JEE Main Dress Code 2026: NTA Rules for Male and Female Candidates

JEE Main Session 1 is about to ring your doorbell, and these final days are very crucial for every aspirant. One of the important aspects that needs to be cleared perfectly is the JEE Main Dress Code 2026. The dress code plays a very important role in ensuring a smooth, fair, and secure examination process. Therefore, the National Testing Agency has clearly defined what candidates can wear and what they must avoid on the exam day. Since security checks like metal detection and frisking take place before entry, following the Dress Code criteria will help the candidates to avoid unnecessary delays and stress.

Moreover, both male and female candidates must strictly follow these rules related to clothing, footwear, and accessories. Hence, knowing the complete JEE Main Dress Code 2026 in advance allows candidates to focus fully on performance rather than last-minute confusion.

JEE Main Dress Code 2026: What are the Important Guidelines by NTA

To begin with, NTA has framed the Dress Code to maintain transparency and exam integrity. As a result, candidates must cooperate during frisking and metal detector checks.

Key Instructions Under JEE Main Dress Code 2026

Here are the important instructions that every candidate needs to follow : 

• First of all, you must avoid wearing all metal items, including jewellery, zippers, buttons, and accessories
  
• Thick-soled footwear is not permitted, so you have to wear slippers or sandals
  
• Moreover, the clothes with heavy buttons, embroidery, or decorative elements must be avoided
  
• Additionally, you must stay prepared for frisking and biometric verification
  

Due to these checks, simple and comfortable clothing remains the safest choice.

What is the JEE Main Dress Code for Male Candidates

Male candidates must follow the Dress Code carefully to avoid delays at the examination centre. Therefore, choosing appropriate clothing and footwear becomes essential.

Clothing Allowed for Male Candidates

• You can wear plain T-shirts or simple shirts with trousers or jeans
  
• Remember, your clothes must not contain any metallic zippers, badges, or decorative buttons
  
• Moreover, tight or uncomfortable jeans should be avoided because the exam lasts three hours
  

Footwear Rules for Male Candidates

There are also rules and regulations regarding footwear. Here are the listed rules for male candidates: 

• Shoes with thick soles are not allowed.
  
• Moreover, you must wear slippers, floaters, or lightweight sandals.
  

Accessories Not Allowed

Do not wear or carry belts, caps, goggles, chains, rings, bracelets, or any jewellery. These items are strictly prohibited in the examination hall.

Winter Clothing Guidelines

As this is winter season, here are the clothing guidelines for winter for every candidate

• You can wear light sweaters or jackets.
  
• However, no metallic zippers or heavy buttons should be present in your clothes.
  

Hence, if you follow these rules, then you can clear security smoothly.

What is the JEE Main Dress Code for Female Candidates 

Similarly, female candidates must strictly follow the JEE Main Dress Code to ensure quick entry and a stress-free exam experience.

Clothing Allowed for Female Candidates

• You can wear simple jeans, salwar, t-shirts, or plain tops.
  
• Moreover, if you are wearing jeans, then they must remain free from embroidery or metallic elements
  

Jewellery Restrictions

There are always queries regarding the wearing of jewelry for girls. So here are jewelry restrictions for girls : 

• Earrings, bangles, rings, anklets, and chains are not permitted
  
• Additionally, the metallic hairpins and clips are banned
  
• Meanwhile, you are advised to use plastic hair accessories.
  

Footwear Guidelines

• You must wear flat slippers or sandals.
  
• Thick-soled footwear is not allowed
  

Winter Clothing Rules

• You can wear light sweaters.
  
• However, metallic parts or zippers must not be present
  

Additional Instructions

Avoid wearing dupattas, stoles, and scarves  as they require extra checking

Clarification on Undergarments

Female candidates should wear comfortable innerwear that does not interfere with frisking. Thus, simple clothing remains the safest option.

What Can You Wear and What to Avoid in JEE Main 2026?

To avoid confusion, candidates must clearly understand the do’s and don’ts of the JEE Main Dress Code.

Do’s Under JEE Main Dress Code

• Wear light, plain, and comfortable clothes
  
• Choose slippers or lightweight sandals
  
• Avoid all metal items, including belts and jewellery
  

Don’ts Under JEE Main Dress Code

• Do not wear thick-soled shoes
  
• Avoid clothes with embroidery or metallic work
  
• Do not wear caps, goggles, scarves, or bandanas
  
• Jewellery of any kind is strictly prohibited
  

Moreover, you should also remember that frisking takes place before and after toilet breaks to maintain exam fairness.

What are the JEE Main 2026 Exam Day Guidelines

For a smooth exam day, you must follow all instructions carefully along with the JEE Main Dress Code.

