JEE Main 2026 City Intimation and Pre-Exam Information Released on NTA Portal
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially released the JEE Main 2026 city intimation slip for Session 1 on its portal. Registered candidates can now check their allotted exam cities and dates to plan their travel ahead of the January 21 commencement.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially activated the link for the JEE Main 2026 city intimation slip for the upcoming Session 1. As of January 16, 2026, students who have successfully registered for the Joint Entrance Examination can log in to the official portal at jeemain.nta.nic.in to access their pre-exam information. This release is a significant milestone for over a million aspirants, as it provides them with the specific city and the exact date on which they will be appearing for the national-level entrance test.
Accessing the NTA Portal for Exam Details
To download the city intimation slip, candidates must navigate the NTA portal using their unique credentials. The agency has emphasized that this document is not the actual admit card but a preliminary notification designed to assist students in arranging their travel and accommodation, especially for those whose centers are located far from their hometowns.
- Login Credentials: Applicants require their JEE Main 2026 application number and date of birth or password to log in.
- Official Link: The "Advance City Intimation" link is prominently displayed on the homepage of the NTA website.
- Verification: Candidates are advised to verify their personal details, including name and category, displayed on the slip.
- Discrepancy Redressal: In case of any errors in the allotted information, students should immediately contact the NTA helpline.
Examination Schedule and Session Highlights
The 2026 Session 1 of JEE Main is set to begin on January 21 and will conclude on January 29. The NTA has organized the papers into different shifts to accommodate the large volume of students. While Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) is spread across multiple days, Paper 2 (B.Arch/B.Planning) is scheduled for a specific single-day slot towards the end of the exam window.
| Exam Event | Scheduled Dates (January 2026) | Shift Timings |
| Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) | Jan 21, 22, 23, 24, 28 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM |
| Paper 2A & 2B | January 29 | 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM |
| Admit Card Release | Expected Jan 17-18 | Online Download |
- Mode of Exam: The examination will be conducted entirely in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode, except for the drawing section of Paper 2A.
- Total Slots: There are two primary shifts per day for Paper 1, ensuring a staggered entry for candidates at the centers.
- Reporting Time: Students are expected to reach their allotted centers at least 90 minutes before the commencement of the exam.
Importance of Pre-Exam Information
The release of pre-exam information through the city intimation slip serves as a logistical guide for candidates. Since the JEE Main is conducted in over 290 cities across India and abroad, knowing the city five to six days in advance allows students to finalize their logistics. The NTA has clarified that the final admit card, which contains the specific venue address and seat number, will be released approximately three days before the individual's exam date.
- Logistics Planning: Students can book train or bus tickets now that the exam city is confirmed.
- Difference from Admit Card: The city slip does not permit entry into the exam hall; the final hall ticket is mandatory.
- Security Features: The NTA portal uses encrypted login and captcha codes to ensure the security of candidate data.
- Upcoming Milestones: Following the city intimation, the next major step is the release of the official admit cards this weekend.
Conclusion
With the release of the JEE Main 2026 city intimation slip, the countdown to the January session has entered its final phase. The NTA portal serves as the primary source of all pre-exam information, ensuring that students are well-informed about their travel requirements well before the January 21 start date. Aspirants are now focusing on their final revisions while waiting for the release of their formal admit cards.
