2026 Exam Calendar: The exam season for 2026 is beginning to take shape with key dates now available for India’s major school board and competitive tests. Students, parents, and educators now have a clearer roadmap to plan study schedules, revision timelines, and logistics for a demanding academic year.
Exam Calendar 2026: Overview Chart
| Exam / Board | Purpose | Expected Exam Dates 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| JEE Main (Session 1) | Engineering entrance (NITs, IIITs, GFTIs) | January 21 – January 30, 2026 |
| JEE Main (Session 2) | Engineering entrance (2nd chance) | April 2 – April 9, 2026 |
| JEE Advanced | IIT admissions | May 17, 2026 (Tentative) |
| NEET UG | MBBS, BDS, AYUSH admissions | May 2026 (Expected) |
| CUET UG | Central & participating university admissions | May 2026 |
| CBSE Class 10 | Secondary Board Exam | Mid-Feb – Early April 2026 |
| CBSE Class 12 | Senior Secondary Board Exam | Mid-Feb – Early April 2026 |
| ICSE (Class 10) | CISCE Board Exam | February – Early April 2026 |
| ISC (Class 12) | CISCE Senior Secondary Exam | February – Early April 2026 |
| UPSC CSE Prelims | Civil Services (IAS, IPS, IFS) | May / Early June 2026 |
| UPSC CSE Mains | Civil Services Main Exam | August 2026 |
| UPSC NDA / CAPF | Defence & Central Armed Forces | Multiple dates in 2026 |
Engineering and Medical Entrance Exams Lead the Year
The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) and the medical entrance test NEET are among the first big milestones for 2026 aspirants.
JEE Main 2026 will be conducted in two sessions:
- Session 1: January 21 to January 30, 2026
- Session 2: April 2 to April 9, 2026
The highly competitive JEE Advanced 2026 is tentatively scheduled for May 17, 2026, serving as the gateway to IIT admissions.
For NEET UG 2026, the exam is expected in May, with admit cards and provisional answer keys released in April and late May. Counselling is likely to begin in July. Common University Entrance Test (CUET 2026) for undergraduate admissions is also set around May, giving students a unified chance to seek seats in central and participating universities.
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Board Exams Stretch into April
Class 10 and 12 board exams under the CBSE board will run from mid-February to early April. CISCE-administered ICSE and ISC exams begin in February and wrap up by early April, with practical exams for some subjects held in January. These dates help school students and coaching providers align study plans and revision cycles early in the year.
UPSC and Other Competitive Tests Across the Year
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) cycle will continue into the middle of the year. The Civil Services Preliminary exam is expected in May or early June, with mains scheduled for August and personality tests stretching into early 2027. Other UPSC examinations, including NDA and CAPF, are spread across the year.
This calendar covers a range of academic and professional examinations that are critical for students planning careers in engineering, medicine, government service and higher education.
Why This Matters
Having an early, consolidated timeline gives students and families a chance to avoid clashes between major exams and manage preparation without last-minute stress. It’s also useful for schools and coaching centers to fix mock tests, revision schedules and counsel students well in advance.
