JEE Main 2026: NTA Bans Calculator Use, Opens Registration for Session 1

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has issued a crucial update for students preparing for JEE Main 2026. In a recent notification, the NTA clarified that the use of calculators—virtual or otherwise—is strictly prohibited during the examination. The announcement follows a typographical error in the Information Bulletin of JEE Main 2026, which had initially suggested that an onscreen calculator would be available for candidates.

The clarification is particularly important for engineering aspirants, who often rely on calculators during practice but must now adjust their preparation strategy to meet the examination’s rules.

Calculator Controversy: What Candidates Need to Know

When the JEE Main 2026 Information Bulletin was released on October 31, it mentioned that candidates would have access to a basic onscreen calculator for performing operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, square roots, and percentages. This feature, according to the bulletin, was intended to assist candidates with calculations during the computer-based test (CBT).

However, in a recent notice, the NTA clarified that the inclusion of the calculator was an error. The onscreen calculator is part of the generic testing platform used for other assessments, but it will not be available for JEE Main 2026. Students are now required to complete all calculations manually, and any reliance on calculators could lead to errors during preparation.

The official notification stated:

“NTA regrets the typographic error in the Information Bulletin of JEE(Main) 2026 and for the inconvenience caused to the candidates.”

This clarification has prompted students to review their preparation plans, particularly for topics requiring intensive calculation, such as mathematics and physics.

JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Registration Begins

Alongside the calculator update, the NTA has opened online registration for JEE Main 2026 Session 1. Candidates can apply via the official portal, jeemain.nta.nic.in, until November 27, 2025.

Session 1 of JEE Main 2026 is scheduled from January 21 to January 30, 2026. For aspirants planning ahead, it is important to note that registration involves selecting exam cities, uploading required documents, and ensuring all details are accurately filled to avoid last-minute issues.

Session 2: Updated Schedule
The NTA has also made minor adjustments to the Session 2 schedule. The updated dates for JEE Main 2026 Session 2 are April 2 to April 9, 2026. Candidates appearing in both sessions must plan their preparation timeline accordingly, especially considering the limited time between sessions and board examinations.

Exam City Selection Guidelines
Candidates can select a maximum of four exam cities from either their present or permanent address in India. It is important to note that the NTA reserves the right to merge cities with fewer applicants or allot a different city for administrative purposes.

Foreign candidates must select exam cities based on both their present and permanent addresses, including at least one city in India. The NTA has also increased the number of exam cities from 284 to 323, providing greater accessibility and convenience for aspirants nationwide.

Alignment with CBSE Board Exams
To avoid scheduling conflicts with the CBSE Class 12 board exams in 2026, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has directed affiliated schools to submit Class 11 registration data to the NTA. This step ensures smoother exam planning and reduces the risk of overlapping schedules, helping candidates balance board preparation alongside JEE Main preparation.

Preparation Implications for Students
The prohibition on calculators means that aspirants must now sharpen their manual calculation skills. Topics in mathematics, physics, and chemistry that previously relied heavily on calculator-based shortcuts will require extra practice with pen-and-paper calculations.

Experts recommend that students:

• Practice solving problems without any digital assistance.
• Focus on speed and accuracy, as time management becomes crucial without a calculator.
• Revisit fundamental concepts in algebra, trigonometry, and arithmetic to ensure quick mental computation.

Ignoring these adjustments could affect performance, particularly in the mathematics section where calculation-intensive questions are common.

Resources and Support for Candidates
For aspirants seeking guidance, free sample papers, detailed syllabus outlines, and exam strategies are available on education portals such as education.indianexpress.com. These resources provide insights into exam trends, previous year question patterns, and mock test opportunities, helping students adapt to the no-calculator rule effectively.

Additionally, coaching institutes and online platforms are updating their practice material to reflect the NTA’s clarification, ensuring that students are fully prepared for the calculation-intensive exam.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways
The NTA’s update on calculator usage is a reminder that JEE Main 2026 will test candidates’ conceptual understanding and mental calculation skills rather than reliance on digital tools. With the registration window for Session 1 open until November 27, 2025, aspirants should complete their applications promptly and plan their preparation accordingly.

Key points to remember:

• No calculators are allowed in any JEE Main 2026 session.
• Session 1: January 21–30, 2026 | Session 2: April 2–9, 2026
• Candidates can select up to four exam cities; NTA may reassign for administrative reasons.
• Exam cities increased from 284 to 323 for better accessibility.
• CBSE schools are submitting Class 11 data to avoid conflicts with board exams.

By staying informed and adjusting preparation strategies, JEE aspirants can face the 2026 examination with confidence, ensuring that they excel under the updated guidelines.