JEE Main 2026- The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced that virtual or on-screen calculators will not be permitted for candidates taking JEE Main 2026. This decision addresses previous confusion caused by a reference to virtual calculators in the Information Bulletin. To clarify, the NTA issued a public notice on November 2, 2025, confirming that no calculators, electronic or physical, will be allowed during the examination. Candidates are required to perform all calculations manually, consistent with previous JEE Main exams.
The NTA's aim is to maintain fairness and consistency in the examination process. As JEE Main assesses problem-solving speed and conceptual understanding, the agency believes that allowing calculators would compromise these objectives. Therefore, students are advised to improve their calculation skills and practice solving numerical problems without the aid of electronic devices. The official notice is available on the NTA’s website, and candidates should review it thoroughly to prevent any misunderstandings on exam day.
NTA Clarifies Typographical Error in Information Bulletin
In its notice, NTA addressed a typographical error found in Appendix VIII of the JEE Main 2026 Information Bulletin, under the section on the Computer-Based Test (CBT). The appendix had mentioned that a “standard onscreen calculator will be available during the test.”
However, NTA explained that this statement was part of the generic test platform description used across multiple exams and does not apply to JEE Main. The agency emphasized that the use of calculators — in any form, physical or virtual — is strictly prohibited for JEE Main. NTA Stated, “The use of calculators in any form is not permitted in this examination,” in the official notice.
Revised JEE Main 2026 Information Bulletin Released
Following the clarification, NTA has uploaded a revised version of the Information Bulletin for JEE Main 2026. Candidates are advised to download the updated document from the official website to ensure they are following the correct examination guidelines. The agency also expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to candidates due to the earlier error and reiterated its commitment to maintaining transparency and accuracy in all communications related to the examination.
Check : JEE Main 2026 Official Notice
JEE Main 2026 Exam Schedule: Two Sessions Announced
The Joint Entrance Examination (Main) 2026 will be conducted in two sessions, giving students two opportunities to improve their scores:
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Session 1: January 2026
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Session 2: April 2026
The JEE Main Online Application form for Session 1 was released on October 31, 2025, on the official website - jeemain.nta.nic.in. Candidates eligible for the exam can now fill and submit their applications within the specified deadline. JEE Mains Registration Date 2026 last date is November 27, 2025
Why the Clarification Matters for Aspirants
This clarification from NTA is crucial because many JEE aspirants were preparing under the assumption that a virtual calculator would be available during the CBT exam. With NTA confirming the ban on all calculator use, students must now ensure they are proficient in manual calculations, particularly for numerically based questions in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. This move aligns with NTA’s long-standing policy of assessing candidates on their conceptual understanding, analytical ability, and speed without relying on external tools.
The NTA’s clarification on the non-availability of virtual calculators brings clarity to lakhs of aspirants preparing for JEE Main 2026. Candidates must now focus on improving their manual problem-solving speed and accuracy. The release of the revised Information Bulletin ensures that all guidelines are transparent and consistent with NTA’s exam policies. To avoid misinformation, aspirants are strongly advised to rely only on official notifications and to thoroughly read the updated bulletin before the examination.
Also Read - JEE Main 2026: Is NCERT Enough? How to Prepare Smartly for Maximum Scores
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