Full Breakdown
NTA Issues Revised Examination Calendar for December 2026 – April 2027
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Revised Schedule of Major National Exams
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released a provisional calendar covering December 2026 through April 2027. Key windows include:
- UGC NET – sessions on December 14 and December 21, 2026.
- Joint CSIR-UGC NET – dates in mid-December (including December 19, 2026).
- JEE Main 2027 – Session 1 – examinations on January 20 and January 28, 2027.
- JEE Main 2027 – Session 2 – beginning April 2, 2027.
- CUET PG 2027 – proposed days in March (2, 8, 12, 15, 24, 29, 31).
Other entries list exams such as Rashtriya Indian Military College (early December 2026), SWAYAM (early December 2026), Army Cadets College (January 4, 2027), NIFT entrance (January 10, 2027), and CMAT (February 7, 2027). Candidates should verify details on the official NTA portal (nta.ac.in).
Why the Calendar Was Updated
The agency cites “administrative reasons” for the revision, noting that logistical constraints required adjustments. The new calendar supersedes the earlier version, and candidates are urged not to rely on the older dates.
Application Activity and Registration Deadlines
- UGC NET registration opened October 24, 2026 and closes October 28, 2026. Over 1.86 lakh applications have been received.
- Joint CSIR-UGC NET has logged 32,660 applications.
- JEE Main Session 1 deadline is November 22, 2026; a late-fee window runs November 23-26 and a correction window November 27-29.
- The JEE Main admit card will be released January 13, 2027, with city-intimation slips expected December 30, 2026.
Official Guidance from NTA
NTA stresses that all dates are provisional. Aspirants should:
- Check the latest schedule on the NTA website before planning.
- Follow live-photo guidelines for UGC NET applications (proper lighting, clear background, single face). Technical help is available via the helpdesk (011-40759000, 011-69227700) and email (ugcnet@nta.ac.in).
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Reports differ on the span of JEE Main Session 1, with some outlets listing a broader window than the two specific days confirmed by NTA. A similar variation exists for CUET PG, where the original continuous block has been replaced by the seven separate March dates. These discrepancies underscore the provisional nature of the calendar.
Impact on Candidates
The revised timetable compresses several high-stakes exams into a short period, affecting study plans, travel, and accommodation. High application volumes for UGC NET and Joint CSIR-UGC NET indicate strong demand despite the shifting schedule.
What’s Next
- NTA will post further updates on nta.ac.in as administrative considerations evolve.
- Final confirmation of JEE Main Session 1 and Session 2 dates, as well as the complete CUET PG schedule, is expected before the current registration phase ends.
- Candidates should monitor the portal for any amendments that could affect deadlines, exam days, or result declarations.