Reporting Time for JEE Main 2026 (Shift 1)

Here is the reporting time and other details for shift 1 

Session	Timings
Reporting Time	7:00 AM
Log in to Read Instructions	8:50 AM
Exam Starts	9:00 AM
Exam Ends	12:00 PM

Reporting Time for JEE Main 2026 (Shift 2)

Here is the reporting time and other details for shift 2

Session	Timings
Reporting Time	1:00 PM
Log in to Read Instructions	2:50 PM
Exam Starts	3:00 PM
Exam Ends	6:00 PM

Hence, you must reach the centre at least one hour before the exam to complete verification procedures.

Documents to Carry

• Do not forget to carry the JEE Main 2026 Admit Card
  
• You have to also carry one passport-size photograph (2.5 × 3.5 cm)
  
• Moreover, carry a valid photo ID such as Aadhaar, PAN, or School ID

What are the Items Prohibited at the Exam Centre

• Mobile phones, calculators, smartwatches
  
• Bags, backpacks, and luggage
  
• Books, loose papers, or written notes
  
• Personal pens or pencils
  
• Food and beverages (except for diabetic candidates)
  
• Coaching institute ID cards

Are Jeans Allowed in JEE Main 2026?

Yes, jeans are allowed under the JEE Main Dress Code 2026, but certain conditions apply.

• First of all, your jeans must remain plain and free from metal parts
  
• Try to wear light cotton or denim jeans, which work best for comfort
  
• Hence, both male and female candidates can wear jeans if they meet the guidelines
  

Special Instructions for Diabetic Candidates

Diabetic candidates receive special permission under NTA rules. Therefore, they can carry:

• Fruits such as bananas, apples, or oranges
  
• Sugar tablets
  
• A transparent water bottle
  

Hence, candidates must inform the invigilator and manage their health responsibly during the exam.

Additional Tips for Following JEE Main Dress Code 2026

Here are some additional tips regarding dress code: 

• Try to choose breathable fabrics according to weather conditions
  
• Always avoid heavy mehndi or hand coverings to ensure smooth biometric scanning
  
• Wear a  masks only if required and avoid replacing them with scarves
  
• Moreover, regularly check official updates for any last-minute changes
  

Hence, by following these tips, you can confidently comply with the JEE Main Dress Code.

Why Following the JEE Main Dress Code Is Important

The Dress Code plays a key role in ensuring a fair and secure examination environment. When candidates follow the prescribed clothing rules, security checks move faster and more smoothly. As a result, unnecessary stress before the exam gets reduced, and candidates can enter the exam hall calmly without repeated frisking or questioning.

Moreover, adherence to the Dress Code helps avoid last-minute entry issues. In many cases, candidates wearing restricted items are asked to remove them at the gate, which creates panic and distraction. Therefore, dressing appropriately supports both mental comfort and time management on the exam day.

Seasonal Clothing Tips for JEE Main 2026

Since the January session occurs during winter, candidates often feel confused about warm clothing. According to the Dress Code, light sweaters or jackets without zippers or metal buttons are allowed. However, heavy coats, hoodies with metal drawstrings, or layered clothing may lead to additional frisking.

Hence, you should choose breathable fabrics that maintain warmth without violating rules. Dressing perfectly according to weather conditions helps maintain comfort throughout the three-hour examination.

How the JEE Main Dress Code Supports Exam Transparency

The Dress Code exists to maintain transparency and fairness during the exam. Uniform clothing rules prevent unfair advantages and ensure that no prohibited materials enter the exam hall. This system protects the integrity of the examination and creates equal conditions for all candidates.

Furthermore, standardized dress guidelines simplify security arrangements across multiple exam centers. As a result, the examination process remains consistent nationwide.

What is the Role of Frisking and Biometric Checks in JEE Main

Frisking and biometric verification form an important part of the JEE Main entry process. The Dress Code supports these checks by restricting clothing and accessories that interfere with scanning. Candidates may undergo frisking multiple times, including after washroom breaks.

Therefore, wearing simple clothing ensures quick verification and reduces inconvenience during the examination.

Final Tip for First-Time JEE Main Candidates

First-time candidates often underestimate the importance of the Dress Code. However, following these rules strictly prevents unnecessary stress and saves valuable time. Candidates should remember that exam preparation includes both academic readiness and compliance with exam guidelines.

By understanding and following the Dress Code, candidates ensure a smooth entry process and can fully concentrate on solving questions with confidence.

Conclusion

The JEE Main Dress Code 2026 ensures fairness, safety, and smooth conduct of the examination. Therefore, candidates who follow the dress code guidelines experience fewer delays and a stress-free entry into the exam hall. Simple clothing, proper footwear, and strict adherence to prohibited items help candidates focus fully on their performance. By clearly understanding the Dress Code, aspirants can avoid last-minute problems and approach the exam with confidence.