JEE Main 2026 Session 1 sees record-breaking 96.15% attendance, check stats here

JEE Main Exam 2026

• JEE Main 2026 sees 96.15% attendance in first session, a recent record high
• Aadhaar verification mandatory; 96.10% candidates verified successfully
• 2,563 PwD candidates participated; exam conducted smoothly in CBT mode

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The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026 has witnessed an exceptionally high student turnout, with official data revealing an attendance rate surpassing 96%. The National Testing Agency (NTA), which is conducting the engineering entrance test, has released preliminary attendance figures following the first four days of examinations.

According to an official update issued by the NTA on January 24, a total of 7,70,441 candidates appeared for the exam out of the 8,01,326 who were scheduled. This translates to a notable 96.15% attendance rate, one of the highest recorded in recent years for the examination's first session.

The January 2026 session commenced on January 21 and has been conducted smoothly on January 22, 23, and 24. The remaining exams are slated for January 28 and 29, 2026.

A key change introduced in JEE Main 2026 has been the mandatory Aadhaar verification for all candidates. Data indicates this new system has been effectively implemented. Out of the 7.70 lakh candidates who appeared, 7,40,412 candidates (96.10%) were successfully verified using their Aadhaar credentials.

For registration this year, candidates were required to use their 12-digit Aadhaar number or DigiLocker, enabling automatic population of details like name, date of birth, and photograph from the UIDAI database. The NTA had advised candidates to ensure their Aadhaar biometric authentication was unlocked prior to the exam day to prevent entry issues.

Emphasizing inclusivity, the NTA made special arrangements for candidates with disabilities. Official figures show that 2,563 candidates from the Persons with Disabilities (PwD) category participated in the first session across various examination centers.

Examination Conduct and Schedule

The JEE Main 2026 Session 1 is being held across six days. Paper 1 (for BE/B.Tech programs) is conducted in two shifts daily: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Paper 2 (for B.Arch and B.Planning) is scheduled for January 29 in a single shift from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM.

The NTA has confirmed that the examination is being conducted entirely in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode and has reported that the process has been "peaceful and smooth" so far.

Documents Required at the Center

The agency has reiterated that candidates must carry their admit card along with a valid original photo identity proof to the examination center. The ID must match the details provided during registration. Both documents are being verified at the center entrance, with the Aadhaar card being a primary document for identity confirmation.

The high attendance percentage underscores the examination's role in engineering admissions in India. The NTA is expected to release the final attendance data and the answer key for Session 1 in the coming weeks. The second session of JEE Main 2026 is anticipated to be held in April 2026.