If you are a student preparing for a national-level entrance exam in India, the NTA Exam Calendar is one of the most important documents you need to know about. It tells you when each exam will happen, when you can apply, and when the results will come out.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) is a government body in India that conducts many big entrance exams every year. These include exams for engineering, medical, law, fashion design, hotel management, and many university programs. The NTA Exam Calendar 2026 lists all the important dates for these exams so that students can plan their preparation properly.
The official NTA website is nta.ac.in. You can visit this website any time to check the latest updates about exam dates, registration, admit cards, and results.
In this blog, we will share the complete NTA Exam Calendar 2026, exam by exam, with all the key dates you need. Whether you are appearing for JEE Main, NEET UG, CUET, UGC NET, CSIR NET, CMAT, NIFT, or any other NTA exam, this guide will help you stay organised and never miss an important deadline.
About the National Testing Agency (NTA)
The National Testing Agency was set up by the Government of India to conduct entrance exams in a fair, transparent, and efficient way. NTA uses Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode for most of its exams. Only some exams like NEET UG still use the traditional pen-and-paper (OMR) format.
NTA conducts more than 20 major entrance exams every year. Some of the biggest ones are:
- JEE Main – For admission to B.Tech, B.E., B.Arch, and B.Plan programs in IITs, NITs, IIITs, and other colleges.
- NEET UG – For admission to MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BUMS, BSMS, BVSc, and other medical courses.
- CUET UG and CUET PG – For admission to undergraduate and postgraduate programs in central universities across India.
- UGC NET – For eligibility to become an Assistant Professor or Junior Research Fellow (JRF) in Indian universities.
- CSIR NET – For eligibility as JRF or Assistant Professor in science subjects.
- CMAT – For admission to MBA programs in more than 1,300 colleges across India.
- NIFT Entrance Exam – For admission to fashion design courses at National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT).
- NCHM JEE – For admission to Hotel Management programs.
- ICAR AIEEA PG – For admission to postgraduate programs in agricultural sciences.
NTA releases the exam calendar at the start of the academic session. This helps students plan their study timetable many months in advance.
NTA Exam Calendar 2026 – Quick Overview
Here is a quick look at all the major NTA exams and their approximate dates for 2026:
| Exam Name | Exam Mode | Exam Date(s) 2026 | Official Website |
| JEE Main Session 1 | CBT | Jan 22 – Feb 2, 2026 | jeemain.nta.nic.in |
| JEE Main Session 2 | CBT | Apr 2–8, 2026 | jeemain.nta.nic.in |
| NEET UG (Re-exam) | Pen-Paper | June 21, 2026 | neet.nta.nic.in |
| CUET UG | CBT | May 11 onwards, 2026 | cuet.nta.nic.in |
| CUET PG | CBT | March 2026 (tentative) | pgcuet.samarth.ac.in |
| UGC NET June 2026 | CBT | June 22–30, 2026 | ugcnet.nta.nic.in |
| CSIR NET June 2026 | CBT | July 17–18, 2026 | csirnet.nta.ac.in |
| CMAT 2026 | CBT | March 2026 (tentative) | cmat.nta.nic.in |
| NIFT Entrance Exam 2026 | CBT | February 2026 (tentative) | nift.nta.nic.in |
| NCHM JEE 2026 | CBT | April 25, 2026 | nchmjee.nta.nic.in |
| ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 | CBT | July 4, 2026 | exams.nta.nic.in/icar |
Note: Some of these dates are official and some are tentative. Always check the official NTA website for the latest confirmed dates.
JEE Main 2026 – Complete Schedule
JEE Main is one of the most popular engineering entrance exams in India. It is conducted twice a year – Session 1 (January) and Session 2 (April). Through JEE Main, students can get admission to B.Tech, B.E., B.Arch, and B.Planning programs at NITs, IIITs, GFTIs, and other engineering colleges. The JEE Main score is also required to appear for JEE Advanced, which gives admission to the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).
JEE Main Session 1 (January 2026)
| Event | Date |
| Registration Start | October 31, 2025 |
| Registration End | November 2025 (tentative) |
| Admit Card Release | January 2026 |
| JEE Main Session 1 Exam | January 22 – February 2, 2026 |
| Answer Key Release | February 2026 |
| Result Declaration | February 2026 |
JEE Main Session 2 (April 2026)
| Event | Date |
| Session 2 Registration | February – March 2026 |
| Registration Reopened | March 12–13, 2026 |
| City Allotment Slip | March 22, 2026 |
| Admit Card Released | March 29, 2026 (for April 2 & 4) |
| JEE Main Session 2 Exam | April 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 2026 |
| Paper 2 (B.Arch/B.Plan) Result | April 20, 2026 |
For the latest JEE Main 2026 updates, visit the official website: jeemain.nta.nic.in.
