At ANSS Academy, we are dedicated to guiding students through their educational journeys with timely and accurate information. As a leading platform for competitive exam preparation, we understand how crucial it is to stay ahead of exam schedules. The National Testing Agency (NTA) plays a pivotal role in conducting major entrance exams across India, and their 2026 calendar outlines key dates for various tests. While the official schedule is anticipated soon on the NTA website, we've compiled tentative dates based on patterns from previous years to help you plan effectively. Remember, these are subject to official confirmation, so keep an eye on updates from NTA.
Understanding the NTA and Its Role
The National Testing Agency is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, responsible for organizing fair and transparent entrance examinations for higher education. From engineering and medical admissions to university entrances, NTA ensures standardized testing that opens doors to top institutions. At ANSS Academy, we emphasize the importance of these exams as stepping stones to your dream career, and our tailored coaching programs are designed to align with these timelines.
Key Exams and Tentative Dates for 2026
Based on historical trends and announcements, here's a breakdown of major NTA-conducted exams expected in 2026. We've focused on the most popular ones that our students at ANSS Academy frequently prepare for:
Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main
This exam is your gateway to premier engineering colleges like IITs and NITs. It typically occurs in two sessions for flexibility.
Session 1: Last week of January 2026
Session 2: First week of April 2026
National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) UG
Essential for medical aspirants aiming for MBBS, BDS, and other health sciences programs. NEET is usually a single-session pen-and-paper test.
Exam Date: First Sunday of May 2026 (tentatively May 3, 2026)
Common University Entrance Test (CUET) UG
A unified entrance for undergraduate admissions to central universities and participating institutions. It covers a wide range of subjects.
Exam Window: Mid-May to early June 2026
University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET)
For those pursuing lectureship or junior research fellowships in humanities and social sciences. It happens twice a year.
June Cycle: Third week of June 2026
December Cycle: Mid-December 2026
Joint CSIR-UGC NET
Targeted at science streams for research and teaching positions. Similar to UGC NET but focused on scientific disciplines.
June Cycle: Late June 2026
December Cycle: Late December 2026
National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Entrance Exam
For creative minds entering fashion design and technology courses.
Exam Date: First week of February 2026
Common Management Admission Test (CMAT)
A key test for MBA and PGDM admissions in AICTE-approved institutions.
Exam Date: Mid-May 2026
Other exams like the All India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination (AISSEE) and SHRESHTA (NETS) may have applications opening in late 2025, with exams in early 2026. At ANSS Academy, we recommend starting preparations early to cover syllabi comprehensively.
How to Check the Official NTA Calendar
Once released, the full calendar will be available on the NTA's official portal. Here's a quick guide from our team at ANSS Academy:
Visit the NTA homepage.
Navigate to the "Latest @ NTA" or "Downloads" section.
Look for the "Examination Calendar" PDF.
Download and review for exact dates, including application windows, admit card releases, and result announcements.
We advise bookmarking the site and subscribing to notifications to avoid missing deadlines.
Preparation Tips from ANSS Academy
Planning around these dates is just the start. At ANSS Academy, our expert faculty recommends a structured approach:
Build a Study Plan: Align your revision with exam windows—focus on JEE in winter months and NEET in spring.
Practice Regularly: Use mock tests to simulate exam conditions. Our online resources at ANSS Academy offer customized practice sets.
Stay Healthy: Balance studies with rest and nutrition to peak during exam time.
Seek Guidance: Join our coaching sessions for in-depth subject mastery and doubt-clearing.
We're here to support you every step of the way. For personalized advice or enrollment in our programs, reach out to the ANSS Academy team today.
Stay tuned for more updates, and best wishes for your 2026 exams!
Team ANSS Academy