NTA JEE Main 2026 Session 1 admit cards went live on January 17 for exams starting January 21. As someone who’s coached 200+ students through JEE Main over 8 years, I know the drill—your JEE Main hall ticket is your passport to NITs, IIITs, and JEE Advanced. Application number + DOB unlocks it at jeemain.nta.nic.in. Exams run till Jan 30 (Paper 1), Paper 2 in April. Print 3 copies NOW—servers crash closer to exam day!
JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Complete Exam Calendar
| Event | Date/Details |
|---|---|
| Admit Cards Released | January 17, 2026 |
| Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) | Jan 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 29, 30 |
| Paper 2A (B.Arch) | Jan 29 |
| Paper 2B (B.Planning) | Jan 30 |
| Answer Key | Feb 5, 2026 |
| Session 2 | April 2-9, 2026 |
| JEE Advanced | May 18, 2026 |
Download portal: jeemain.nta.nic.in (Firefox/Chrome recommended).
Admit Card Access: Two Simple Methods
| Login Method | Credentials Needed |
|---|---|
| Method 1 | Application Number + Password |
| Method 2 | Application Number + Date of Birth |
| Backup | Registered Email ID + Security Pin |
No postal delivery—online only. Keep credentials handy!
Step-by-Step Download Guide (5 Minutes)
Method 1 (Application + Password):
- Visit jeemain.nta.nic.in
- Click “JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Admit Card“
- Select “Through Application Number & Password“
- Enter App No + Password → Login
- Verify details → Download PDF
- Print 3 copies (A4, colored/black & white both OK)
Method 2 (Application + DOB):
- Same website → “Through App No & DOB“
- Enter Application Number + DD/MM/YYYY
- Captcha → Download hall ticket
Screenshot confirmation page—proof if portal crashes!
What Shows on Your JEE Main Admit Card?
Verify these CRITICAL details immediately:
textJOINT ENTRANCE EXAMINATION (MAIN) 2026
SESSION 1 | PAPER 1 (B.E./B.Tech)
Photograph → [Your Photo]
Name: ARYAN SINGH
Application No: 26XX12345678
Roll Number: JEEML2600012345
DOB: 15/08/2008
Exam Date: 22-Jan-2026 | Paper: Paper 1 | Shift: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Exam Centre: VMC ACADEMY, PITAMPURA, DELHI-110034
Centre Code: DL01
Instructions: Report by 7:30 AM. No electronics allowed.
Self-declaration undertaking also downloadable—mandatory!
JEE Main Paper 1 Exam Pattern Quick View
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | 25 (20+5 numerical) | 100 |
| Chemistry | 25 (20+5 numerical) | 100 |
| Mathematics | 25 (20+5 numerical) | 100 |
| Total | 75 Questions | 300 Marks |
3 hours, no negative marking for numerical questions.
Exam Day Mandatory Checklist
| MUST CARRY | ABSOLUTELY BANNED |
|---|---|
| Printed admit card + self-declaration | Mobile/smartwatch |
| Govt ID (Aadhaar/PAN/Driving License) | Calculator/handy-cam |
| Passport photo (extra) | Electronic notepad |
| Transparent water bottle (500ml) | Food from outside |
| Personal sanitizer (50ml) | Mask (provided at center) |
Timing: Entry 7:30-8:30 AM. Gates close 8:45 AM—no exceptions!
Common Download Problems & Instant Fixes
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| “Invalid Credentials” | Check application status first |
| Portal Down | Try jeemain.nta.ac.in alternate |
| Slow Loading | Use Chrome → Incognito mode |
| Photo Issue | Carry 2 extra photos |
| Wrong Shift/Center | Final allocation—no changes |
NTA Helpline: 011-40759000 (10 AM-5 PM)
Last-Minute Preparation: 3 Days Strategy
Jan 21 Candidates:
textPhysics: Electrostatics, Modern Physics, Optics (3 hrs)
Chemistry: Organic reactions, Coordination (2 hrs)
Maths: Calculus, Vectors, Probability (3 hrs)
Mock Test: Full 3-hr paper daily
Shift-wise Focus: Morning shift = formula revision, Evening = numerical practice.
City Intimation Slip vs Admit Card
| Document | Purpose | Contains |
|---|---|---|
| City Slip (Already out) | Exam city allocation | City name only |
| Admit Card (New) | Exam center + shift | Complete details |
Download city slip too—backup verification.
Session 2 Planning (April 2026)
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| Registration | Feb 15-25 |
| Correction Window | March 1-3 |
| Admit Cards | March 30 |
| Exams | April 2-9 |
Best of 2 sessions counts—improve your Session 1 score!
Why Your Admit Card is Make-or-Break
Top 2.5 lakh qualify for JEE Advanced. NIT cutoff: 85-95 percentile. Session 1 strong score = pressure-free Session 2. JoSAA counseling uses best score.
Last year: 12 lakh registered, 10 lakh appeared. 2026 expected 13+ lakh.
Action Steps for Jan 21 Candidates (TODAY)
- Download admit card (print 3 copies)
- Download self-declaration (fill details)
- Visit exam center (route timing)
- Pack exam kit (ID + stationery)
- Sleep by 10 PM nightly
Portal LIVE since Jan 17—don’t wait! My students with 98+ percentile followed this checklist. Jan 21 starts NIT/IIIT journey—your NTA JEE Main Admit Card 2026 unlocks it!
