Is Calculator Allowed in JEE Mains 2026? - Check NTA Guidelines

Is Calculator Allowed in JEE Mains 2026? - Check NTA Guidelines

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Team Careers360Updated on 06 Nov 2025, 10:34 AM IST
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Is calculator allowed in JEE Mains 2026? : Candidates attempting the exam often wonder calculator is allowed in JEE Mains 2026? As per the JEE bulletin 2026, calculators are not allowed in the JEE Main examination. According to the latest notification, neither a virtual nor an on-screen calculator will be provided for calculation purposes in the Joint Entrance Examination Main. The on-screen calculator in JEE Main 2026 will help candidates find square roots, percentages, etc., apart from basic mathematical operations. However, Candidates must solve calculations on rough sheets, focusing on their problem-solving skills and all the necessary formulas. The JEE Mains exam is considered to be lengthy and of a moderate difficulty level. The authority will conduct the JEE Main exam for three hours. JEE Main 2026 exam for session 1 is scheduled from January 21 to 30, while session 2 will be held from April 2 to 9, 2026. Furthermore, the authority is conducting the JEE Main 2026 registration from October 31 to November 27, 2025.

This Story also Contains

  1. Is Calculator Allowed in JEE Main 2026?
  2. Why are calculators not allowed in the JEE Main exam 2026?
  3. Are Virtual Calculators Allowed in JEE Main 2026?
  4. Items Prohibited in the JEE Main Exam 2026
  5. JEE Main 2026 exam day guidelines
Is Calculator Allowed in JEE Mains 2026? - Check NTA Guidelines
Is calculator allowed in JEE Mains 2026

Is Calculator Allowed in JEE Main 2026?

Candidates can not carry any type of calculator, either a scientific calculator or a simple calculator, to the exam hall. They can't even use the virtual calculator, which used to be provided in the previous JEE Mains examination on the computer screen. Candidates will be provided a scramble pad for the rough work.

Why are calculators not allowed in the JEE Main exam 2026?

  • The calculators are not allowed in the JEE Main exam to maintain the standard of the test and check the problem-solving skills of the students.

  • It will improve the time management skills of the students.

  • Students will find the best possible way of solving complex problems.

  • Additionally, candidates will focus more on concepts. As we have noticed in past year trends, maxim questions were concept and formula-based.

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Are Virtual Calculators Allowed in JEE Main 2026?

Candidates will not be allowed to use the virtual calculator while taking the test. Candidates must solve the problems using problem-solving skills, formulae, and calculations on the rough sheets provided by the examiner. A virtual calculator will not be provided at any cost to the candidates.

JEE Main 2026 Virtual Calculator

Items Prohibited in the JEE Main Exam 2026

While appearing for the JEE Main exam, candidates are allowed to carry a JEE admit card and a valid photo id. Below is the list of prohibited items in the JEE Main exam hall.

  • Calculator

  • Electronic Devices

  • Smart Watch

  • Geometry Box

  • Jewellery

  • Metal object

  • Books, study materials, written or blank pages.

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JEE Main 2026 exam day guidelines

Candidates appearing for the JEE Main exam must follow the guidelines mentioned in the NTA JEE Mains admit card. Below are a few important guidelines.

  • Report to the allotted test centre an hour before the exam

  • Follow the JEE Main dress code.

  • Carry a transparent water bottle, personal hand sanitiser, transparent ballpoint pen, and passport-size photo.

  • Carry JEE admit card and a valid photo ID.

  • Candidates will be provided with a scramble pad for rough work. Hand over the pad before leaving the exam hall.

  • Follow the instructions provided by the invigilator

  • Candidates will be allowed to leave the exam hall after the test is over.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Are calculators allowed in the IIT exam?
A:

No, calculators are not allowed in the IIT exam.

Q: Is calculator allowed in JEE Advanced exam?
A:

No, any type of calculator is not allowed in the JEE Mains 2026 exam, not even virtual calculator which uses to be allowed in previous JEE Mains examination. but a virtual calculator will be displayed on the computer screen for calculation purposes.

Q: Are rough sheets provided by the examiner in the JEE Mains examination?
A:

Yes, candidates will be provided a scramble pad and rough sheets for calculating lengthy mathematical problems. 

Q: Does Virtual Calculator provided in the JEE Mains 2026 Exam?
A:

No, Candidates will not be allowed to use virtual calculators also during JEE Mains examination 2026.

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Questions related to JEE Main

On Question asked by student community

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Hello

If you want to get admission in IIT Delhi, then you will score well in JEE Advanced. Only the JEE Mains score is not sufficient to get admission in the IIT Delhi. You need to score 250+ marks for the general category in CSE. For the reservation category, you also need to score much higher marks and give your best performance. If you score quite well in JEE Advanced, then you will have a chance to get admission through JOSAA counselling.