JEE Main Paper 1 is for B.Tech/B.E. and consists of 90 questions (Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics). Paper 2A is for B.Arch and Paper 2B is for B.Planning. The exam is conducted in CBT (Computer-Based Test) mode except for the Drawing section of B.Arch which is pen-and-paper.
Important Tips for JEE Main 2026
- Register as early as possible. Do not wait for the last date to avoid server issues.
- Download and carefully verify your admit card before the exam day.
- Both session scores are considered, and the best one is used for ranking.
- JEE Main cutoff for JEE Advanced changes every year – aim for 99+ percentile for top IITs.
NEET UG 2026 – Complete Schedule
NEET UG is the national-level medical entrance exam that is required for admission to MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BUMS, BSMS, BVSc, Nursing, and other health science courses at government and private medical colleges across India. NEET UG is also the gateway for AIIMS and JIPMER medical colleges, which were earlier separate.
In 2026, NEET UG had a difficult journey. The exam was originally held on May 3, 2026, but it was cancelled after reports of a paper leak in Rajasthan. A re-exam was then scheduled for June 21, 2026.
| Event | Date |
| NEET UG 2026 Registration Start | February 8, 2026 |
| NEET UG 2026 Registration End | March 8, 2026 |
| Original Exam Date (Cancelled) | May 3, 2026 |
| Re-Exam Date | June 21, 2026 (Sunday) |
| Re-Exam Timing | 2:00 PM – 5:15 PM |
| Exam Mode | Pen and Paper (OMR) |
| Fresh Admit Card | To be released before June 21, 2026 |
For official updates on NEET UG 2026, visit: neet.nta.nic.in.
NEET UG consists of 200 questions from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany + Zoology). Each correct answer gives 4 marks and each wrong answer deducts 1 mark. The total marks are 720. NEET UG is conducted in offline mode – students write answers on an OMR sheet.
Important Tips for NEET UG 2026
- NEET UG is held once a year, so missing this chance means waiting for another full year.
- Focus heavily on NCERT textbooks for Biology, as most questions come directly from there.
- Stay updated with NTA notifications since dates can change due to unforeseen situations.
- Practice previous year papers to understand the difficulty level and question patterns.
CUET UG and CUET PG 2026 – Complete Schedule
The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) was introduced to make university admissions fair and uniform across India. Through CUET UG scores, students can get admission to undergraduate programs at Central Universities and many other participating universities. Through CUET PG, students can apply for postgraduate programs.
CUET UG 2026
CUET UG 2026 started on May 11, 2026. The exam is conducted in CBT (Computer-Based Test) mode in two shifts. Approximately 96.6% of registered candidates were allotted their preferred exam city, according to NTA’s official press release.
| Event | Date |
| CUET UG Registration Start | March 2026 |
| Application Form End | April 2026 (tentative) |
| City Intimation Slip | May 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Before exam start |
| CUET UG Exam Start | May 11, 2026 |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Number of Shifts | Two shifts per day |
CUET UG has four sections. Section 1A tests language skills in the medium of instruction. Section 1B is for optional language. Section 2 tests domain-specific knowledge (like History, Physics, Economics, etc.). Section 3 is the General Test, which includes reasoning, general knowledge, and quantitative aptitude.
CUET PG 2026
CUET PG 2026 registration started in January 2026. The exam is also conducted in CBT mode. Through CUET PG, candidates can apply for Master’s programs at Central Universities and other participating institutions.
| Event | Date |
| CUET PG Registration Start | January 2026 |
| CUET PG Exam Date | March 2026 (tentative) |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Official Website | pgcuet.samarth.ac.in |
For CUET UG 2026 official updates, visit: cuet.nta.nic.in. For CUET PG, visit: pgcuet.samarth.ac.in.
Important Tips for CUET 2026
- CUET UG allows you to apply to multiple universities with a single exam, saving time and money.
- Choose your domain subjects carefully – they should match the subjects in Class 12.
- The General Test section requires practice in logical reasoning and general awareness.
- Many state universities and private colleges are also now accepting CUET scores. Check the participating universities list on the official website.
UGC NET June 2026 – Complete Schedule
The University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) is a national-level test for those who want to become Assistant Professors or Junior Research Fellows (JRF) in Indian universities and colleges. It is held twice a year – in June and December.
