When is JEE Main 2026? Session 1 and Session 2 Exam Dates
JEE Main 2026 is conducted in two sessions by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Session 1 has already been held from 21 January to 29 January 2026, while Session 2 is scheduled on 02, 04, 05, 06, and 08 April 2026. This page provides the complete JEE Main 2026 exam date schedule for both sessions, including registration dates, city intimation slip, admit card release timeline, shift timings, and result dates.
JEE Main 2026 Exam Date Overview
JEE Main 2026 Important Dates
The table below consolidates the complete JEE Mains 2026 schedule for both sessions: from application start to result declaration.
JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Exam Date
JEE Main 2026 Session 1 was conducted in January 2026. As per NTA's official notice, Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) was held on 21, 22, 23, 24, and 28 January 2026. Paper 2A (B.Arch) and Paper 2B (B.Planning) were both held on 29 January 2026. NTA released the Session 1 city intimation slip on 08 January 2026 and issued admit cards in two phases — before the first slot and before the later slots.
JEE Main 2026 Session 1: Paper-wise Schedule
JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Exam Date
JEE Main 2026 Session 2 is scheduled in April 2026. NTA's official notice confirmed that Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) will be held on 02, 04, 05, 06, and 08 April 2026. Paper 2A (B.Arch) and Paper 2B (B.Planning) are scheduled for 07 April 2026. Session 2 registration opened on 01 February 2026 and closed on 25 February 2026. NTA also reopened the application portal for a short window on 12–13 March 2026.
JEE Mains 2026 Session 2: Paper-wise Schedule
JEE Main 2026 Registration Dates
Registration dates are a key part of the exam date timeline. Many candidates search for the last date to apply while looking for exam schedule information.
Session 1: Application form was open from 31 October 2025 to 27 November 2025. Fee payment was accepted until 11:50 PM on 27 November 2025. There was no reopened registration window for Session 1.
Session 2: Application form was open from 01 February 2026 to 25 February 2026. A reopened window was available on 12–13 March 2026 for candidates who missed the original deadline.
JEE Main 2026 Registration Dates: Comparison Table
JEE Main 2026 City Intimation Slip and Admit Card
The exam city intimation slip and the admit card are two separate documents. NTA has clearly stated in both Session 1 and Session 2 notices that the city intimation slip only informs candidates of their allotted exam city; it is not a hall ticket and cannot be used to appear for the exam.
Key Differences: City Slip vs Admit Card
Important: Candidates must download and carry the official admit card on exam day. The city slip is only for advanced planning purposes.
JEE Main 2026 Shift Timings
JEE Main 2026 is conducted in two shifts per day. Shift timings vary based on the paper's duration. As per the official Information Bulletin:
Papers of 3-hour duration are conducted from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon (Shift 1) and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM (Shift 2).
Papers of 3 hours 30 minutes duration are conducted from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM (Shift 1) and 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM (Shift 2).
JEE Main 2026 Shift Timing Table
JEE Main 2026 Result Date
NTA has announced the result timeline for both sessions in the official Information Bulletin.
Results are announced on the official NTA website and the JEE Main portal. Candidates need their application number and date of birth to check their scores.
Important Study Materials Links for JEE Exams
FAQs on JEE Main 2026 Exam Date for Session 1 and Session 2
1. What is the JEE Main 2026 exam date?
JEE Main 2026 is conducted in two sessions. Session 1 was held from 21 January to 29 January 2026. Session 2 is scheduled from 02 April to 08 April 2026.
2. What are the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 exam dates?
Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) was held on 21, 22, 23, 24, and 28 January 2026. Paper 2A (B.Arch) and Paper 2B (B.Planning) were held on 29 January 2026.
3. What are the JEE Main 2026 Session 2 exam dates?
Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) is scheduled on 02, 04, 05, 06, and 08 April 2026. Paper 2A (B.Arch) and Paper 2B (B.Planning) are scheduled on 07 April 2026.
4. When will the JEE Main 2026 admit card be released?
The official bulletin states that admit cards are released 3 to 4 days before the respective exam date. For Session 1, they were issued on 17 January and 24 January 2026.
6. Is the city intimation slip the same as the admit card?
No. NTA clearly states that the city intimation slip is not the admit card. It only tells you which city your exam centre is in. The actual admit card is released separately, closer to the exam.
7. When will JEE Main 2026 results be declared?
Session 1 result was scheduled for 16 February 2026. Session 2 results are scheduled by 20 April 2026, as per the official NTA bulletin.
8. Can I appear in both Session 1 and Session 2?
Yes. Candidates can appear in one or both sessions. If a candidate appears in both, the higher of the two NTA scores is used for ranking.
