NTA has released the advisory and Instructions for the Candidates of the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 (January 2026) at jeemain.nta.nic.in.

Download the JEE Main Official Advisory & Instructions PDF
  • NTA does not mandate a strict winter dress code for JEE Main, but follows specific guidelines for the examination environment that restrict malpractices, and ease the process of frisking and metal detector test.
  • For the winter session, candidates should prefer simple and comfortable, light-colored clothing without metal, prominent buttons, or zippers.

Also Read:

JEE Main 2026 Dress Code

Key Summary

All the exam day instructions will be mentioned on the second page or at the bottom of the JEE Main admit card 2026.

  • Students are advised to arrive at their exam venue at least 1 hour before the gate closing time.
  • Wear loose, light clothes that fit in the winter season, but not layered, metallic, or complicated.
  • Metallic objects, such as watches, jewellery, belts, or other accessories, can cause the alarms and delays.

Can You Wear Hoodies, Boots, or Sweatshirts?

Hoodies and Sweatshirts:

  • NTA does not ban wearing hoodies or sweatshirts on exam day.
  • According to the guidelines, proper checking and double verification are conducted at the exam centres.
  • The multi-layered clothes or footwear make frisking difficult and take additional time during the entry. Thus, students are advised to choose lighter-weight substitutes to keep warm without the fear of entry problems.

Boots:

  • No, boots (especially closed-toe or heavy-soled) are not allowed at the JEE Main exam centres.
  • Candidates may also have to undergo extended security checks or have them all together.
  • Open sandals, mules, or shoes are advisable and permissible.

General Winter Protocol:

  • Layer as necessary, but don’t go too bulky.
  • Make comfort the priority while sticking to your “simple and light” rule; you do not need a heavy winter dress code inside the hall.
  • Keeping peak winters in mind, many exam centres have a centralised heating system.

JEE Main 2026 Dress Code for Winter: Male Candidates

The male applicants need to be concerned with simplicity and security compliance:

  • Wear half sleeve or full sleeve T-shirts/shirts (no heavy materials or metallic objects such as zippers/buttons).
  • Trousers or jeans are permitted (like to wear comfortable and light materials).
  • Do not wear belts, caps, watches, jewellery, or other metallic items.
Items Winter Dress Code for Males
Sweaters Full sleeve sweatshirts with no zippers or buttons.
Accessories No Belts, No Electronic Gadgets, and avoid mufflers or caps
Bottom Wear Simple jeans or trousers without metallic zippers
Footwear No shoes, boots, or thick soles, Sandals or slippers only.

Source: JEE Main dress code

JEE Main 2026 Dress Code for Winter: Female Candidates

Women applicants adhere to the same rules with a few more considerations, like the modesty and comfort of the examination:

  • You can wear light salwar suits, tops with trousers/jeans, tops with kurtas, dresses (easy colours, no heavy embroidery or metallic work or heavy metals).
  • Duplicates such as dupattas, stoles, scarves, or shawls should not be worn - they can be checked or banned.
  • No jewellery, bangles, earrings, or any metallic accessories (earnings underwire in clothes).
  • Do not have big pockets or ornaments on clothing.
Items Winter Dress Code for Females
Tops Simple T-shirts or Sweaters with no heavy embroidery, zippers, or buttons.
Accessories No Belts, No Electronic Gadgets, and avoid scarves or caps. Avoid wearing ornaments like earrings, nosepins, bangles, etc.
Bottom Wear Simple jeans or trousers without metallic zippers or pockets
Footwear No shoes, boots, or thick soles or heels. Prefer slippers or open-toed sandals for the exam day.

Source: JEE Main dress code

There are still 4-5 days left for the JEE Main 2026 session 1 exams. So, prepare a comfortable and light dress code for the exam day. ​​Wearing anything heavy or layered might cause problems during frisking and metal detector checks at the exam centre.

You've probably heard many stories in the past few years about entry delays and even cancellations due to inappropriate dress codes. Therefore, don't let your two years of hard work go to waste because of the wrong attire.