The UGC NET June 2026 exam dates have been officially announced by NTA. The exam will be conducted from June 22 to June 30, 2026.
| Event | Date |
| UGC NET June 2026 Registration | April – May 2026 (tentative) |
| Admit Card Release | By June 15, 2026 |
| UGC NET June 2026 Exam | June 22–30, 2026 |
| Shift 1 Timing | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Shift 2 Timing | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM |
| Each Paper Duration | 3 hours (180 minutes) |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Official Website | ugcnet.nta.nic.in |
UGC NET has two papers. Paper 1 is the same for all candidates and tests Teaching Aptitude, Research Aptitude, Reading Comprehension, Reasoning, and General Awareness. Paper 2 is subject-specific, and candidates choose their own subject (like History, English, Computer Science, etc.).
The subject-wise schedule for UGC NET June 2026 is available at: ugcnet.nta.nic.in.
Important Tips for UGC NET 2026
- There is no negative marking in UGC NET, so attempt all questions.
- Both Paper 1 and Paper 2 are held back-to-back in the same session with no break.
- JRF is for those below 30 years of age (with relaxation for reserved categories).
- Qualifying UGC NET without JRF makes you eligible for Assistant Professor across India.
CSIR NET June 2026 – Complete Schedule
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and UGC jointly conduct the CSIR-UGC NET for candidates who want to be Junior Research Fellows or Assistant Professors in science subjects. The five science subjects covered are Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences.
| Event | Date |
| CSIR NET June 2026 Registration Start | May 27, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | June 19, 2026 |
| Fee Payment Last Date | June 20, 2026 |
| Form Correction Window | June 22–23, 2026 |
| CSIR NET Exam Dates | July 17–18, 2026 |
| Shift 1 Timing | 9:00 AM – 12:00 Noon |
| Shift 2 Timing | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Official Website | csirnet.nta.ac.in |
For CSIR NET 2026 registration and notifications, visit: csirnet.nta.ac.in.
Important Tips for CSIR NET 2026
- CSIR NET has a different exam pattern for each of the five science disciplines – study the correct syllabus.
- The exam has three parts: Part A (general aptitude), Part B (subject-specific), and Part C (higher-order questions).
- JRF from CSIR NET opens doors to research fellowships at CSIR labs and universities.
- CSIR NET qualified candidates can also pursue PhD in science-related fields at premier institutes.
CMAT 2026 – Complete Schedule
The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is a national-level entrance exam for those who want to take admission in MBA and other management programs. CMAT 2026 registration started on October 17, 2025. More than 1,300 management colleges across India accept CMAT scores.
| Event | Date |
| CMAT 2026 Registration Start | October 17, 2025 |
| CMAT 2026 Exam Date | March 2026 (tentative) |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Official Website | cmat.nta.nic.in |
Check the latest CMAT 2026 schedule at: cmat.nta.nic.in.
CMAT tests candidates on Quantitative Techniques, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation and Entrepreneurship. The exam has 100 questions for 400 marks. There is negative marking of 1 mark for each wrong answer.
NIFT Entrance Exam 2026 – Complete Schedule
The NIFT Entrance Examination is for students who want to study fashion design, fashion communication, leather design, accessory design, and other creative programs at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT). NIFT has 17 campuses across India, and this entrance exam is conducted by NTA.
| Event | Date |
| NIFT 2026 Registration Start | First week of November 2025 (tentative) |
| NIFT 2026 Exam Date | February 2026 (tentative) |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Official Website | nift.nta.nic.in |
For NIFT 2026 official dates and updates, visit: nift.ac.in.
The NIFT Entrance Exam has multiple tests depending on the program applied for: Creative Ability Test (CAT), General Ability Test (GAT), and a Situation Test for shortlisted candidates. GAT tests General English, Quantitative Ability, Communication Ability, and General Knowledge. CAT tests the candidate’s creative and design ability through drawing and sketching.
NCHM JEE 2026 – Complete Schedule
The National Council of Hotel Management and Catering Technology Joint Entrance Examination (NCHM JEE) is for admission to the B.Sc. in Hospitality and Hotel Administration program. NTA conducts this exam for admission to IHMs (Institutes of Hotel Management) and other hotel management institutes across India.
| Event | Date |
| NCHM JEE 2026 Application Start | January 2026 (tentative) |
| Application Last Date | April 1, 2026 |
| NCHM JEE 2026 Exam Date | April 25, 2026 |
| Answer Key Release | First week of May 2026 (expected) |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Official Website | nchmjee.nta.nic.in |
For NCHM JEE 2026 information, visit: nchmjee.nta.nic.in.
