NTA Releases Exam Calendar for 2026-27: Key Dates for Engineering and Management Entrance Tests

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has published the examination calendar for the 2026-27 academic year, outlining crucial dates for various entrance and eligibility tests. This schedule includes significant exams such as JEE Main, CUET UG, and UGC NET, helping candidates plan their preparation effectively. The exams are set to occur from December 2026 to March 2027, with specific dates for each test. Candidates are encouraged to regularly check the NTA's official website for updates and detailed information regarding their respective exams. This comprehensive calendar is a vital tool for students aiming for admissions in engineering, management, and other fields.

By Ambika Singh Oct 24, 2026, 08:36 IST

Overview of the NTA Exam Calendar

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has unveiled the examination calendar for the academic year 2026-27, detailing the schedule for major national entrance, eligibility, and competitive exams. This calendar includes potential dates for engineering, management, admissions to central universities, as well as research and teaching-related examinations, aiding millions of candidates in strategizing their preparation.

Exam Schedule from December 2026

According to the released calendar, exams are set to take place between December 2026 and March 2027. Key examinations included are JEE Main, CUET UG, UGC NET, NIFT, and the All India Sainik School Entrance Exam (AISSEE). Candidates are advised to regularly check the NTA's official website for detailed information and any updates.

Exams Scheduled for December 2026

Several entrance and eligibility exams will be conducted in December. The dates are as follows:

RIMC Entrance Exam: 6 December 2026

SWAYAM Exam: 8 to 12 December 2026

RMS Entrance Exam: 13 December 2026

UGC NET December Cycle: 14 to 19 December 2026; 20 and 21 December as buffer days

Joint CSIR-UGC NET: 20 and 21 December 2026

January 2027 Exam Highlights

Key Exams in January 2027

January will be crucial for students preparing for engineering and other courses. Major exams scheduled include:

Army Cadet College Exam: 4 January 2027

NIFT Entrance Exam: 10 January 2027

JEE Main 2027, Session 1: 22, 23, 24, 28, 29, and 30 January 2027; 31 January as a buffer day

AISSEE: 31 January 2027

February and March 2027 Exam Schedule

February 2027: CMAT and NITTT Exams

February will see management and technical teacher-related exams. The dates are:

CMAT: 7 February 2027

NITTT Part 1: 26 and 27 February 2027

March 2027: CUET UG Examination

In March, candidates will focus on the CUET UG exam for admission to undergraduate courses in central universities. The schedule includes:

CUET UG 2027: 1 to 5 March, 8 March, 12 to 20 March, and 24 and 25 March 2027

NITTT Part 2: 5 and 7 March 2027

NTA's Advisory on Exam Dates

What NTA Says About the Dates

According to NTA, the dates provided in the exam calendar are tentative and may be subject to change due to administrative, academic, logistical, or other unavoidable reasons. Therefore, candidates should not rely solely on the calendar for final exam dates.

For updates regarding exam applications, admit cards, city information slips, and the final schedule, candidates should keep an eye on the official NTA website nta.ac.in. Planning study schedules according to the exam calendar and checking related notifications will be beneficial for candidates.