Essential Guidelines for JEE Main 2026 Session 2: What Candidates Need to Know
Overview of JEE Main 2026 Session 2
JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Guidelines: The second session of India's premier engineering entrance exam, JEE Main 2026, is scheduled to commence tomorrow, April 2nd. With a vast number of students participating, it is vital for candidates to familiarize themselves with the guidelines, exam timings, and dress code to ensure a smooth examination process.
Exam Schedule and Shifts
When will the exam take place, and how many shifts are there?
JEE Main Paper 1 (for B.Tech/B.E.) will occur on April 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, 2026. The exam will be conducted in two shifts: the first from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and the second from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Candidates must arrive at the examination center at least one hour prior to the start time. Entry will close 30 minutes before the exam begins, and latecomers will not be allowed to enter.
Entry Timings
What are the entry timings?
For the morning shift, entry will be allowed between 7:00 AM and 8:30 AM. For the afternoon shift, students can enter from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM. All candidates will undergo security checks and biometric verification before being allowed to take their seats in the exam hall.
Record Applications
Record Number of Applications
This year, JEE Main has achieved a new milestone with over 16 lakh students applying for the April session, compared to 14.10 lakh who participated in January. This indicates an increase of approximately 2.16 lakh new candidates for the April session.
What items must be carried to the exam?
Candidates must bring essential documents, including the Admit Card downloaded from the NTA website and the Self-Declaration Form. Additionally, a passport-sized photograph (the same as the one uploaded with the application), one original photo ID (like Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, or Passport), and a transparent ballpoint pen are required. Photocopies or digital IDs on mobile devices will not be accepted.
Prohibited Items
What items are prohibited inside the examination hall?
Electronic devices such as mobile phones, smartwatches, and calculators are not allowed. Candidates should only bring necessary items to the exam center.
Dress Code Guidelines
What are the rules regarding the dress code?
While there is no strict dress code, students should wear clothing that facilitates security checks. Male candidates should avoid wearing metal items like chains or heavy buttons, while female candidates should refrain from wearing dupattas, stoles, or excessive jewelry. Light and comfortable clothing is recommended, and slippers or sandals are preferred over shoes.
Can students wear jeans?
Yes, students can wear jeans, but they should not have metal zippers, large buttons, or excessive embellishments to avoid complications during entry.
Path to IIT
The Journey from JEE Main to IIT
After both sessions of JEE Main, ranks will be published. The top 2.5 lakh ranked students will qualify for JEE Advanced, which is the gateway to IIT admissions. To be eligible, students must achieve at least 75% in their Class 12 exams or rank within the top 20th percentile of their respective boards.
Engineering Seat Availability
How many engineering seats are available across the country?
Across all IITs, NITs, IIITs, and other government-funded technical institutes in India, there are approximately 63,000 seats available. This includes 18,160 seats in IITs, 24,525 in NITs, 9,940 in IIITs, and 10,228 in other government institutions.
Final Reminders
What points should be kept in mind before the exam?
Students are encouraged to arrive early, carry all necessary documents, and follow the guidelines closely. Even minor oversights could result in exclusion from the exam, so it is essential to be fully prepared.