The age limit for NCHM JEE 2026 is 25 years for General, EWS, and OBC candidates as of July 1, 2026. The exam tests Numerical Ability and Analytical Aptitude, Reasoning and Logical Deduction, General Knowledge and Current Affairs, English Language, and Aptitude for Service Sector.
ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 – Complete Schedule
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research All India Entrance Examination for Admission (ICAR AIEEA) PG is for those who want to pursue Master’s programs in Agriculture and Allied Sciences at ICAR-recognised universities in India. NTA conducts this exam on behalf of ICAR.
Please note that ICAR AIEEA UG (undergraduate) admission is no longer done through this exam. UG admissions are now based on CUET UG scores.
| Event | Date |
| ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Registration Start | May 8, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | June 7, 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | June 2026 (tentative) |
| ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 Exam Date | July 4, 2026 |
| Exam Duration | 120 minutes |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Official Website | exams.nta.nic.in/icar |
Apply and track updates for ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 at: exams.nta.nic.in/icar.
Month-by-Month NTA Exam Schedule for 2026
Here is a simple month-by-month breakdown of all major NTA exam events in 2026:
| Month | Major Exam Events |
| October 2025 | JEE Main 2026 Session 1 registration opens (Oct 31); CMAT 2026 registration opens (Oct 17) |
| November 2025 | UGC NET December 2025 registration closes (Nov 7); NIFT 2026 registration (tentative) |
| December 2025 | UGC NET December 2025 exam (Dec 31 – Jan 7, 2026) |
| January 2026 | JEE Main Session 1 exam (Jan 22 – Feb 2); CUET PG registration begins |
| February 2026 | JEE Main Session 1 results; NEET UG 2026 registration opens (Feb 8); NIFT 2026 exam (tentative) |
| March 2026 | JEE Main Session 2 registration; CUET UG 2026 registration opens; CMAT 2026 exam (tentative) |
| April 2026 | JEE Main Session 2 exam (Apr 2–8); NCHM JEE 2026 exam (Apr 25); CUET UG registration closes |
| May 2026 | CUET UG 2026 exam begins (May 11); NEET UG original exam date (May 3 – cancelled); ICAR AIEEA PG registration opens (May 8) |
| June 2026 | NEET UG Re-exam (Jun 21); UGC NET June 2026 exam (Jun 22–30); CSIR NET registration closes (Jun 19) |
| July 2026 | CSIR NET June 2026 exam (Jul 17–18); ICAR AIEEA PG exam (Jul 4) |
How to Check the Official NTA Exam Calendar 2026
NTA releases its official exam calendar on its website. Here is a simple step-by-step guide to check and download the NTA Exam Calendar:
- Open your browser and go to the official NTA website: ac.in
- On the homepage, look for the ‘Exam Calendar’ or ‘Important Dates’ section.
- Click on the link for the NTA Exam Calendar 2026. It usually opens as a PDF file.
- Download the PDF and save it on your phone or computer for easy reference.
- For individual exam dates, visit the specific exam website (e.g., jeemain.nta.nic.in for JEE Main).
You can also bookmark this blog and check for updates, as we will keep updating the information as and when NTA releases new dates.
Important Things to Remember for NTA Exams 2026
If you are planning to appear for any NTA exam in 2026, here are some very important points to keep in mind:
1. Dates Can Change
NTA exam dates can be changed due to various reasons. In 2026 itself, NEET UG’s exam was cancelled and rescheduled. Always keep checking the official NTA website and the specific exam website for the latest news. Never rely only on third-party websites.
2. Register Early
NTA registration portals often face heavy traffic near the last date, which can cause technical problems. It is always better to register and submit your application form as early as possible. Waiting till the last day can be risky.
3. Download Your Admit Card in Advance
The admit card is a very important document for every NTA exam. Without it, you will not be allowed to enter the exam hall. Download your admit card as soon as it is released and take a printout. Also, check all the details – your name, photo, exam date, exam centre address, and reporting time.
4. Use the Official Website Only
Always rely on the official NTA website and the official website of the specific exam for your information. There are many fake websites and social media posts that spread wrong or misleading information. Stick to official sources.
5. Check the Syllabus Carefully
NTA can make changes to the syllabus and exam pattern from year to year. Before starting your preparation, always download the official syllabus for 2026 from the official website and study accordingly.
6. Plan Your Preparation Early
The NTA exam calendar helps you know when your exam is. Use this information to plan your study schedule months in advance. If you have multiple exams, plan in a way that you give proper time to each one without burning out.
