The National Testing Agency (NTA) released its official Examination Calendar 2026–27 on 16 September 2026, listing tentative dates for 14 national-level examinations to be conducted between December 2026 and March 2027. The calendar covers everything from defence and military school entrance tests to India’s largest engineering, postgraduate, and research eligibility exams — including JEE Main 2027, UGC NET, CSIR UGC NET, CUET PG 2027, CMAT, and NIFT Entrance Examination.
This article breaks down the complete month-wise schedule, explains what each exam is for, and links to the official exam portals so candidates, parents, and institutions can plan ahead.
Quick Answer: Key Dates at a Glance
| Exam | Proposed Date(s) | Duration | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rashtriya Indian Military College | 06 Dec 2026 | 1 Day | Defence |
| SWAYAM | 08–12 Dec 2026 | 5 Days | Online Learning |
| Rashtriya Military Schools | 13 Dec 2026 | 1 Day | Defence |
| UGC NET (December Cycle) | 14–19 Dec 2026 (Buffer: 20–21 Dec) | 6 Days | Teaching/JRF Eligibility |
| Joint CSIR UGC NET (December Cycle) | 20–21 Dec 2026 | 2 Days | Science Research Eligibility |
| Army Cadets College | 04 Jan 2027 | 1 Day | Defence |
| SHRESHTA (NETS) | 10 Jan 2027 | 1 Day | School Admission |
| NIFT Entrance Examination | 10 Jan 2027 | 1 Day | Design UG/PG Admission |
| JEE (Main) — Session 1 | 22–24, 28–30 Jan 2027 (Buffer: 31 Jan) | 6 Days | Engineering Admission |
| All India Sainik Schools Entrance Exam | 31 Jan 2027 | 1 Day | School Admission |
| CMAT | 07 Feb 2027 | 1 Day | MBA/PGDM Admission |
| NITTT (Part 1) | 26–27 Feb 2027 | 2 Days | Teacher Training |
| CUET (PG) | 01–05, 08, 12–20, 24–25 Mar 2027 (Buffer: 30–31 Mar) | 17 Days | Postgraduate Admission |
| NITTT (Part 2) | 05 & 07 Mar 2027 | 2 Days | Teacher Training |
(All dates are proposed and tentative, as stated by NTA.)
December 2026: Defence, Research and Teaching Eligibility Exams
The cycle opens with the Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC) entrance exam on 6 December 2026, followed by SWAYAM examinations from 8–12 December, and the Rashtriya Military Schools (RMS) entrance exam on 13 December.
The academic spotlight in December falls on the UGC NET December 2026 Cycle, proposed for 14–19 December 2026, with 20–21 December kept as buffer dates. UGC NET determines eligibility for Assistant Professorship and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) across humanities, social science, commerce, and language subjects.
Immediately after, the Joint CSIR UGC NET December Cycle is scheduled for 20–21 December 2026, covering eligibility for JRF and lectureship in the science stream (Chemical Sciences, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Earth/Atmospheric/Ocean/Planetary Sciences).
Official portals:
- UGC NET: https://ugcnet.nta.nic.in
- Joint CSIR UGC NET: https://csirnet.nta.nic.in
- SWAYAM: https://swayam.gov.in
January 2027: Engineering, Design and School Admissions
January is the busiest month for school-level and undergraduate admission exams. It begins with the Army Cadets College (ACC) exam on 4 January, followed by SHRESHTA (NETS) — the residential education scheme for students in high schools in targeted areas — on 10 January, alongside the NIFT Entrance Examination on the same day for design aspirants seeking UG/PG admission at the National Institute of Fashion Technology.
The headline exam of the month is JEE Main 2027 Session 1, proposed across two windows: 22–24 January and 28–30 January 2027, with 31 January kept as a buffer date. JEE Main is the gateway exam for admission to NITs, IIITs, and other centrally funded technical institutions, and also serves as the qualifier for JEE Advanced (IIT admissions).
January closes with the All India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination (AISSEE) on 31 January, for admission to Sainik Schools nationwide.
Official portals:
- JEE Main: https://jeemain.nta.nic.in
- NIFT: https://nift.nta.nic.in
- AISSEE: https://sainikschooladmission.in
February 2027: Management Admission and Teacher Training
February features two examinations. The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT), held on 7 February 2027, is used by AICTE-approved institutions for admission into MBA and PGDM programmes. This is followed by NITTT Part 1 (National Initiative for Technical Teachers Training) on 26–27 February.
Official portal:
- CMAT: https://cmat.nta.nic.in
March 2027: Postgraduate Admissions Dominate
March is anchored by CUET (PG) 2027 — the Common University Entrance Test for Postgraduate admissions — spread across an extensive 17-day window: 1–5 March, 8 March, 12–20 March, and 24–25 March, with 30–31 March reserved as buffer dates. CUET PG governs admission to postgraduate programmes at central and participating universities across India. NITTT Part 2 rounds off the month on 5 and 7 March.
Official portal:
- CUET PG: https://pgcuet.samarth.ac.in
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the NTA Examination Calendar 2026–27 released?
NTA released the calendar on 16 September 2026.
Which exams are covered under the NTA Calendar 2026–27?
The calendar lists 14 examinations: RIMC, SWAYAM, RMS, UGC NET, Joint CSIR UGC NET, Army Cadets College, SHRESHTA (NETS), NIFT Entrance Exam, JEE Main Session 1, AISSEE, CMAT, NITTT Part 1, CUET PG, and NITTT Part 2.
When is UGC NET December 2026 scheduled?
UGC NET December Cycle is proposed from 14–19 December 2026, with 20–21 December as buffer dates.
When is JEE Main 2027 Session 1?
JEE Main 2027 Session 1 is proposed for 22–24 and 28–30 January 2027, with 31 January as a buffer date.
When is CUET PG 2027 scheduled?
CUET PG 2027 spans 17 exam days: 1–5, 8, 12–20, and 24–25 March 2027, with 30–31 March as buffer dates.
Are the dates in the NTA Calendar 2026–27 final?
No. NTA has explicitly stated that all dates are tentative and subject to change due to administrative, academic, statutory, logistical, or unforeseen circumstances.
Where can candidates check official updates?
Candidates should regularly check https://www.nta.ac.in and the respective exam-specific portals listed above for application dates, city intimation slips, admit cards, and results.
Conclusion
The NTA Examination Calendar 2026–27 gives lakhs of students and institutions a crucial early planning window across defence, engineering, design, management, and postgraduate admissions. While the schedule is tentative, it offers a reliable roadmap for aligning preparation timelines. Candidates should bookmark the official NTA portal and their respective exam websites for confirmed notifications as each cycle approaches.
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