Education News | NTA Exam Schedule | Updated September 2026
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released its examination calendar covering the period from December 2026 to March 2027. The proposed schedule includes several important examinations, such as UGC NET December 2026, JEE Main 2027 Session 1, Joint CSIR-UGC NET, CMAT 2027 and CUET PG 2027.
For students preparing for entrance examinations, teaching eligibility tests and higher education admissions, the calendar offers an opportunity to organize their preparation in advance. However, candidates must remember that the dates mentioned in the calendar are tentative and may be revised through subsequent notifications.
This article provides the complete NTA Exam Calendar 2026–2027, examination-wise dates, important instructions and preparation guidance for aspirants.
NTA Exam Calendar 2026–2027: Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Organisation | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Calendar Period | December 2026 to March 2027 |
| Notice Date | 16 September 2026 |
| Calendar Status | Tentative examination schedule |
| Major Examinations | UGC NET, JEE Main, CUET PG, CMAT and others |
| Number of Listed Examinations | 14 |
The calendar is intended to support planning by candidates, educational institutions and other stakeholders. It is not a substitute for individual examination notifications, which will provide detailed application procedures and candidate instructions.
Complete NTA Exam Calendar 2026–2027
The following schedule presents the examination dates included in the calendar, organized month-wise for convenient reference.
December 2026 NTA Exam Schedule
| Examination | Proposed Date | Duration / Details |
|---|---|---|
| Rashtriya Indian Military College | 6 December 2026 | 1 day |
| SWAYAM | 8–12 December 2026 | 5 days |
| Rashtriya Military Schools | 13 December 2026 | 1 day |
| UGC NET — December Cycle | 14–19 December 2026 | 6 days |
| UGC NET Buffer Dates | 20–21 December 2026 | Buffer dates |
| Joint CSIR-UGC NET — December Cycle | 20–21 December 2026 | 2 days |
December includes the proposed UGC NET examination window along with the Joint CSIR-UGC NET schedule and other examinations.
January 2027 NTA Exam Schedule
| Examination | Proposed Date | Duration / Details |
|---|---|---|
| Army Cadets College | 4 January 2027 | 1 day |
| SHRESHTA (NETS) | 10 January 2027 | 1 day |
| NIFT Entrance Examination | 10 January 2027 | 1 day |
| JEE Main — Session 1 | 22–24 and 28–30 January 2027 | 6 days |
| JEE Main Buffer Date | 31 January 2027 | Buffer date |
| All India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination | 31 January 2027 | 1 day |
JEE Main Session 1 is scheduled across two groups of dates in January, with 31 January listed as a buffer date.
February 2027 NTA Exam Schedule
| Examination | Proposed Date | Duration / Details |
|---|---|---|
| Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) | 7 February 2027 | 1 day |
| NITTT — Part 1 | 26–27 February 2027 | 2 days |
Candidates preparing for management admissions should track the separate examination notification for CMAT-related application and examination instructions.
March 2027 NTA Exam Schedule
| Examination | Proposed Date | Duration / Details |
|---|---|---|
| CUET PG 2027 | 1–5, 8, 12–20 and 24–25 March 2027 | 17 days |
| CUET PG Buffer Dates | 30–31 March 2027 | Buffer dates |
| NITTT — Part 2 | 5 and 7 March 2027 | 2 days |
CUET PG 2027 is listed across multiple dates in March. Candidates should wait for the examination-specific timetable for their subject and shift details.
UGC NET December 2026 Exam Date
UGC NET December 2026 is proposed to be conducted from 14 to 19 December 2026, while 20 and 21 December are listed as buffer dates.
The University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test is relevant to candidates seeking eligibility for Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellowship opportunities, subject to applicable eligibility rules.
The examination calendar provides the proposed examination window but does not establish the complete application schedule, subject-wise timetable or admit-card release date.
How UGC NET Aspirants Can Prepare
Candidates can use the proposed examination window to organize their preparation into manageable stages:
- Complete the prescribed syllabus.
- Revise important concepts and factual topics.
- Practice previous-year questions.
- Attempt subject-wise and full-length mock tests.
- Analyze mistakes and improve time management.
Students should also monitor the separate examination notification for application dates, examination instructions and the final timetable.
Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2026
The Joint CSIR-UGC NET December cycle is proposed for 20 and 21 December 2026.
The examination is relevant to eligible candidates pursuing research and academic opportunities in science-related subjects. Information about eligibility, subjects, registration and other requirements will be provided through the applicable examination notification.
Candidates should carefully track the examination schedule, particularly because the proposed dates overlap with the UGC NET buffer dates listed in the calendar. The overlap does not automatically indicate that any examination will be rescheduled.
JEE Main 2027 Session 1 Exam Date
The NTA calendar lists the following proposed dates for JEE Main 2027 Session 1:
- 22–24 January 2027
- 28–30 January 2027
- 31 January 2027 — Buffer date
JEE Main is an important entrance examination for students seeking admission opportunities in engineering and related undergraduate programmes through the applicable admission process.
The calendar provides the proposed examination dates, but students must wait for the detailed examination notification for application procedures, eligibility requirements, city intimation slips and admit-card information.
Important Things JEE Main Candidates Should Track
Students preparing for JEE Main should pay attention to:
- Application form release and submission deadline.
- Application correction facility.
- Examination city intimation slip.
- Admit-card release.
- Examination instructions.
- Answer key and recorded responses.
- Results and scorecards.
The exact paper-wise schedule and shift details should be checked through the relevant examination notification.
CUET PG 2027 Exam Date
The Common University Entrance Test (Postgraduate), CUET PG 2027, is proposed to be conducted across several dates in March 2027.
The calendar lists the following examination dates:
- 1–5 March 2027
- 8 March 2027
- 12–20 March 2027
- 24–25 March 2027
- 30–31 March 2027 — Buffer dates
CUET PG is relevant to students seeking admission to postgraduate programmes at participating universities and institutions, subject to applicable admission rules.
The examination calendar does not establish the complete application deadline, subject combinations, participating university requirements or counselling schedule. Candidates should check the relevant admission information before making decisions about their applications.
CUET PG Preparation Tips
Candidates can begin preparing by reviewing the syllabus for their chosen subject and identifying important topics. A structured preparation plan should include:
- Subject-wise revision.
- Previous-year question practice.
- Mock tests and performance analysis.
- Review of university-specific eligibility requirements.
- Regular tracking of examination notifications.
A flexible preparation strategy is useful because the proposed calendar dates may be revised.
CMAT 2027 Exam Date
The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) 2027 is proposed for 7 February 2027.
CMAT is relevant to candidates seeking admission to management programmes in institutions that accept CMAT scores under their respective admission policies.
The calendar provides the proposed examination date but does not announce the complete registration schedule, correction window, admit-card release date or result date.
Candidates interested in CMAT should monitor the examination-specific announcement for the applicable registration and examination instructions.
NIFT Entrance Examination 2027
The NIFT Entrance Examination is listed for 10 January 2027.
The examination is relevant to students interested in fashion education and design-related programmes. Candidates should review the applicable admission requirements, selection process and programme eligibility before applying.
The proposed calendar date should not be treated as confirmation of the complete admission schedule.
SWAYAM Examination December 2026
The SWAYAM examination is listed from 8 to 12 December 2026.
SWAYAM examinations are associated with courses offered through the Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds platform. Students enrolled in relevant courses should follow the applicable examination instructions concerning registration, eligibility and examination arrangements.
Other Examinations Included in the NTA Calendar
In addition to the major examinations discussed above, the calendar includes several other tests and examination-related activities.
These include:
- Rashtriya Indian Military College examination.
- Rashtriya Military Schools examination.
- Army Cadets College examination.
- SHRESHTA (NETS).
- All India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination.
- NITTT — Part 1.
- NITTT — Part 2.
Each examination has its own eligibility requirements and candidate groups. Students should confirm their eligibility and applicable instructions before preparing an application.
Are the NTA Exam Calendar 2026–2027 Dates Final?
No. The dates mentioned in the calendar are tentative.
The examination authority may revise dates because of administrative, academic, statutory, logistical or other unforeseen circumstances.
Candidates should therefore use the calendar as a planning reference rather than as a final confirmation of their examination date.
The following information may be released separately through examination-specific notifications:
- Application form opening date.
- Last date for registration.
