JEE Main 2026 Rescheduled for West Bengal Candidates on January 23
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced a significant change to the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 examination schedule. Candidates from West Bengal who were assigned to appear for the exam on January 23, 2026, will now receive an alternative test date. This decision comes in response to numerous requests from students who pointed out that the date coincides with Saraswati Puja, an important religious festival celebrated across the state.
Recognizing the significance of this occasion for many families, the NTA has confirmed that no candidate from West Bengal will be required to sit for the examination on this particular day. Instead, all affected students will be offered the opportunity to take the test on one of the other scheduled dates within the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 window.
Why the Exam Date Was Changed
Saraswati Puja holds deep cultural and religious importance in West Bengal, and many students and their families had raised concerns about attending an examination on the festival day. Taking these sentiments into account, the NTA decided to accommodate the requests and reschedule the exam for affected candidates.
The agency has stated that this move is aimed at respecting the religious sentiments of students while also addressing practical difficulties they might face in reaching examination centers on that day. The revised date for these candidates will be communicated separately, and students are advised to keep checking official updates.
Contact Support for Queries
Candidates who have any questions or face issues related to this rescheduling can reach out to the NTA support team. The agency has set up a dedicated helpdesk to assist students with their concerns. Candidates can send a direct message through the official support channels or call the helpline number provided by the NTA for examination-related inquiries.
City Intimation Slips Already Released
In preparation for the upcoming examination, the NTA has already released the city intimation slips for JEE Main 2026 Session 1. These slips were made available on January 8, 2026, allowing candidates to know in advance which city their examination center will be located in. This information helps students plan their travel and accommodation well before the exam day.
While the city intimation slips are out, candidates are now waiting for their official admit cards. The NTA is expected to release the hall tickets shortly, and students should monitor the official website for announcements regarding their availability.
Complete JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Schedule
The JEE Main 2026 Session 1 examination is scheduled to be conducted over six days in January. Here is the complete schedule for the upcoming session:
- The examination will be held on January 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, and 29, 2026.
- Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) will be conducted on January 21, 22, 23, 24, and 28.
- Paper 2A (B.Arch) will be held on January 29, 2026.
With the rescheduling for West Bengal candidates, the NTA aims to ensure that all students get a fair opportunity to perform well without any distractions or conflicts.
How to Download the City Intimation Slip
For candidates who have not yet downloaded their city intimation slip, the process is straightforward. Follow these simple steps to access the information:
- Visit the official JEE Main website at the designated portal.
- Look for the link labeled for city intimation slip download.
- Enter your application number and password to log in to your account.
- The city slip will be displayed in PDF format on your screen.
- Download the file and take a printout for future reference.
Candidates are advised to keep their login credentials handy and download the slip as soon as possible to avoid any last-minute issues. The city intimation slip is not the same as the admit card, but it provides essential information about the exam city, which is crucial for planning purposes.
Students appearing for JEE Main 2026 should stay updated with official announcements from the NTA regarding the release of admit cards and any other important notifications related to the examination process.
