JEE Main 2026 Exam Schedule Revised: New Dates, Shifts and Admit Card Details Announced

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially revised the examination schedule for JEE Main 2026 Session 1, bringing important changes that engineering and architecture aspirants must carefully note. The update includes revised exam dates, paper-wise scheduling, and confirmation regarding the admit card release timeline, offering much-needed clarity at a critical stage of preparation.

With the release of the exam city intimation slip on the official portal, candidates can now plan their travel, revision cycles, and mock test strategy more efficiently. JEE Main remains one of India’s most competitive national-level entrance examinations, serving as the gateway to premier engineering institutes including IITs, NITs, IIITs and other centrally funded technical institutions.

Revised JEE Main 2026 Exam Dates

As per the updated timetable issued by NTA, the revised examination windows are as follows:

• Session 1: January 21 to January 29, 2026

• Session 2: April 2 to April 9, 2026

Earlier advisories had indicated slightly longer windows for both sessions. The latest revision shortens the duration marginally, ensuring streamlined conduct and better logistical management across exam centres nationwide.

Paper-Wise Schedule for Session 1

Paper 1 (BE/BTech):
The BE and BTech paper will be conducted on January 21, 22, 23, 24 and 28, 2026. Exams will be held in two shifts each day:

• Morning shift: 9:00 am to 12:00 noon

• Afternoon shift: 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Paper 2 (BArch and BPlanning):
Paper 2A (BArch) and Paper 2B (BPlanning) will be conducted on January 30, 2026, in a single shift from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm. Candidates opting for both papers will appear on the same day.

Admit Card Release Timeline

According to the official information bulletin, JEE Main 2026 Session 1 admit cards are expected to be released in the second week of January 2026. Once available, candidates will be able to download their hall tickets from the official website and verify key details such as exam date, shift timing, reporting time and test centre address.

Students are advised to immediately report any discrepancies in their admit cards to the authorities to avoid complications on exam day.

No Change in Exam Pattern

The overall exam structure remains unchanged. JEE Main 2026 will continue with the two-session format, allowing candidates multiple attempts to improve their scores. The marking scheme, question pattern and syllabus will remain aligned with previous years.

Why the Revised Schedule Matters

With lakhs of aspirants competing each year, even small changes in exam dates can significantly impact preparation timelines. The revised schedule helps candidates fine-tune revision plans, allocate sufficient time for mock tests, and manage stress more effectively.

Aspirants are strongly advised to keep monitoring the official NTA website for updates related to exam centres, result dates and counselling timelines. Staying informed and organised at this stage is just as important as academic preparation.

As JEE Main 2026 approaches, timely awareness of official announcements will play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and confident exam experience.