- Application correction window.
- Examination city intimation.
- Admit-card release date.
- Answer key schedule.
- Result and scorecard information.
Students should always follow the latest applicable examination notification.
Important Instructions for Candidates
1. Keep Track of Examination Updates
Candidates should regularly check the latest announcements relating to the examinations they intend to take. Depending on the examination, a dedicated examination portal may be used for registration and candidate services.
2. Do Not Confuse the Calendar with an Application Notice
The publication of an examination calendar does not automatically mean that registration has opened. Candidates should wait for the separate application notification.
3. Track City Intimation and Admit Cards
City intimation slips and admit cards are separate candidate documents. Their availability and release dates will be communicated through examination-specific announcements.
4. Plan Around Tentative Dates
Students should avoid making important arrangements solely on the basis of a tentative calendar entry. Examination dates may change, and buffer dates may be provided for operational requirements.
5. Follow the Latest Notification
If an updated announcement revises an examination date, candidates should rely on the latest applicable information rather than an earlier schedule.
How to Download the NTA Exam Calendar 2026–2027 PDF
Candidates can follow these general steps to access the examination calendar:
- Visit the National Testing Agency’s official website.
- Open the latest announcements or public notice section.
- Find the notice concerning the examination calendar up to March 2027.
- Open the attached PDF.
- Review the listed examination names, dates and other details.
- Save the document for future reference.
Students should also check the relevant examination portal for subsequent updates and detailed information bulletins.
How Students Can Use the NTA Calendar for Preparation
An examination calendar can help students organize their study priorities and avoid last-minute preparation.
Complete the Syllabus in Advance
Identify the proposed examination window and plan to finish the core syllabus before the expected test period.
Focus on Previous-Year Questions
Previous-year questions can help candidates understand question patterns, important topics and areas that require additional revision.
Schedule Mock Tests
Mock tests should be included in the preparation plan to improve time management and identify recurring mistakes.
Maintain Flexibility
Because the dates are tentative, students should avoid making their entire preparation dependent on one assumed examination date.
Monitor Important Announcements
Application deadlines, eligibility rules and examination instructions may be issued separately. Candidates should track these updates alongside their studies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When was the NTA Exam Calendar 2026–2027 released?
The examination calendar notice is dated 16 September 2026 and covers proposed examinations up to March 2027.
Where can candidates find the NTA Exam Calendar PDF?
Candidates can access the calendar through the official National Testing Agency website by locating the relevant examination calendar notice.
When will JEE Main 2027 Session 1 be conducted?
JEE Main 2027 Session 1 is proposed for 22–24 January and 28–30 January 2027. 31 January is listed as a buffer date.
When is UGC NET December 2026 scheduled?
UGC NET December 2026 is proposed from 14 to 19 December 2026. 20 and 21 December are listed as buffer dates.
When will CUET PG 2027 be conducted?
CUET PG 2027 is proposed across multiple dates in March 2027: 1–5, 8, 12–20 and 24–25 March. 30 and 31 March are listed as buffer dates.
When is CMAT 2027 scheduled?
CMAT 2027 is proposed for 7 February 2027.
Are the NTA Exam Calendar dates final?
No. The dates are tentative and may be revised due to administrative, academic, statutory, logistical or unforeseen circumstances.
Does the examination calendar provide application deadlines?
No. Application dates, correction windows, admit-card release dates and other examination-specific details are communicated separately.
Where can candidates check the latest examination updates?
Candidates should regularly follow the National Testing Agency’s official announcements and the relevant examination portal for the latest information.
Are all NTA examinations included in this calendar?
No. Candidates should not assume that every examination conducted by NTA is included in this specific calendar. Only the examinations listed in the published schedule should be treated as part of it.
Conclusion
The NTA Exam Calendar 2026–2027 provides students with a broad view of proposed examination dates from December 2026 to March 2027. UGC NET, JEE Main, CUET PG and CMAT are among the examinations that candidates may need to plan for during this period.
While the calendar can support preparation planning, students should not rely on it as a substitute for examination-specific notifications. Keeping track of application deadlines, admit cards, revised schedules and official instructions will remain essential.
Candidates should use the proposed dates to organize their preparation while remaining alert to future updates.
