Quick Summary: The blog discusses unfair means that will be counted in JEE Main 2026 and why students should not indulge in it. Things such as talking, copying, hand signs, carrying notes or bringing electronic objects are considered to be cheating. Any digital misuse, fabricated documentation, or possession of multiple application numbers may result in severe measures. Breaking rules may cancel the exam or cause a long ban. The blog also lists banned items, penalties, exam-day rules, and tips to stay safe and honest.
JEE Main 2026 Unfair Means and Practices: The National Testing Agency (NTA) began the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Mains 2026 Session 1 at 9 am on January 21, 2026. The exams for BE/BTech are being conducted on January 21, 22, 23, 24 and January 28, 2026, while the exams for BArch/B.Planning will be held on January 28 and 29, 2026. In the JEE Main 2026 Information brochure, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has listed all actions and behaviour that will be treated as JEE Mains 2026 Unfair Means and Practices or a break of exam rules during the test. Since JEE Main is a national-level exam, fairness is very important, so every student must understand these rules clearly.
Apart from the unfair means practices and breach of exam rules that the National Testing Agency has followed for many years, some new unfair practices and violations have also been added in the information bulletin of JEE Main 2026 Exam. All important details are shared below.
Read More:
- JEE Main Exam Hall Instructions 2026 – Check The Points You Must Know
- JEE Main Exam Time 2026: Exam Day Shift Timing & Paper Schedule
Latest Updates on Unfair Means & Exam Rule Violations
1. Inappropriate Communication and Behavior During the Exam
Any type of communication inside the exam centre, whether direct or indirect, can lead to strict punishment. This includes:
- Talking, whispering, or using signs to talk to someone
- Looking at another student’s screen
- Using anything written on hands, desks, or other surfaces
- Helping another student or taking help from anyone
All these actions are counted as unfair means practices and strict steps can be taken.
2. Methods of Sharing or Receiving Answers
NTA considers such cases as serious violations, such as:
- Giving responses with the help of hand signs or gestures.
- Passing of questions or answers by use of handwritten slips.
- Reading a rough sheet of another student or handing your rough sheet to somebody.
- Giving rough paper with written answers.
These are acts that disrupt the integrity of the exam, and they are prohibited.
Check Out: JEE Main 2026 Exam Day Guidelines: Check Documents, Dress Code, Prohibited Items & Rules
3. Cheating through Digital Means
With computer-based exams, some electronic cheating techniques may be practiced such as:
- Attempt to crack or break into the exam system.
- Utilisation of USB, electronic devices, Bluetooth or concealed gadgets.
- Capturing the screen, photographs, or screenshots.
- Stealing the Logins of another person or presenting a false identity.
- Attempting to pause, alter or disrupt the test software or timer.
- Attempt at sharing or leaking the digital question paper.
The NTA takes these acts as very serious and has established severe penalties.
4. Possession of More Than One Application Number
If a candidate is found with more than one application number or score card, they will be directly placed under unfair means practices in the JEE Main 2026 Exam.
- This rule is valid at every stage of the examination application, examination, results, or counseling.
- In such cases, the candidate may face strict action, even if this issue is discovered later.
5. Submitting Fake or Incorrect Documents
According to the NTA, the following actions are also clear unfair practices and violations under Unfair Means Practices and Breach of Examination Rules:
- Changing or uploading a disability certificate, medical certificate, or any official document.
- Sending fake or edited documents.
The NTA regularly checks documents to confirm they are real, and strict action is compulsory if anything is found incorrect.
Check Out: How Many Rough Sheets Are Given in JEE Main 2026 and How to Use Them
Usual Unfair Means Practices and Breach of Exam Rules
Any candidate involved in unfair means practices and breach of exam rules will be booked under the Unfair Means case (UFM). Such candidates can be banned for up to three years and may also face criminal action in serious cases.
Below are some actions that can lead to cancellation of the exam in the JEE Main 2026 Exam:
- Carrying or using any banned item in the exam hall, including stationery items, mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, smartwatches, calculators, electronic devices, accessories, or any restricted items
- Asking someone else to appear in the exam (impersonation) or preparing notes for copying
- Trying to contact or communicate with anyone other than exam staff during the exam
- Talking, whispering, peeping, cheating, writing on hands or desks, or helping other candidates
- Sharing answers using hand signs or gestures, or looking at another candidate’s screen
- Threatening exam officials or any other candidate
- Using or trying any illegal or unwanted method during the exam
- Making, changing, or using fake online or physical documents like Admit Card, Self-Declaration, score card, Aadhaar Card, or any government-issued certificate
- Forcefully entering or exiting the exam centre or hall beyond the given time
- Using or trying to use any electronic device after entering the exam centre
- Uploading or attaching wrong or edited photographs or signatures on the Application Form, Admit Card, or Proforma
- Passing rough paper with written content or scribbling
- Trying to hack the system, using USBs or hacking tools, recording the screen, taking photos or screenshots, using Bluetooth devices, logging in with fake credentials, hacking test software, changing the timer, or sharing digital questions
- Creating problems in the smooth and fair conduct of the exam
- Fidgeting or repeatedly looking around during the exam
- Carrying written or printed paper bits inside the exam hall
- Having more than one application number or SCORE CARDS, even if found later
- Producing or uploading altered Disability Certificate, Medical Certificate, or other documents
- Breaking any exam rules or directions issued by NTA
- Any other act declared as Unfair Means by NTA
- Any offence punishable under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024
These rules are set to keep the exam fair for all students and to stop cheating in any form. Candidates should carefully follow all instructions given by NTA and the exam centre staff. If any rule is broken, strict action can be taken, including cancellation of the exam and future bans. Always stay honest and focus on your own performance.
