The JEE Main 2026 exam dates have been revised, and engineering aspirants across India should take note of the latest changes announced by the National Testing Agency (NTA). With thousands of students gearing up for one of the most competitive entrance exams, understanding the updated timetable, what it means for preparation, and how to stay ahead has never been more important. Here we bring you a detailed update on the JEE Main Session 1 revised exam dates, scheduling changes, and what candidates can expect next.
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| JEE Main 2026 Exam Dates Revised |
What’s New in the JEE Main 2026 Revised Schedule?
The biggest update for students is that JEE Main Session 1 exam dates for 2026 have been slightly altered compared to earlier notices. Originally, the exams were supposed to run up to January 30, 2026. However, the revised schedule now concludes the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 on January 29, 2026. This means a one-day reduction in the testing window for the January session. (The Times of India)
This change came immediately after the JEE Main 2026 city intimation slip was released on the official NTA portal. The city slip helps candidates know the city where their exam centre will be located. Importantly, this slip is not the admit card; it only provides the advance city information that helps in travel and accommodation planning. (The Times of India)
How the Sessions Are Organized
JEE Main has been structured into two sessions in 2026:
The first one is the January session, which is now officially scheduled from January 21 to January 29, 2026. The second session is planned for April 2026 with the dates set between April 2 and April 9, 2026. These revisions help students who want multiple attempts to improve their score. (The Indian Express)
Spreading the exam across more dates and offering two sessions gives aspirants better flexibility and a chance to better manage pressure and preparation. If students miss or aren’t satisfied with Session 1, they can still appear in Session 2. The best of the two scores is typically considered for final ranking and eligibility for JEE Advanced 2026.
What Students Should Know About the City Intimation Slip
The city intimation slip for JEE Main 2026 Session 1 was made available on the NTA official website. This document provides the city of your allotted test centre and is a preliminary step before the official admit card release. (The Times of India)
To download it, you need your application number and date of birth. Keep this slip safe, as it guides your travel plans and reduces stress closer to the exam. The admit card, which contains exact exam centre details and your roll number, will be released later in January, just a few days before the exam. (The Times of India)
Why the Revision Matters for Aspirants
With the JEE Main Session 1 revised exam dates, students have a clearly defined timeline to adjust their study strategies. A one-day reduction might seem small, but it can affect revision cycles and mock test schedules, especially for those balancing board exams and coaching.
Knowing updated exam dates early lets aspirants:
Reorganize revision plans
Schedule mock tests more effectively
Prepare travel and lodging plans based on city slips
Avoid last-minute surprises
Keeping track of official updates from jeemain.nta.nic.in can make a tangible difference for serious engineering hopefuls.
Key Highlights of JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Schedule
Here’s what you should remember about the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 timetable:
The exams now run from January 21 to January 29, 2026. (The Indian Express)
Paper 1 (for B.E. and B.Tech) runs on selected dates within this span, on both morning and afternoon shifts. (IE Education)
Paper 2 (for B.Arch and B.Planning) is scheduled on January 29, 2026. (IE Education)
This revised rhythm helps streamline logistics and ensures that all candidates have a predictable blueprint of their exam journey.
What The Admit Card Timeline Looks Like
Although the city slip has been released, the JEE Main 2026 admit card is not yet available. Traditionally, admit cards for Session 1 exams are released about 3 to 4 days before the start of the exam, meaning aspirants should watch the official NTA portal in mid-January for updates. (IE Education)
Make sure your contact details and application information are accurate so that there are no hiccups during admit card issuance.
Final Thoughts
The announcement of the JEE Main Session 1 revised exam dates for 2026 has brought clarity to students preparing for this prestigious entrance test. With the window now ending on January 29, aspirants have a precise timeframe to complete their revisions and plan travel based on city slips. (The Times of India)
Staying updated with official NTA notifications and organizing your study timetable around these key dates is crucial. A well-informed strategy not only helps during preparation but also builds confidence as you approach one of India’s most sought-after engineering entrance exams.
If you’re gearing up for JEE Main 2026, mark those revised dates on your calendar, keep an eye out for the admit card release, and stay focused on your goals. 🎯✨