7. Keep Scanned Documents Ready
For registration, you need scanned copies of your photograph, signature, Class 10 certificate, Aadhaar card, and other documents. Keep all these documents ready in the correct format before you start filling the application form.
General Preparation Tips for NTA Exams 2026
Start Early: The earlier you start, the more time you have to cover the syllabus, revise, and practise mock tests.
Understand the Exam Pattern: Each NTA exam has a different pattern in terms of number of questions, sections, marking scheme, and time limit. Study the pattern properly before starting preparation.
Use NCERT Books: For exams like JEE Main and NEET UG, NCERT textbooks from Classes 11 and 12 form the base. Make sure you have a strong grip on these before moving to other reference books.
Practise Mock Tests: Mock tests help you understand your weak areas, manage time, and get comfortable with the exam format. NTA also provides free official mock tests on its website at nta.ac.in.
Revise Regularly: Do not just study new topics. Keep going back to topics you have already studied so that you remember them well. Short notes and flashcards can be very helpful for revision.
Take Care of Your Health: Many students forget to sleep, eat well, and exercise during exam preparation. A healthy body supports a healthy mind. Do not ignore your physical and mental health.
Official Websites for NTA Exams 2026
Here is a list of all the official websites where you can find the latest dates, notifications, admit cards, and results:
| Exam | Official Website |
| NTA (Main Website) | nta.ac.in |
| JEE Main 2026 | jeemain.nta.nic.in |
| NEET UG 2026 | neet.nta.nic.in |
| CUET UG 2026 | cuet.nta.nic.in |
| CUET PG 2026 | pgcuet.samarth.ac.in |
| UGC NET 2026 | ugcnet.nta.nic.in |
| CSIR NET 2026 | csirnet.nta.ac.in |
| CMAT 2026 | cmat.nta.nic.in |
| NIFT 2026 | nift.nta.nic.in |
| NCHM JEE 2026 | nchmjee.nta.nic.in |
| ICAR AIEEA PG 2026 | exams.nta.nic.in/icar |
Conclusion
The NTA Exam Calendar 2026 is a complete roadmap for students who are planning to appear in national-level entrance exams this year. From JEE Main in January to ICAR AIEEA PG in July, the year is packed with big and important exams.
Whether you are targeting engineering, medicine, management, research, or design, NTA is responsible for conducting the exam that stands between you and your dream college. Knowing the exam schedule in advance gives you a huge advantage – it allows you to plan your preparation, manage your time, and ensure that you do not miss any registration deadline.
Always remember: preparation without a plan is like building a house without a blueprint. Use the NTA Exam Calendar 2026 as your blueprint and start building your success story today.
We hope this blog helped you understand the complete NTA Exam Calendar 2026. Bookmark this page as we will keep updating it with the latest official dates. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always visit the official NTA website at nta.ac.in.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About NTA Exam Calendar 2026
Q1. When does NTA release the official exam calendar?
NTA usually releases the exam calendar for the next academic year around October or November. The 2026 calendar was made available progressively from October 2025 onwards, with individual exam dates released one by one.
Q2. Is the NTA exam calendar available as a PDF?
Yes. NTA releases its exam calendar in PDF format on its official website at nta.ac.in. You can download and save it for future reference.
Q3. Can NTA change exam dates after announcing them?
Yes, NTA can change exam dates due to unforeseen circumstances. For example, in 2026, the NEET UG exam was cancelled and rescheduled due to a paper leak issue. It is important to always keep checking official notifications.
Q4. How many exams does NTA conduct in a year?
NTA conducts more than 20 entrance exams in a year. These include JEE Main, NEET UG, CUET UG, CUET PG, UGC NET, CSIR NET, CMAT, NIFT, NCHM JEE, ICAR AIEEA, and several other national-level tests.
Q5. Is there a negative marking in all NTA exams?
No. The marking scheme is different for each exam. JEE Main, NEET UG, and CMAT have negative marking. UGC NET does not have negative marking. Always check the official information brochure for your specific exam.
Q6. How can I contact NTA if I have a problem?
You can contact NTA through their official helpdesk. The NTA helpline number and email ID are available on nta.ac.in. NTA also has a student support portal where you can raise queries.
Q7. Is JEE Advanced 2026 conducted by NTA?
No. JEE Advanced is conducted by the IITs (one IIT takes charge each year on rotation). However, you need to qualify JEE Main first to be eligible for JEE Advanced. For JEE Advanced 2026 dates, check the official JEE Advanced website.