The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced the full schedule and shift timings for JEE Main 2026, which will be held from April 2 to 9. The exam will take place in two shifts each day—9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Candidates are advised to report early, as strict gate closing rules will be followed and late entry will not be allowed.
- JEE Main 2026 will be held April 2-9, 2026, in two shifts daily.
- NTA centre gates closes strictly at 8.30 AM and 2.30 PM Afternoon.
- NTA enforces a zero-tolerance policy for late arrivals
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially shared the detailed schedule and shift timings for JEE Main 2026. This update is crucial for lakhs of engineering aspirants, as it clearly explains the exam duration, reporting timings, and strict gate closing rules to ensure a smooth exam process.
The exam will be conducted from April 2 to 9, 2026, and will take place in two shifts each day — a morning shift and an afternoon shift.
JEE Main 2026: Shift Timings & Reporting Rules Made Simple
The JEE Main 2026 exam is conducted in two primary shifts each day. Given below are the shift timings of the exam, which will be conducted from April 2 to 9, 2026:-
- Shift 1 (Morning) will begin at 9:00 AM and will conclude at 12:00 PM.
- Shift 2 (Afternoon) will begin at 3:00 PM and will conclude at 6:00 PM.
- For Paper 2, B.Arch and B.Plan, the morning session extends slightly to 12:30 PM
Candidates should be extra mindful of the reporting and gate closing times, as the NTA follows a strict no-late-entry policy. For morning shifts, students must reach the exam centre by 7:00 AM, with gates shutting promptly at 8:30 AM. For afternoon shifts, reporting begins at 1:00 PM, and gates close at 2:30 PM. These early reporting hours are crucial to complete mandatory security procedures such as biometric registration, frisking, and document verification. (Make sure to check your admit card carefully for your exact reporting and gate closing times.)
On exam day, candidates must carry their JEE Main 2026 admit card, a filled self-declaration form, two passport-size photos, and a valid photo ID. NTA has also printed all reporting and gate closing times on individual admit cards, which act as the final authority for your allotted slot and exam centre.