The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced a change in the JEE Main date for candidates from West Bengal in 2026. The date for the January 23 exam has been postponed because of the Saraswati Puja festival.
NTA issues official notice on social media
The clarification was shared through NTA’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle on January 15, 2026. "In view of the representations received from candidates in the state of West Bengal regarding the celebration of Saraswati Puja on 23 rd January 2026, it has been decided that all candidates scheduled to appear for JEE (Main) in West Bengal on 23 rd January 2026 shall be allotted another date of examination among the advertised dates for JEE (Main) 2026 Session 1 examination", NTA wrote.
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NTA also informed candidates that for any related queries, "candidates may DM @NTA_Helpdesk or write to us at jeemain@nta.ac.in,or contact us at 011-40759000."
Revised date to be from existing exam schedule
It was clarified by NTA that no additional exam dates will be introduced. Candidates whose exams are being affected would be allotted a new date from the already existing JEE Main 2026 Session 1 dates: January 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 29. Fresh intimation regarding the revised exam date will be communicated to affected candidates in due course.
Admit card update and city slip status 
City intimations for JEE Main 2026 are already out. The release of admit cards for Session 1 is also anticipated soon, although there isn’t any particular announcement yet. Generally, admit cards are made available three to four days before appearing for an exam; therefore, candidates are advised to keep an eye on the official website rather than looking at other places.
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Exam mode and shift details
JEE Main 2026 Session 1 will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. Paper 1 for BTech/BE will be held on January 21, 22, 23, 24 and 28, 2026, in two shifts, from 9 am to 12 noon and 3 pm to 6 pm. Paper 2A (BArch) and Paper 2B (BPlanning) are scheduled for January 29, 2026, from 9 am to 12:30 pm.
