National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially released the exam calendar for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026. Although the notification was released in late 2025, it outlines the schedule for the upcoming Session 1 (January) and Session 2 (April) exams for the 2026 academic year.
Below is the complete confirmed schedule for both sessions.
JEE Main 2026: Official Exam Dates
| Event | Session 1 (January) | Session 2 (April) |
| Exam Dates | January 21 to January 30, 2026 | April 2 to April 9, 2026 |
| Registration Start | Closed (Ended Nov 27, 2025) | Last week of January 2026 |
| City Intimation Slip | 1st Week of January 2026 | 3rd Week of March 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | 3 Days before the exam | 3 Days before the exam |
| Result Declaration | February 12, 2026 | April 20, 2026 |
Session 2 (April 2026) Specifics
For candidates focusing on Session 2, please note:
- Exam Window: The exams will be conducted between April 2 and April 9, 2026.
- Application Window: A separate application window for Session 2 will open tentatively in the last week of January 2026 (after Session 1 concludes).
- Eligibility: Candidates can apply for Session 2 even if they did not appear for Session 1.
Immediate Next Steps (Session 1)
If you have registered for the upcoming Session 1:
- City Intimation Slip: The NTA is expected to release the Advanced City Intimation Slip in the first week of January 2026. This will tell you your allotted exam city.
- Admit Card: The final admit card with the exact center address will be available for download 3-4 days before your specific exam date.
- Photo Verification: Non-Aadhaar candidates must submit the photo verification certificate by January 7, 2026.
How to Check the Official Schedule
- Visit the official website: jeemain.nta.nic.in.
- Look for the “Public Notice” section.
- Click on the link titled “Release of Examination Calendar for JEE (Main) – 2026”.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I apply for Session 2 if I missed Session 1?
Ans: Yes, the registration window for Session 2 will open separately in late January 2026.
Q2: When will I get my admit card for the January exam?
Ans: Admit cards are usually released in phases, about 3-4 days before your allotted exam date.
Q3: Are the dates for Session 2 final?
Ans: Yes, the NTA has confirmed April 2 to April 9, 2026 as the exam window, though exact shift timings will be on your admit card.
Q4: Is there any change in the syllabus for 2026?
Ans: No major changes have been announced; the syllabus remains consistent with the 2025 pattern.
Disclaimer: The dates mentioned above are based on the latest NTA notification for the JEE Main 2026 cycle. Candidates are advised to keep checking the official website jeemain.nta.nic.in for real-time alerts.
