Exam calendar 2026: Key dates for JEE, NEET, CUET, CBSE, ICSE, UPSC and other major exams
The exam calendar for 2026 outlines key dates for major national entrance tests and board examinations, helping students plan the academic year in advance. Exams such as JEE Main, JEE Advanced, NEET UG, CUET and multiple UPSC tests begin early in the year. Board exams conducted by CBSE, ICSE and ISC will run from February to April, with practical exams scheduled earlier.
![]()
The exam calendar for 2026 is now taking shape, giving students a clear view of what lies ahead. With national entrance tests starting early in the year and board exams stretching into April, the academic schedule looks packed.
Schools, coaching centres and families often wait for these signals to fix study plans, revision cycles, mock tests and travel.If you are preparing for competitive or board exams, this early outline helps you plan better. You can now see how the year may unfold, month by month, across major exams. It also helps you avoid clashes between entrance tests and boards, manage stress, and pace preparation across months without last minute confusion for students and parents nationwide this year together.National-level entrance exams set the paceEngineering and medical entrance tests will lead the exam season in 2026. These exams begin early and continue into mid-year.
**Exam
**
Schedule
JEE Main 2026 Session 1
January 21 to January 30, 2026
JEE Main 2026 Session 2
April 2 to April 9, 2026
JEE Advanced 2026
May 17, 2026 (tentative)
CUET 2026
May 2026 (expected)
FMGE
January 17, 2026
GPAT
March 7, 2026
NEET UG 2026 timelineNEET remains one of the most competitive exams in the country. The full cycle runs from the exam to counselling over several months.
**Event
**
Date
Exam date
May 3, 2026
Admit card release
April 2026
Provisional answer key
Fourth week of May 2026
Final answer key and result
Second week of June 2026
Counselling begins
July 1, 2026
UPSC exams stretch across the yearThe UPSC examination cycle is long and demanding, covering multiple stages.
**Stage
**
Expected timeline
Civil Services Preliminary exam
Late May or early June 2026
Civil Services Main exam
September 2026
Personality test
Early 2027
Other UPSC exams will also be held during the year.
**Exam
**
Expected schedule
CDS (I)