The National Testing Agency (NTA) is currently hosting the first session of the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026. The exams commenced on January
21, and was followed on January 22, 23 and 24. The other two remaining exam dates are January 28 and 29, 2026. According to the data shared by NTA today (January 24), a total of 8,01,326 candidates were scheduled to appear for the examination, out of which 7,70,441 candidates actually appeared, resulting in an overall attendance rate of 96.15 per cent. Among the 7.70 lakh candidates who appeared for the JEE Mains 2026 exams between January 21-23, 7,40,412 candidates were Aadhaar verified, accounting for 96.10 per cent Aadhaar verification, while the number of PwD (Persons with Disabilities) candidates stood at 2,563.
| Particulars | Numbers |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Candidates | 8,01,326 |
| Candidates Appeared | 7,70,441 |
| Attendance (%) | 96.15 per cent |
| Aadhaar Verified Candidates | 7,40,412 |
| Aadhaar Verification (%) | 96.10 per cent |
| PwD Candidates | 2,563 |
From this year, Aadhaar verification is mandatory for JEE Main 2026 registration, where candidates must use their 12-digit Aadhaar number or DigiLocker credentials to verify their identity and automatically fill in details like name, date of birth, and photo from the UIDAI database. This process is required for secure authentication, and candidates must ensure their Aadhaar, including biometric authentication, is unlocked to prevent entry issues at the exam center.
Along with JEE Main 2026 admit cards, candidates must carry an original, valid photo ID (preferably Aadhaar) that matches the details used during registration. Candidates will need to show the hall tickets and the Aadhaar card at the exam hall entry point to enter the exam hall.
JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Dates were scheduled for January 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, and 29, 2026, with Paper 1 (BE/ BTech) on the earlier dates and Paper 2 (BArch/ BPlanning) on January 29, 2026. The exams are being held in two shifts: the morning shift is being conducted from 9 am to 12 pm for paper 1, and the evening shift is scheduled from 3 pm to 6 pm for paper 1. However, paper 2 is being held in a single shift only, which will be conducted from 9 am to 12:30 pm. The exams are held in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode.
