Quick answer
Carry: the printed admit card (for JEE Main, with the filled self-declaration), an original valid photo ID, a passport-size photo (JEE Main) and a transparent ball-point pen; PwD candidates also carry their certificate. Leave at home: phones, any watch, calculators, papers, geometry boxes, wallets, bags, belts, jewellery and metallic items, and anything electronic. Reach two hours early: gates close before the exam starts and late candidates are not allowed in.
JEE Main: what to carry
Rough sheets are given at the centre; write your name and application number on each and hand them back at the end.
JEE Main: not allowed
Geometry or pencil boxes, handbags, purses, any paper or printed or written material, food and water (loose or packed), mobile phones, earphones, microphones, calculators, log tables, cameras, electronic watches, and any metallic item or electronic device. Sikh candidates may wear the kara and kirpan.
JEE Main: timings
| Shift | Entry, frisking and checks | Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | 7:00 – 8:30 a.m. | 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon |
| Afternoon | 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. | 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. |
From the JEE Main 2026 bulletin. NTA advises reaching two hours before the exam; there is no re-test for anyone who misses the shift.
JEE Advanced: what to carry and what is not allowed
Not allowed: any watch, phones, Bluetooth devices, earphones, health bands, smart glasses or any electronic gadget; any paper, log tables, writing pads, scales, geometry or pencil boxes, pouches, calculators and pen drives; wallets, bags, goggles, belts and caps; ornaments and metallic items such as rings, bracelets, earrings, nose pins, chains, hair pins and clothes with big buttons. Check your admit card for any item-specific instruction for the year.
Dress code: light clothing and open footwear such as chappals or sandals; avoid charms or tabeez. Articles of faith, full sleeves or woollens are allowed if you report early for frisking. A scribble pad is provided for each paper and must be returned.
Choosing your exam city
| JEE Main | JEE Advanced | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of choices | Up to 4 cities | 10 cities or towns (compulsory) |
| Where | Only in the states of your present or permanent address | From the list in the registration portal |
| Can it change later? | No | No |
- Choose cities with an easy early-morning journey; for an unfamiliar city, travel the day before and visit the centre in the evening.
- Rank the nearest large city first. Both exams try to allot one of your choices but can allot another.
- Download the city slip and admit card as soon as they are out, and check the centre address on a map.
The day before: a quick checklist
Your ticks are saved only in this browser. Registration details: JEE Main registration and JEE Advanced registration. For other exams such as BITSAT, IISER IAT and NDA, follow the instructions printed on that exam’s admit card: the basics (admit card, original photo ID, no electronics) are the same.
What should I carry to the JEE Main exam centre?
The printed admit card with the filled self-declaration, a passport-size photo matching the one uploaded, an original valid photo ID, a transparent ball-point pen and, if applicable, your PwD certificate.
Can I take a water bottle into JEE Main?
No. The JEE Main bulletin does not allow eatables or water, loose or packed. JEE Advanced allows water in a transparent bottle.
Can I wear a watch in JEE Main or JEE Advanced?
No watch is allowed in JEE Advanced, and JEE Main bans electronic watches and metallic items; the computer screen shows the time remaining.
What time should I reach the JEE Main centre?
Two hours before the exam. Entry runs from 7:00 to 8:30 a.m. for the morning shift and 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. for the afternoon shift, and late candidates are not allowed in.
Can I change my JEE exam centre?
No. Neither NTA nor the JEE Advanced IITs change allotted cities or centres, so choose your cities carefully while applying.