JEE Main Admit Card 2026 Out – Download Session 1 Hall Ticket Here
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially released the Admit Cards for the Joint Entrance Examination (Main) – 2026 Session 1. Candidates who are scheduled to appear for the B.E./B.Tech (Paper 1) exam on 21, 22, 23, and 24 January 2026 can now download their hall tickets from the official portal. This is the most crucial document required for entry into the examination hall. The JEE (Main) is a gateway for admission to Undergraduate Engineering Programs at NITs, IIITs, and other Centrally Funded Technical Institutions (CFTIs), and also serves as the eligibility test for JEE (Advanced) for IIT admissions. Candidates are advised to check all details on the admit card, including the allotted shift, reporting time, and specific exam center address carefully.
Strategic Overview: The JEE (Main) 2026 Session 1 is being conducted in two shifts across various centers in India and 15 cities globally. Shift 1 will run from 09:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, while Shift 2 is scheduled from 03:00 PM to 06:00 PM. NTA has emphasized that the admit card must contain a visible QR Code and Barcode. Without these, the hall ticket may be considered invalid. Candidates must also bring the same Photo ID that was uploaded during the online application process to verify their identity at the center.
(I) Important Links & Admit Card Tools
(II) Examination Schedule (Session 1)
The schedule for the release of admit cards and examination dates is provided below as per the latest NTA public notice:
| Exam Dates | Paper Type | Shift Timing | Admit Card Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21, 22, 23 & 24 Jan 2026 | Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) | 9 AM – 12 PM | 3 PM – 6 PM | Released (17 Jan) |
| 28 and 29 Jan 2026 | Paper 1, 2A & 2B | Multiple Shifts | Coming Soon |
*Paper 2A (B.Arch) and Paper 2B (B.Planning) exams are mostly scheduled for the later dates.
(III) Selection Process & Selection Stages
The Joint Entrance Examination comprises two distinct stages for candidates aiming for elite technical education:
- Stage 1: JEE (Main) – Conducted for admission to NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs. It also serves as the qualifying exam for the next stage.
- Stage 2: JEE (Advanced) – Only the top 2,50,000 qualifiers of JEE (Main) are eligible to appear for this stage to secure a seat in an IIT.
- Counselling: Conducted by JoSAA (Joint Seat Allocation Authority) or CSAB (Central Seat Allocation Board) based on All India Ranks.
(IV) Crucial Documents for Exam Center
Candidates must carry the following items to the exam center. Failure to produce these will result in disqualification:
- Printed Admit Card: Downloaded from NTA website with the undertaking filled properly.
- Original Photo ID: Must be the same ID as mentioned/uploaded in the application (Aadhar Card with photo/Voter ID/Passport/PAN Card).
- Passport Size Photograph: One additional photo to be pasted on the attendance sheet at the center.
- PwBD Certificate: If applicable, issued by the competent authority.
- Transparent Water Bottle: Personal water bottle (if needed).
(V) Marking Scheme & Negative Marking
Understanding the marking scheme is vital to avoid losing marks in the objective-type test:
| Question Type | Correct Response | Incorrect Response |
|---|---|---|
| MCQs (Multiple Choice) | +4 Marks | -1 Mark |
| Numerical Value Questions | +4 Marks | -1 Mark |
| Unanswered / Marked for Review | 0 Marks | 0 Marks |
Note: Both MCQs and Numerical value questions carry negative marking in JEE Main 2026.
(VI) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How can I download my JEE Main 2026 Admit Card?
Ans: Visit the official link provided above, enter your Application Number and Date of Birth, and click ‘Submit’ to download your hall ticket.
Q2: My exam is on 28th Jan. Why can’t I see my admit card?
Ans: NTA has currently released admit cards only for exams on 21-24 Jan. Admit cards for 28th and 29th Jan will be released in due course.
Q3: What should I do if my photo is blurred on the admit card?
Ans: Immediately contact the NTA Helpline at 011-40759000 or email at jeemain@nta.ac.in for rectification.
Q4: Is it necessary to carry the Aadhar card in original?
Ans: Yes, photocopies or scanned images on phones are not allowed. You must bring the original physical ID card.
Q5: Can I change my exam city or shift now?
Ans: No, the exam city and shift allotted by NTA and printed on the admit card are final and cannot be changed.
Q6: What is the helpline number for JEE Main 2026?
Ans: You can reach the NTA helpline at +91-11-40759000 or +91-11-69227700.
Q7: Are calculators allowed in the exam hall?
Ans: No, electronic gadgets, calculators, watches, or any metallic items are strictly prohibited inside the center.
Q8: Does NTA send admit cards by post?
Ans: No, the admit card must be downloaded online from the official NTA website only.
Q9: I forgot my Application Number. How to retrieve it?
Ans: Go to the JEE Main login page and click on ‘Forgot Application No.’ to retrieve it using your registered email or phone.
Q10: Is there a specific color for the printout of the admit card?
Ans: While black and white is acceptable, NTA recommends a clear color printout to ensure the photo and QR code are easily scannable.