JEE Main 2026: Do’s & Don’ts for Exam Day

What are the Do’s & Don’ts for JEE Main 2026 Exam Day and Their Benefits

Do’s include reaching the center 1 hour early for frisking and biometrics, while don'ts prohibit electronic gadgets to maintain integrity; these rules, updated for 2026, prevent disruptions and ensure fair evaluation. Benefits range from reduced stress to accurate scoring in the multi-shift format.

• Do carry printed admit card, photo ID (Aadhaar/PAN), and passport-sized photo; this verifies identity swiftly, avoiding entry delays and biometric mismatches at the gate.
• Do arrive by 8:30 AM for morning shift (9:00-12:00) or 1:30 PM for afternoon; early arrival allows buffer for traffic, easing anxiety and familiarizing with the secure center setup.
• Don't bring prohibited items like mobiles, calculators, or notes; this upholds NTA's zero-tolerance policy, preventing cancellation and fostering a cheat-free environment.
• Do follow dress code (light clothing, no metallic items) and cooperate with frisking; it speeds security checks, ensuring all candidates start on time without hindrances.
• Don't discuss questions or leave early without permission; maintaining silence post-exam preserves answer key integrity, benefiting normalized scoring across shifts.

Effective Tips for Following Do’s & Don’ts on Exam Day

Prepare documents night before: Download admit card from jeemain.nta.ac.in 2-3 days prior, affix photo, and pack ID in a transparent pouch; this do ensures quick entry, avoiding last-minute rushes on January/April 2026 dates. Rehearse the routine to align with 2026 guidelines.

• Do eat a light breakfast and stay hydrated but avoid excess; this sustains energy for the 3-hour CBT without bio-breaks, following don'ts on food in hall.
• Plan travel to center (assigned via city preference); arrive 90 minutes early, wear comfortable shoes, and carry only permitted items like pen/pencil for rough work.
• Do read instructions on screen carefully before starting; use on-screen calculator wisely, adhering to don'ts on external aids for accurate numerical answers.
• Follow invigilator cues during biometrics and seating; don't touch keyboard until green signal, ensuring your session logs correctly for percentile calculation.
• Post-exam, don't share OMR details immediately; review performance mentally and exit calmly to avoid stress while awaiting official keys.

Simulate exam day with mocks on NTA app; contact helpline (011-40759000) for queries on 2026 specifics like PwD accommodations.

Common Mistakes to Avoid on JEE Main 2026 Exam Day

Forget essentials: Arriving without admit card or ID leads to denied entry; always double-check the night before to comply with mandatory verification dos. Ignoring time leads to rushed travel in multi-city setups.

• Don't carry banned gadgets even powered off; accidental detection causes disqualification—leave them home to follow strict don'ts and focus on test.
• Avoid late arrival past 9:30 AM (morning) or 2:30 PM; gates close, forfeiting the shift—plan routes early per do’s for buffer time.
• Don't wear restricted clothing like watches or heavy jewelry; metal detectors flag them, delaying frisking—opt for simple attire as per guidelines.
• Refrain from arguing with staff or peeking at screens; this violates conduct don'ts, risking warnings or ejection—cooperate fully for smooth proceedings.
• Don't submit prematurely without review; rushing ignores time management dos, potentially missing easy questions in the 75-attempt format.
• Avoid post-exam discussions on portal; breaching don'ts can lead to scrutiny—wait for official analysis to maintain your score integrity.