Examination Schedule for JEE Main 2026 Session 2 (Released) by NTA

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially outlined the examination window for JEE Main 2026 Session 2, providing clarity for lakhs of engineering aspirants across India. As one of the most competitive entrance examinations, JEE Main requires careful planning, and understanding the exact schedule is crucial for preparation, travel, and exam-day readiness.

This article presents a complete, accurate, and structured overview of the JEE Main 2026 Session 2 examination schedule, along with key timelines, paper-wise details, and important instructions.

Overview of JEE Main 2026 Session 2

JEE Main 2026 is being conducted in two sessions, January and April to give candidates multiple opportunities to improve their scores. Session 2 serves as the final attempt for most candidates in the academic cycle.

• Conducting Authority: National Testing Agency (NTA)
• Exam Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
• Session 2 Exam Dates: April 2 to April 8, 2026 
• Papers Covered:
  • Paper 1: B.E./B.Tech
  • Paper 2A: B.Arch
  • Paper 2B: B.Planning

The examination will be conducted over multiple days and shifts, depending on the number of candidates and subject combinations.

JEE Main 2026 Session 2: Complete Schedule

While NTA has confirmed the exam window, the exact date and shift for each candidate are mentioned on the admit card. Below is the structured schedule based on official updates:

Exam Date Range

Paper-wise Examination Details

The exam will be conducted in separate slots for different papers. The expected pattern followed by NTA is as follows:

Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech)

• Conducted on multiple days within the exam window
• Held in two shifts daily:
  • Shift 1: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • Shift 2: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Paper 2A (B.Arch) & Paper 2B (B.Planning)

• Usually conducted on a single day towards the end of the schedule
• Includes a mix of:
  • Mathematics (CBT)
  • Aptitude Test
  • Drawing Test (for B.Arch)

Note: Exact subject-wise dates are released through the admit card and official notice.

Important Pre-Exam Events Timeline

To effectively track preparation and logistics, the following timeline is essential:

City Intimation Slip and Admit Card

NTA releases two important documents before the examination:

City Intimation Slip

• Provides advance information about the exam city
• Helps candidates plan travel and accommodation
• Released in March 2026

Recent updates confirm that the city slip has been released, allowing candidates to check their allotted city in advance. 

Admit Card

• Contains exact exam date, shift, and center address
• Mandatory for entry into the examination hall
• Released a few days before the exam

Shift Timings and Reporting Guidelines

Each exam day is divided into two shifts. Candidates must strictly follow reporting timelines:

Key instructions:

• Entry closes before exam commencement
• Late entry is not permitted
• Biometric verification is conducted at centers

Exam Pattern Snapshot

Understanding the structure of the exam is essential for interpreting the schedule effectively:

Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech)

• Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics
• Total Questions: 75 (with internal choices)
• Duration: 3 hours

Paper 2 (B.Arch/B.Planning)

• Mathematics + Aptitude + Drawing/Planning
• Duration: 3 hours

The exam remains consistent with previous years and is conducted entirely in CBT mode (except drawing components).

Key Points for Candidates

• The exact examination date and shift are allotted individually by the National Testing Agency, making it essential to check personal details carefully on the official admit card.
• The admit card serves as the final and most authoritative document for confirming examination schedule, center details, and shift timing, and must be followed without any confusion.
• Conducting the examination over multiple days and shifts allows the National Testing Agency to manage large candidate volumes efficiently and ensure smooth, organized execution of the test.
• Advance travel planning is strongly recommended based on the city intimation slip, as it helps avoid last-minute issues related to transportation, accommodation, and unfamiliar exam locations.
• For candidates appearing in both sessions, the best of the two scores is considered for final ranking, providing an opportunity to improve overall performance and results.

Conclusion

The release of the JEE Main 2026 Session 2 examination schedule marks a critical milestone in the admission cycle. With exams scheduled from April 2 to April 8, 2026, candidates now have a defined timeline to finalize preparation and logistical arrangements. 

A clear understanding of the schedule, including shifts, paper structure, and pre-exam processes such as city slips and admit cards, ensures smoother participation. Since individual exam dates and timings differ, close attention to official updates and admit card details remains essential.

Effective planning aligned with this schedule can significantly enhance exam readiness and reduce last-minute challenges, making this final attempt count toward achieving a competitive score.

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