JEE Main Exam Date 2026: NTA Schedule & City — Explained

NTA (National Testing Agency) is expected to conduct the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 in the fourth week of January 2026, with the official notification likely arriving in November 2025. For over 12 lakh engineering aspirants, this exam is the primary gateway to prestigious institutes like NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs, as well as the qualifying step for JEE Advanced. Understanding the timeline for registration, city intimation, and admit card release is critical for planning your travel and final revision cycles.

JEE Main 2026 Quick Overview

When is the JEE Main 2026 Exam Date for Session 1 and 2?

The National Testing Agency typically follows a fixed cycle for the Joint Entrance Examination. Session 1 is scheduled for January to allow students to complete the competitive attempt before their Class 12 Board exams begin in February or March. Session 2 is held in April for those looking to improve their NTA scores after the Board exams. You can choose to appear in one or both sessions; the best of the two scores will be considered for the final ranking.

For Session 1, the exams usually span 5 to 8 days, conducted in two shifts daily: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. For Session 2, the window is often slightly longer to accommodate the higher number of unique candidates who register after seeing their Session 1 results. Registration for the April session usually opens in February 2026.

JEE Main 2026 Important Dates & Full Schedule

Missing a deadline can cost you a year of preparation. Follow this tentative schedule based on NTA’s historical data to stay ahead of the process. The application window usually remains open for 30 days, followed by a 2-3 day correction window for rectifying errors in the uploaded documents or category details.

What is the JEE Main 2026 City Intimation Slip?

The City Intimation Slip is a preliminary document released by NTA before the actual admit card. Its primary purpose is to inform you of the specific city where your exam center is located. This is especially helpful for students living in rural areas or small towns who may need to travel to major hubs like Delhi, Kota, Hyderabad, or Patna. By knowing the city 10-12 days in advance, you can book train tickets or arrange for accommodation without the last-minute rush.

It is important to note that the City Intimation Slip is NOT the Admit Card. It will not contain your specific exam center address, your roll number, or detailed instructions. It only lists your name, application number, father's name, gender, date of birth, and the city of the examination. You cannot gain entry to the exam hall using this slip; you must wait for the official Hall Ticket.

How to Download the JEE Main 2026 City Intimation Slip?

1. Visit the official NTA JEE website at jeemain.nta.nic.in.
2. Look for the link labeled "Advance City Intimation Slip for JEE (Main) 2026 Session 1".
3. Enter your Application Number and Date of Birth (DD/MM/YYYY).
4. Input the Security Pin (Captcha) as shown on the screen.
5. Click on the 'Submit' button to view your slip.
6. Download the PDF and save it for your travel planning.

If you face any issues while downloading the slip, you should contact the NTA Helpdesk at 011-40759000 or email them at jeemain@nta.ac.in. Always cross-check the details on the slip with your application form to ensure there are no discrepancies in your personal data.

Difference Between City Intimation Slip and Admit Card

Many first-time aspirants confuse these two documents. Use the table below to understand the distinct roles each document plays in the JEE Main 2026 process.

JEE Main 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?

Before registering, ensure you meet the NTA requirements. For the 2026 cycle, candidates who passed their Class 12 or equivalent exam in 2024, 2025, or those appearing in 2026 are eligible. There is no specific age limit set by NTA to appear in the exam, but individual institutes (like specific NITs) may have their own age criteria for admission.

The 75% marks criteria in Class 12 (65% for SC/ST) for admission to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs is expected to remain in place. You must have studied at least five subjects, including Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects, along with one of Chemistry/Biology/Biotechnology/Technical Vocational subjects. If you are aiming for B.Arch, you must have secured at least 50% aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.

JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme

The exam is conducted in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode, except for the Drawing test in B.Arch which is pen-and-paper based. The Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) structure consists of 90 questions, where you are required to attempt 75. Each subject (Physics, Chemistry, Maths) has 20 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and 10 Numerical Value Questions (NVQs). Out of the 10 NVQs, you only need to answer 5.

• Correct Answer: +4 marks
• Incorrect Answer: -1 mark (Negative marking applies to both MCQs and NVQs)
• Unanswered: 0 marks
• Total Marks: 300 marks
• Duration: 3 hours (4 hours for PwD candidates)

Understanding the weightage of chapters is key. In Physics, focus on Modern Physics and Mechanics. In Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Chemical Bonding often carry high weightage. In Mathematics, Calculus and Vectors/3D Geometry are essential for scoring above the 99 percentile. For more resources on specific topics, check our guide on /exam-preparation.

Steps to Fill the JEE Main 2026 Application Form

The application process is entirely online. Follow these steps to ensure your form is not rejected:

1. Registration: Create a login ID using your email and mobile number. You will receive an application number.
2. Fill Details: Enter personal details, educational qualifications, and choice of exam cities (you can choose up to 4 cities).
3. Upload Documents: You need a scanned photograph

   JEE Main 2026 FAQs

   What is the JEE Main 2026 city intimation slip? The city intimation slip is released by NTA about 10 days before the exam. It informs you of your assigned exam city but not the exact center address. Is the JEE Main 2026 exam date confirmed? The dates provided are based on NTA's historical schedule. The official dates will be confirmed in the notification released in November 2025. Can I change my exam city after the slip is released? NTA rarely allows changes to the exam city after the intimation slip is released. You must choose your city preferences carefully during application. What is the difference between the city slip and admit card? The city slip only shows your exam city. The admit card, released later, contains your exact exam center address, roll number, and important instructions.

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