JEE Main 2026 admit card released: Check direct link, how to access session 1 hall ticket here

JEE Main 2026 is officially around the corner, and the air is thick with a mix of excitement and nervous energy. For lakhs of engineering aspirants across India, the journey toward the prestigious IITs and NITs has reached its first major milestone: the release of the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Admit Card.

On January 17, 2026, the National Testing Agency (NTA) opened the portal for students to download their hall tickets. If you are appearing for the exam, this document is essentially your “passport” to the exam hall. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from the download process to the crucial exam-day instructions.

Quick Summary Table for JEE Main 2026

1. Key Dates and Examination Schedule

The NTA has structured the 2026 academic year into two distinct sessions. This allows students two chances to improve their scores and ensures that one “bad day” doesn’t ruin a year of hard work.

• Session 1 (January): The exams will be conducted between January 21 and January 29, 2026.

• Session 2 (April): The second window will open from April 2 to April 9, 2026.

With the January session starting in just a few days, downloading your admit card immediately is vital to avoid last-minute technical glitches on the website.

2. How to Download Your JEE Main 2026 Admit Card

The NTA has made the process digital and straightforward. Follow these steps to access your hall ticket:

1. Visit the Official Portal: Head over to jeemain.nta.ac.in.

2. Locate the Link: Look for the notification bar or the “Candidate Activity” section and click on the ‘JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Admit Card’ link.

3. Enter Credentials: You will need your Application Number and your Date of Birth (in DD/MM/YYYY format).

4. Security Pin: Enter the case-sensitive captcha (security pin) displayed on the screen.

5. Submit and Download: Once your admit card appears, download the PDF version and save it in a secure folder.

6. Printout: Take at least two clear printouts on A4-sized paper. Ensure your photograph and signature are visible.

3. Critical Details to Verify on Your Hall Ticket

Once you have the document in hand, don’t just tuck it away. You must verify every single detail. Even a minor typo can cause a major headache at the entry gate. Check for the following:

• Candidate Information: Your name, Father’s name, and Date of Birth.

• Exam Logistics: The specific date of your exam, the shift (Morning or Afternoon), and the reporting time.

• Venue Details: The full address of the examination center.

• Subject/Paper: Ensure it correctly reflects whether you are appearing for Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech), Paper 2A (B.Arch), or Paper 2B (B.Planning).

• Aadhaar Verification Status: Check if your Aadhaar is verified or if you need to carry additional ID proofs.

What to do if there is an error?

If you find a mistake (e.g., your photo is blurry or your name is misspelled), contact the NTA Helpdesk immediately at 011-40759000 or email them at jeemain@nta.ac.in.

4. The 2026 Exam Pattern: At a Glance

For those who need a quick refresher while they prepare their bags, here is how the paper will look:

• Total Duration: 3 Hours (4 Hours for PwD candidates).

• Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.

• Question Distribution: 90 questions in total (30 per subject).

• Structure per Subject:

  • Section A: 20 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) — all are mandatory.

  • Section B: 10 Numerical Value Questions — you only need to answer 5 out of 10.

• Marking Scheme:

  • +4 for every correct answer.

  • -1 for every incorrect answer (Negative marking applies to both MCQs and Numerical questions).

  • Total Marks: 300.

5. Essential Checklist for the Exam Day

The atmosphere at the JEE center is strict. To ensure a smooth entry, make sure you carry these items:

1. Hard Copy of Admit Card: Soft copies on mobile phones are not allowed.

2. Valid Photo ID: Original government-issued ID like Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, or Passport.

3. Passport Size Photograph: Carry one or two extra photos (the same as the one uploaded during registration) to be pasted on the attendance sheet.

4. PwD Certificate: If applicable, carry the certificate issued by the competent authority.

5. Permitted Items: A transparent water bottle and a simple transparent ballpoint pen.

Pro-Tip: Avoid wearing clothes with large buttons or jewelry, and do not carry electronic gadgets, calculators, or watches, as they are strictly prohibited and can lead to disqualification.

6. Final Week Strategies for Aspirants

With the admit card out, the “final countdown” has begun. Here is how you should spend your remaining days:

• Visit the Center Early: If possible, visit your exam center a day before. Knowing the route, traffic conditions, and the exact location of the gate will save you from panic on the exam morning.

• Focus on Revision: This is not the time to start new, difficult topics. Revisit your formula sheets and high-weightage chapters.

• Mock Tests: Take at least two more full-length mock tests in the same shift timing as your actual exam. This helps in “syncing” your brain’s peak performance time with the exam schedule.

• Health and Sleep: Many students sacrifice sleep in the last week. Don’t. A tired brain struggles with calculations and memory recall. Aim for 7 hours of sleep.

Conclusion

The release of the JEE Main 2026 admit card is a signal that your months (or years) of preparation are about to be tested. While the exam is rigorous, remember that it is just a platform to showcase what you have learned.

Download your hall ticket today, double-check your venue, and approach the exam with a calm and focused mind. You have done the hard work; now it’s time to execute the plan.

Best of luck to all the future engineers!