The National Testing Agency (NTA) is set to reach a major milestone for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026. As of January 7, 2026, over 14 lakh engineering aspirants across India are eagerly waiting for the release of the Exam City Intimation Slip. This document is a precursor to the hall ticket and provides students with the specific city where their exam center will be located.
With the Session 1 exams scheduled to begin on January 21, the release of the city slip is critical for students who need to make travel and lodging arrangements. The NTA has historically released these details about two weeks before the commencement of the exam to ensure a smooth logistical experience for candidates and their families.
Latest Updates: Exam City Slip and Admit Card Timeline
While the official link has reportedly been generated on the backend of the NTA portal, it is expected to be activated for public download by the evening of January 7 or January 8, 2026. Candidates can access this information by logging into the official website, jeemain.nta.nic.in, using their application number and date of birth.
It is important for students to understand that the city intimation slip is not the admit card. The actual JEE Main 2026 Admit Card, which contains the specific exam center address, shift timings, and detailed instructions, will be released staggered, typically 3 to 4 days before each candidate’s individual exam date. For the first set of students appearing on January 21, the admit cards are expected to be available around January 17 or 18.
JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Exam Schedule
The NTA has confirmed that the first session of the year will span from January 21 to January 30, 2026. The exam will be conducted in a Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode for three primary papers:
- Paper 1: For B.E. and B.Tech aspirants.
- Paper 2A: For B.Arch candidates.
- Paper 2B: For B.Planning students.
The examination will follow a two-shift daily pattern. The morning shift typically runs from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, while the afternoon shift is scheduled from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Candidates are advised to reach their centers at least 90 minutes before the gate closing time to complete the mandatory biometric and document verification processes.
New Guidelines: Photo Verification and Document Deadlines
In a fresh update, the NTA has extended the deadline for candidates with mismatched photographs or non-Aadhaar identity verification. These students can now upload their attested identity verification certificate in PDF format until January 15, 2026.
This move comes after the agency noticed discrepancies in several applications. Failure to correct these issues could lead to the withholding of the admit card. Candidates should regularly check their registered email IDs for any specific communication from the NTA regarding their application status.
Why This Session Matters for Indian Students
The January session of JEE Main is widely considered the most important opportunity for students. A high score in this session can secure admission to top-tier National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), and other Centrally Funded Technical Institutions (CFTIs).
Furthermore, the results of this session, which are expected to be declared by February 12, 2026, will determine the first list of candidates eligible for JEE Advanced 2026. For those who do not perform as expected, a second chance will be available in the April 2026 session, with the NTA considering the “Best of Two” scores for the final merit ranking
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I download my JEE Main city intimation slip?
Visit jeemain.nta.nic.in, click on the link for “City Intimation Slip,” and enter your application number and password or date of birth. Once it appears, download the PDF for your records.
2. Can I change my exam city after the slip is released?
No. The NTA has stated that the allotment of the city and center is final. No requests for change in the allotted city will be entertained after the slip is issued.
3. What documents should I carry on the exam day?
You must carry a clear printout of your Admit Card (not the city slip), one passport-size photograph (same as the application), and an original valid photo ID proof like Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, or Passport.
4. When will the JEE Main 2026 results be out?
The NTA is expected to declare the Session 1 results by February 12, 2026. This result will include your NTA score (percentile) but not the final All India Rank (AIR).
5. What is the latest date to fix application errors?
The NTA has provided a window until January 15, 2026, for specific corrections related to photo verification for those who received email notifications.