, along with official updates from the NTA advisory and the Information Bulletin.

JEE Main 2026 Session 1 – Important Dates

• Session 1 Exam Dates: 21 to 29 January 2026

• Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech): 21, 22, 23, 24 and 28 January 2026

• Paper 2 (B.Arch/B.Plan): 29 January 2026

• Admit Card Released: 17 January 2026

• Result Declaration: Expected by 12 February 2026

Check This: JEE Main 2026 Admit Card: Download Process, Self-Declaration Form & How to Fix Error 503

JEE Main 2026 Exam Duration for Paper 1 & 2 (As per NTA)

JEE Main 2026 Shift Timing Details – 21 January 2026

NTA will conduct the JEE Main 2026 examination on Wednesday, 21 January 2026 in two shifts for Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech). Candidates must check their admit card to confirm their allotted shift.

Shift Timing Table – JEE Main 2026 (21 January 2026)

Note: Paper 2 (B.Arch/B.Planning) is scheduled on 29 January 2026 only. There is no Paper 2 exam on 21 January 2026.

Important* JEE Main 2026 Biometric Verification Process: Official Exam Day Procedure

JEE Main 2026 Reporting Time & Exam Day Timeline (January 21, 2026)

Although the exact reporting time is mentioned on individual admit cards, based on NTA’s standard practice and official instructions, the complete exam-day timeline for both shifts is as follows:

Complete Timeline – JEE Main 2026

Important: No candidate will be allowed to enter the examination hall after the gate closing time under any circumstances. Candidates must strictly follow the reporting time mentioned on their admit card.

NTA Exam Advisory for JEE Main 2026 (Key Highlights)

As per the official exam-day advisory released by NTA on 20 January 2026, candidates must strictly follow these instructions:

1. Reach the Centre Well in Advance

• Candidates should reach the exam centre at least 2 hours before the exam.

• This allows enough time for frisking, biometric verification and document checking.

2. Mandatory Documents to Carry

• Printed copy of JEE Main 2026 Admit Card

• Two copies of passport-size photograph (same as uploaded in the application)

• Valid original Photo ID proof (Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence, PAN Card or School ID)

3. Prohibited Items Inside Exam Hall

Candidates are strictly prohibited from carrying:

• Mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, smart watches

• Calculators, digital watches

• Books, notes, paper chits

• Wallets, handbags, metallic items

• Food items and water bottles (unless permitted for medical reasons)

4. Dress Code Guidelines

• Avoid clothes with large buttons, metallic accessories or full sleeves

• Wear simple footwear like slippers or sandals

• Do not wear jewellery, rings or bracelets

5. Follow Exam Centre Instructions

• Sit only on the seat allotted to you

• Do not indulge in unfair means

• Follow all instructions given by invigilators

Important Instructions for Candidates Appearing Tomorrow

• Download and print 2–3 copies of your admit card

• Check your exam centre location on Google Maps in advance

• Sleep early and stay hydrated

• Carry all documents in a transparent folder

• Do not bring prohibited items

Official Sources For More Information on JEE Main 2026

Candidates are strongly advised to read the following official documents carefully for complete, authentic and up‑to‑date information regarding the JEE Main 2026 examination. These documents are issued by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and must be treated as the final authority in case of any discrepancy.

• JEE Main 2026 Information Bulletin – NTA
  This bulletin contains detailed information about the exam pattern, syllabus, eligibility criteria, exam schedule, shift timings, marking scheme, reporting instructions, and all important rules to be followed on the examination day.

• NTA Exam Advisory (20 January 2026)
  This advisory provides crucial last‑minute instructions for candidates appearing in JEE Main 2026, including reporting time guidelines, documents to carry, dress code, prohibited items, biometric verification process, and exam‑day conduct.

Candidates are requested to regularly check and thoroughly read the official NTA notifications and advisories to avoid missing any important instructions. Following only authentic information from NTA will help ensure a smooth and stress‑free exam experience.

With JEE Main 2026 Session 1 starting tomorrow (21 January 2026), candidates are advised to stay calm, reach the centre early, and follow all NTA guidelines carefully. Proper planning today can help you avoid last‑minute stress tomorrow.

We wish all aspirants Best of Luck for JEE Main 2026!

Check below important links for last-minute preparation:

• JEE Main 2026: Maths Sample Paper with Answer Key, Download PDF
• JEE Main 2026: Chemistry Sample Paper with Answer Key, Download PDF
• JEE Main 2026: Physics Sample Paper with Answer Key, Download PDF
• JEE Main 2026 Physics Formula Sheet, Download PDF
• JEE Main 2026 Maths Formula Sheet, Download PDF
• JEE Main 2026: Top 4 Maths Chapters Students Must Master For Higher Scores
• JEE Main 2026: Last-Minute Chemistry Preparation Tips You Must Follow to Score High