The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released an important clarification regarding the use of virtual calculators in the Joint Entrance Examination (Main) 2026. As per the latest update, the use of calculators in any form, including onscreen virtual calculators, is strictly prohibited in JEE Main 2026. This clarification has been issued after a typographical error was identified in the Information Bulletin uploaded earlier on the official website.
JEE (Main) 2026 will be conducted in two sessions — Session I in January 2026 and Session II in April 2026. The online application form for JEE Main 2026 Session I has already been released on 31 October 2025 on the official NTA website. Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria are advised to register and submit the online form before the deadline.
No Virtual Calculator Allowed in JEE Main 2026
The confusion arose from Appendix-VIII (Computer Based Test) of the earlier version of the Information Bulletin, where it was mentioned that a standard onscreen calculator would be available during the Computer-Based Test (CBT). NTA has now clarified that this note is a generic feature of the test-conducting platform and does not apply to the JEE (Main) exam.
NTA has stated clearly that JEE Main maintains a strict no-calculator policy to ensure fairness and upholding the standard of the engineering entrance test. Candidates must rely solely on their mathematical proficiency and problem-solving skills during the examination.
Revised Information Bulletin Released
To avoid further confusion, NTA has uploaded the revised Information Bulletin for JEE (Main) 2026 on its official website. All applicants are strongly advised to download the updated bulletin and thoroughly review the examination guidelines, permitted materials, and CBT instructions.
20251102754182129NTA has also expressed regret over the error in the previous version and apologized for any inconvenience caused to candidates preparing for this crucial national-level exam.
What Candidates Should Note
- No physical, scientific, or virtual calculators are allowed in JEE Main 2026
• No electronic devices such as mobile phones, smart watches, or tablets are permitted
• Candidates must follow the latest revised guidelines available on the official website
• Intensive practice of mental calculations, short-cut methods, and accuracy techniques is recommended
Importance of Staying Updated
With lakhs of students applying for JEE Main every year, staying updated with official notifications is critical. Any misunderstanding or misinformation can impact exam preparedness. Therefore, students should rely only on the NTA’s official platforms for announcements and updates.
