Is a Calculator Allowed in JEE Main, JEE Advanced and NEET?
This is one of the most searched doubts before the exam, so here are the exact, up-to-date (2026) rules for each exam, what you are allowed to carry, and what to use instead.
Calculator rules by exam
| Exam | Calculator allowed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| JEE Main | No | No physical or on-screen calculator. Rough sheets are given. |
| JEE Advanced | No | No calculator, log tables or electronic gadgets. |
| NEET UG | No | No calculator, log tables, pen drives, or any electronic device. |
Why calculators are banned
JEE and NEET are designed to test speed and mental/hand calculation, and every candidate must sit the exam under the same conditions. Allowing calculators for some would make the exam unfair, so NTA bans them for everyone. The question papers are set so that the numbers can be handled without a calculator.
What you CAN carry
- Printed admit card (with a recent passport photo pasted, as instructed).
- A valid original photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, passport, etc.).
- A simple transparent ballpoint pen (rough sheets are provided inside).
- Any specific items your admit card allows (e.g. a transparent water bottle).
Not allowed: calculators, smartwatches, phones, log tables, notes, or any electronic device. Always read your own admit card and the NTA information bulletin for the final list.
Which exams DO allow a calculator?
For contrast: exams like GATE provide a virtual on-screen calculator, and some university/CA exams allow a basic calculator. But JEE Main, JEE Advanced and NEET do not — do not carry one to the centre.
After the exam: calculate your score
You cannot use a calculator during the exam, but afterwards you can work out your marks from the answer key or response sheet. Use our free tools:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a calculator allowed in JEE Mains 2026?
No. JEE Main 2026 does not allow any calculator, physical or on-screen. You do all calculations by hand on the rough sheets provided.
Can we use a calculator in JEE?
No, neither JEE Main nor JEE Advanced permits a calculator or log tables. Carrying one can lead to your candidature being cancelled.
Is a calculator allowed in JEE Advanced?
No. JEE Advanced bans calculators, log tables and all electronic devices in the exam hall.
Is a calculator allowed in NEET?
No. NEET does not allow calculators, log tables, or any electronic gadget. Only items listed on your admit card are permitted.
Does JEE Main have a virtual (on-screen) calculator?
No. Unlike GATE, JEE Main does not provide an on-screen calculator. There is no calculator of any kind in JEE Main.
How do I calculate my JEE or NEET score after the exam?
Use the answer key or response sheet with our JEE Score Calculator or NEET Score Calculator — they apply the correct +4 / −1 negative marking.