The NTA exam calendar 2026-27 is out, and it fixes the tentative dates of 13 national exams from December 2026 to April 2027. The National Testing Agency (NTA) posted it on its official website on 26 October 2026. It covers UGC NET, Joint CSIR UGC NET, JEE Main 2027 (both sessions), CUET PG 2027, CMAT and the school entrance tests. Below you will find the full date list, a month-wise plan and the official links.
NTA Exam Calendar 2026-27: Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Released by | National Testing Agency (NTA), Ministry of Education |
| Notice title | Examination Calendar, December 2026 Cycle onwards |
| Posted on | 26 October 2026 (nta.ac.in) |
| Period covered | December 2026 to April 2027 |
| Number of exams | 13 |
| Status of dates | Tentative, may change |
| Official website | nta.ac.in |
Full NTA Exam Calendar 2026-27 Dates
This table copies the dates exactly as NTA lists them. However, NTA states that the dates are tentative. They may change for administrative, academic, statutory or logistical reasons.
| S.No. | Exam | Tentative date(s) | Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC) | 6 December 2026 | 1 |
| 2 | SWAYAM | 8 to 12 December 2026 | 5 |
| 3 | Rashtriya Military Schools (RMS) | 13 December 2026 | 1 |
| 4 | UGC NET (December cycle) | 14 to 18 and 21 December 2026 | 6 |
| 5 | Joint CSIR UGC NET (December cycle) | 19, 22 and 27 December 2026 | 3 |
| 6 | Army Cadets College | 4 January 2027 | 1 |
| 7 | SHRESHTA (NETS) | 10 January 2027 | 1 |
| 8 | NIFT Entrance Examination | 10 January 2027 | 1 |
| 9 | JEE (Main) Session 1 | 20 to 24 and 28 January 2027 | 6 |
| 10 | All India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination (AISSEE) | 31 January 2027 | 1 |
| 11 | CMAT | 7 February 2027 | 1 |
| 12 | CUET (PG) | 2–5, 8–9, 12, 15–19, 24–25 and 29–31 March 2027 | 17 |
| 13 | JEE (Main) Session 2 | 2 to 7 April 2027 | 6 |
Month-Wise Exam Plan
A month-wise view helps you spot clashes early. For example, many postgraduates write both UGC NET and CSIR NET. Their dates do not overlap, so you can attempt both.
December 2026
- Five exams: RIMC, SWAYAM, RMS, UGC NET and Joint CSIR UGC NET.
- UGC NET runs on 14–18 and 21 December. CSIR NET follows on 19, 22 and 27 December.
January 2027
- Five exams: Army Cadets College, SHRESHTA, NIFT, JEE Main Session 1 and AISSEE.
- SHRESHTA and the NIFT entrance test fall on the same day, 10 January.
- JEE Main Session 1 is spread over six days, ending on 28 January.
February to April 2027
- February: CMAT on 7 February.
- March: CUET PG over 17 days, the longest window in the calendar.
- April: JEE Main Session 2 from 2 to 7 April.
Exams for Job Seekers and Teachers
Two exams in this NTA exam calendar 2026-27 matter most for teaching and research careers. First, UGC NET decides eligibility for JRF, Assistant Professor and Ph.D. admission. Second, Joint CSIR UGC NET does the same for science subjects.
NTA has also extended the UGC NET December 2026 application deadline to 31 October 2026. Read our UGC NET December 2026 guide for the fee, eligibility and steps. Science students can check our CSIR NET December 2026 article.
Exams for School and Engineering Students
RIMC, RMS, Army Cadets College, SHRESHTA and AISSEE are admission tests for schools and colleges. Parents should note these dates carefully, because each test is held on a single day.
Meanwhile, JEE Main 2027 Session 1 registration is already live. See our JEE Main 2027 registration guide for dates and fees.
How to Download the NTA Exam Calendar 2026-27
- First, open the official website nta.ac.in.
- Next, go to the “Latest @ NTA” section on the home page.
- Then click the notice on the examination calendar for the December 2026 cycle onwards.
- The PDF opens in a new tab. Download it and save a copy.
- Finally, keep checking the exam’s own portal, because city slips and admit cards come there.
Preparation Tips Based on the Calendar
Use the dates to build a simple study plan. For instance, a UGC NET aspirant has about six weeks from early November. So finish the syllabus by the end of November and keep December for mock tests.
- Mark each exam date on a wall calendar or phone.
- Note the gap between two exams if you plan to write both.
- Check the official notice again before you book travel.
For a full study routine, read our 2026 government exam preparation guide. You can also browse more exam preparation articles.
Important Links
| Link | Open |
|---|---|
| NTA examination calendar (26 October 2026) | Download PDF |
| UGC NET deadline extension notice (27 October 2026) | Download PDF |
| UGC NET portal | ugcnet.nta.nic.in |
| NTA official website | nta.ac.in |
FAQs on NTA Exam Calendar 2026-27
When was the NTA exam calendar 2026-27 released?
NTA posted the calendar for the December 2026 cycle onwards on its website on 26 October 2026.
What is the UGC NET December 2026 exam date?
UGC NET December 2026 is scheduled for 14 to 18 and 21 December 2026, as per the calendar.
When is JEE Main 2027 Session 1?
JEE Main 2027 Session 1 is listed for 20 to 24 and 28 January 2027. Session 2 is from 2 to 7 April 2027.
When will CUET PG 2027 be held?
CUET PG 2027 is listed across 17 days in March 2027, from 2 March to 31 March.
Are these NTA exam dates final?
No. NTA says the dates are tentative and may change. Always follow the latest notice on nta.ac.in.
Sources
- National Testing Agency – Examination Calendar, December 2026 Cycle onwards: all 13 exam names, dates and number of days.
- National Testing Agency – UGC-NET December 2026 deadline extension, 27 October 2026: new last date of 31 October 2026.
- National Testing Agency – official website: posting date of the calendar in the “Latest @ NTA” list.
Always confirm details on the official website before applying.