JEE Main 2026 Exam Revised Dates Announced, Check New Schedule by NTA for Session 1
NTA has revised the JEE Main 2026 exam schedule. Session 1 will now be held from 21 to 29 January 2026, instead of till 30 January. Session 2 is scheduled between 2 and 9 April 2026. Exam city slips were released on 8 January.
JEE Main 2026 Exam Revised Date: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially revised the examination schedule for JEE Main 2026, introducing a minor yet significant update for engineering aspirants. The confirmation came after NTA released the exam city intimation slip for Session 1 on its official website, jeemain.nta.nic.in, on 8 January 2026. Candidates appearing for the exam are advised to take note of the revised dates to avoid confusion and plan their preparation accordingly.
What Has Changed in JEE Main 2026 Schedule?
According to the latest announcement, JEE Main 2026 Session 1 will now be conducted from 21 January to 29 January 2026. Earlier, the session was scheduled to continue until 30 January.
Although the exam pattern, syllabus, and eligibility remain unchanged, these revised dates are important for candidates planning travel, accommodation, revision strategies, and mock tests.
JEE Main 2026 New Exam Dates
The revised exam dates slightly shorten the examination window but do not affect the number of shifts or papers. Candidates should align their final revision and logistics as per the updated timeline. NTA has also ensured that exams will continue to be conducted smoothly across India and abroad.
| JEE Main 2026 Revised Schedule (Session 1 & 2) | |||
| Paper | Exam Date(s) | Shift | Timing |
| B.E./B.Tech (Paper 1) | 21, 22, 23, 24 & 28 Jan 2026 | Morning | 9:00 AM – 12:00 Noon |
| B.E./B.Tech (Paper 1) | 21, 22, 23, 24 & 28 Jan 2026 | Afternoon | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM |
| B.Arch / B.Planning (Paper 2A & 2B) | 29 Jan 2026 | Morning | 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM |
What did the NTA October Notification say?
The NTA’s public notice dated 8 January 2026 reinforces its commitment to keeping candidates informed well in advance by sharing exam city details for JEE Main 2026 Session 1 across India and 15 international locations.
When viewed alongside the October 2025 advisory, the revised schedule reflects only a minor adjustment in exam dates, without impacting the exam pattern, eligibility, or accessibility measures. Aspirants can remain assured that key initiatives—such as expanded exam centres, support for PwD/PwBD candidates, and Aadhaar-based application simplification—continue unchanged, allowing them to focus fully on preparation with clarity and confidence.
What Should Candidates Do Now?
Candidates should take immediate steps to stay updated and prepared:
Download and review the exam city intimation slip carefully
Candidates should log in to the official website and download their city slip to confirm the allotted exam city. This will help in planning travel, accommodation, and reporting time well in advance, especially for those appearing outside their home city.
Remember that the admit card will be released separately
The exam city slip is not the admit card. Aspirants must wait for the official release of the JEE Main 2026 admit card, which will contain details such as exam centre address, shift, and important exam-day instructions.
Regularly visit official NTA websites for updates
Candidates are advised to frequently check nta.ac.in and jeemain.nta.nic.in to stay informed about admit card release, exam guidelines, and any further announcements or changes.
Adjust preparation and revision plans as per the revised dates
With the exam window slightly shortened, students should fine-tune their revision strategy, focus on weak areas, and schedule mock tests according to their exam date to maximise performance.