Check Out: Dress Code For JEE Main 2026 For Male and Female Candidates
JEE Main Exam-Day Guidelines: What to Carry and What to Avoid?
As per the JEE Main Exam Guidelines, candidates are allowed to bring some items, while some items are not allowed, so that the exam can be conducted without any problems.
Things to Carry on JEE Main Exam Day
| Category | What to Carry | Purpose / Instructions |
| Entry Document | Printed JEE Main Admit Card | Required for exam hall entry; carry a clear A4-size printout |
| Identity Proof | Original Government Photo ID | Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving Licence are accepted |
| Photograph | Passport-size Photo | Must be the same as uploaded during the application process |
| Declaration Form | Self-declaration (if mentioned) | Fill and sign it as per instructions given on the admit card |
| PwD Support | PwD Certificate | Needed to claim special exam facilities (if applicable) |
| Medical Requirement | Diabetic-friendly items | Allowed items include sugar tablets, whole fruits, and a transparent water bottle |
Things to Avoid on JEE Main Exam Day
| Category | Prohibited Items | Explanation |
| Electronic Devices | Mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, Bluetooth gadgets | Any device used for communication or calculation is not allowed during the exam |
| Personal Belongings | Bags, wallets, purses | Most exam centres do not provide lockers or storage facilities |
| Study Materials | Books, notes, printed papers | Carrying any written or printed content is strictly forbidden |
| Stationery | Pens, pencils, erasers, rulers | Candidates are not allowed to bring their own stationery items |
| Accessories | Jewellery, belts, watches, metal objects | These items may slow down security checks and are restricted |
| Food Items | Packed food | Only allowed in special medical cases with prior approval |
Violation of Examination Rules and Guidelines
The NTA keeps releasing exam rules from time (race against time phrase meaning) to time. If any rule, instruction, or condition is broken, the candidate may face the following consequences under JEE Mains 2026 Unfair Means and Practices:
- If a candidate is involved in any listed unfair means practices before, during, or after the exam, they will be treated as a rule violator and booked under the Unfair Means (U.F.M.) case.
- Such candidates may be banned from future exams for up to 3 years.
- The candidate may face criminal action or any other action considered necessary.
- The result of JEE (Main) – 2026 for candidates involved in unfair practices and violations will be cancelled and will not be announced.
- Results will also be cancelled if a candidate appears at a centre that is not officially allotted to them.
- Candidates who allow someone else to write the exam for them will have their results cancelled.
- Any candidate who appears more than once in the same session will have their candidature cancelled.
- No requests or appeals to review will be accepted.
Success in JEE Main 2026 Exam depends not only on good preparation but also on following all exam rules properly. All the rules developed by NTA are to ensure that the exam is fair to all students. So, every candidate must clearly understand Unfair Means Practices and Breach of Examination Rules and follow full discipline during the exam.
FAQs on JEE Main 2026 Unfair Means and Practices
Q: Which items are not allowed in the JEE Mains 2026 exam hall?
In the JEE Main 2026 Exam, candidates must not carry electronic devices, notes, books, geometry boxes, bags, wallets, or jewelry inside the exam hall. Thick-soled shoes and clothes with large buttons or big pockets are also banned. Personal food or drinks are not allowed, except for diabetic candidates with proper permission. Only permitted items should be brought to avoid problems at the exam centre.
Q: What documents are mandatory to bring for the JEE Main 2026 exam?
For the JEE Main 2026 Exam, candidates should carry a printed copy of their Admit Card with the self-declaration form attached, at least two passport-size photographs (matching the uploaded ones), and a valid original photo ID, such as Aadhaar or Passport.
Q: Can calculators be used in the JEE Main Exam 2026?
Calculators are strictly not allowed in the JEE Main 2026 Exam. The NTA has made it clear that it will not provide either physical or virtual calculators. Candidates must do all calculations manually on the rough sheets supplied.
Q: What is the prescribed dress code for JEE Main 2026?
In the case of JEE Main 2026, it is recommended to wear simple, light clothes such as half-sleeve tops or shirts so that they can be frisked easily. Jeans or trousers are allowed only if they have no large buttons, heavy pockets, or metal zippers. Do not wear jewelry, belts, caps, scarves, or thick-soled shoes. Sandals or slippers are better than closed shoe.
Q: What are the key rules and regulations for JEE Main 2026?
Follow the reporting time strictly for the JEE Main 2026 Exam, as late entry is not allowed. Carry your printed Admit Card, original photo ID, and passport-size photograph. Do not bring gadgets, metal items, bags, or study material. Wear light, simple clothes with flat footwear. Only a transparent pen is allowed. Rough sheets will be provided. Any violation of rules, cheating, or involvement in JEE Mains 2026 Unfair Means and Practices can lead to disqualification and a ban.
