JEE Advanced 2026: Exam guidelines, dress code, and banned items you must know

JEE Advanced 2026 will be held on May 17 in two shifts across the country. Candidates must follow strict exam-day guidelines, dress code rules, and prohibited item instructions issued by IIT authorities to avoid last-minute trouble at the exam centre.

In Short

• Centres open from 7 am, with frisking likely to take time
• Entry closes at 9 am and 2:30 pm for both papers
• Candidates must carry admit card, photo ID, water bottle and permitted stationery

The countdown has begun for one of India’s toughest engineering entrance examinations. The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) will conduct the JEE Advanced 2026 examination on May 17 in two shifts: Paper 1 from 9 am to 12 noon and Paper 2 from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm.

With lakhs of aspirants set to appear, IIT authorities have issued strict exam-day guidelines regarding reporting time, dress code, frisking procedures, and prohibited items.

Candidates are being advised to carefully follow every instruction mentioned on the admit card to avoid denial of entry at the examination centre.

REACH BEFORE THE TIME

Candidates must report to the exam centre well in advance as entry procedures and frisking are expected to take time. Examination centres will open from 7 am onwards.

No candidate will be allowed to enter after 9 am for Paper 1 and after 2:30 pm for Paper 2. Students must also remain seated inside the hall until the completion of each paper.

Appearing for both Paper 1 and Paper 2 is compulsory. Missing any one paper may lead to disqualification from evaluation.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR JEE ADVANCED?

Candidates should carry the following items:

• Printed copy of JEE Advanced 2026 admit card
• Original valid photo ID proof
• Transparent water bottle
• Basic stationery like pen or pencil, if permitted

Accepted ID proofs include:

• Aadhaar Card
• PAN Card
• Passport
• Voter ID
• Driving Licence
• School or College ID

WHAT IS THE DRESS CODE FOR JEE ADVANCED 2026

IIT authorities have advised candidates to wear simple and comfortable clothes. Clothes with large buttons, metallic attachments, or heavy embroidery should be avoided as they may create issues during frisking.

What to wear for JEE Advanced 2026

• Light and simple clothing
• Half sleeves or comfortable casual wear
• Open footwear like sandals or chappals

What not to wear for JEE Advanced 2026

• Rings, bracelets, chains, pendants
• Earrings, nose pins, badges or brooches
• Taweez or charm-related accessories
• Clothes with large buttons or metallic designs
• Shoes or heavy footwear

The dress code has been introduced to ensure smooth security checks and maintain fairness during the examination process.

BANNED ITEMS LIST FOR JEE ADVANCED 2026

Candidates found carrying prohibited items may not be allowed inside the examination hall.

• Mobile phones
• Smart watches and health bands
• Bluetooth devices and earphones
• Calculators and log tables
• Geometry boxes and pencil pouches
• Cameras and scanners
• Wallets and handbags
• Printed or handwritten papers
• Pen drives and electronic pens
• Any communication device or hidden gadget

Officials have warned that even small electronic accessories or suspicious items may lead to strict action.

WHY THESE RULES MATTER

The strict JEE Advanced 2026 guidelines are aimed at preventing unfair practices and ensuring transparency in the examination.

Authorities believe that a uniform dress code and strict frisking system help maintain exam integrity and create a smooth experience for genuine candidates.

Students are advised to stay calm, reach early, and focus on the examination rather than last-minute panic.

- Ends