Thank you

To score good marks in JEE Mains, you need a strong plan, consistent study habits and smart practice. First, finish the entire JEE syllabus from NCERT Class 11 and 12 textbooks, because these are the foundation for questions asked in the exam. After completing the basics, choose good quality reference books for Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics to build problem-solving skills and deepen your understanding. Make a weekly study plan where each day is divided into theory study, problem practice and revision of earlier topics.

Regularly solve previous years’ JEE Main papers and take timed mock tests to improve your speed and accuracy. Analyse every test you take, understand your mistakes and work on weak areas instead of only doing new questions. In subjects like Physics and Mathematics, practising a variety of numerical problems is important, while in Chemistry focus on concepts and reactions that are frequently asked. Revision is crucial, so dedicate time every week to revisit older topics and short notes that you make while preparing.

Stay consistent, avoid last-minute cramming, and maintain good health with adequate sleep and breaks during study. With disciplined planning, regular practice and careful revision, you can significantly improve your JEE Main score. All the best.

Achieving a JEE Rank of below 100 in JEE Main and Advanced 2027 requires a disciplined, two-year preparation strategy starting from Class 11. Your study plan must integrate competitive exam preparation with your school academics:

Phase 1: Class 11 (Foundation Building and Conceptual Clarity)

  • Syllabus Completion: Dedicate this year to rigorously completing the entire Class 11 NCERT syllabus for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM). Focus heavily on fundamental topics like Mechanics (Physics), General Organic Chemistry (GOC) and Chemical Bonding (Chemistry), and Calculus basics (Maths).

  • Concept Mastery: Do not rush. Master concepts thoroughly before moving to problems. Use standard JEE reference books and ensure you solve all NCERT examples and exercises first.

  • Practice: Allocate 60% of your study time to concept building and 40% to problem-solving. Practice JEE Main Previous Year Questions (PYQs) immediately after completing a chapter to gauge the exam pattern.

Phase 2: Class 12 (Advanced Problem Solving and Revision)

  • Advanced Topics: Complete the Class 12 syllabus by November 2026, focusing on high-weightage topics like Electrostatics, Modern Physics, and Electrochemistry.

  • Revision & Mocks: Reserve the period from December 2026 to January 2027 solely for mock tests and revision. Start taking full-length JEE Main mock tests (3 per week) under strict timed conditions. Analyze each mock test thoroughly to eliminate repeated errors.

  • Target JEE Advanced: After the JEE Main attempts in early 2027, shift focus entirely to JEE Advanced PYQs and challenging, multi-concept problems, taking at least 2 JEE Advanced mock tests per week.

A detailed subject-wise study plan and additional tips on effective JEE preparation starting from Class 11 can be found here: https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/jee-preparation-from-class-11

The last 30 days before the JEE Main exam should be dedicated entirely to revision, practice, and error analysis, shifting focus away from learning new concepts.

Here is a concise, 30-day study plan to maximize your score:

1. Revision Strategy (Weeks 1-3)

  • Prioritize High-Weightage Topics: Spend 70% of your revision time reviewing the most scoring and frequently tested chapters (e.g., Modern Physics, Chemical Kinetics, p-Block elements, Vectors & 3D Geometry). Use your short notes and flashcards for quick review, focusing on formulas, key mechanisms, and definitions.

  • Physics & Maths: Master all formulas and derivations. Practice at least 20 numerical problems daily, emphasizing speed and calculation accuracy.

  • Chemistry: Dedicate 50% of your Chemistry time to Inorganic (NCERT-based) and Organic (name reactions, reagents, mechanisms) concepts.

2. Mock Tests & Analysis (Daily)

  • Daily Mock Test: Solve one full-length JEE Main Mock Test every day (3 hours) under strict exam conditions (9 AM–12 PM or 3 PM–6 PM).

  • Error Analysis (Crucial): Immediately after the test, spend 2-3 hours analyzing your performance:

    • Identify every incorrect or unattempted question.

    • Determine the reason for the error (Conceptual mistake, calculation error, or time pressure).

    • Revisit the concept from your notes/NCERT text to correct the mistake permanently.

3. Final Week Focus (Last 7 Days)

  • Stop Learning New Topics: Absolutely avoid picking up new, complex chapters.

  • PYQ Sprint: Revisit only the last 3 years' JEE Main Previous Year Questions (PYQs). Mark any previously incorrect questions and solve them again.

  • Mindset: Focus on maintaining confidence, getting proper sleep, and using the revision breaks for physical activity to keep your mind fresh.

You can find more detailed subject-wise tips and psychological strategies here: https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/jee-main-preparation-tips

The most effective way to prepare for JEE Main 2026 is by focusing on the most important Previous Year Question Papers (PYQs), which highlight high-weightage and frequently repeated questions across Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Since the exam strongly tests NCERT concepts, mastering these PYQs is essential for predicting the question pattern and improving your time management. https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/jee-mains-chapterwise-pyq-previous-year-questions-solutions-pdf